Nathan was ecstatic. Tears of joy welled up in his eyes and his heart beat faster as he walked with the ark of the covenant moving ever closer toward the tent David had prepared for it. Now there was new hope for the nation in Jerusalem. The king had spared no expense on the structure and the ceremony. The ark’s new shelter reflected David’s deep devotion and respect for the God of Israel. How different David was from Saul.
The prophet took in the festive scene. He wanted to write it down for history (1 Chronicles 29:29). The air was full of music and shouting—trumpets, cymbals and harps never sounded better. The Levites’ songs uplifted the soul. Weeks of preparation had gone into this day. Even the music was a reflection of David’s special touch. The king personally wrote and arranged much of it (1 Chronicles 15).
Hearing the crowd cheer when it saw the ark was both thrilling and captivating. White-haired men and women stood still and worshiped as the ark moved by. Fathers lifted up young children for a better view. Vigorous young men chanted and radiant young women tossed flowers onto the streets. Laughing young children ran along with the procession.
The ebb and flow of the harmonious sounds of singers, instruments, cheers and laughter drew everyone in and transformed the throng into one united body. It was as if fresh, rich-red blood and vitality were being pumped into the nation. Nathan thought to himself, how pleasant when a nation is turned to God.
At the head of the procession was David. He followed the priests and the ark through Jerusalem, dancing in sheer joy. He had stripped off his royal robe and appeared before the throng of celebrants in a finely woven linen ephod (2 Samuel 6:14). The linen ephod was the distinctive dress of the priests (1 Samuel 2:18). David’s humility did not go unnoticed by the priests. Seeing David stripped to the ephod, they knew he was their champion too. Saul had been their destroyer. David was certainly their guardian.
As the procession moved forward, it passed by David’s new palace designed and built by artisans from Tyre (2 Samuel 5:11). Nathan appreciated the beautiful structure. It was truly fit for a king! As he looked up, he noticed Michal, Saul’s daughter, in a window watching the procession pass by. Nathan sighed softly. Her life had been a difficult one. Her emotions had been torn between father and husband—between king and king. Nathan noticed that she looked especially unhappy today. Her face seemed to grow even more sour as she looked upon her husband. Suddenly, Nathan got a chill. Did he really see contempt for David in Michal’s face? (2 Samuel 6:16).
The happy parade reached the tent. The crowd fell silent as solemnity filled the air. The Levites set the ark in its place. David led another sacrifice, offering both burnt and peace offerings. Nathan could not have been more pleased. The smell of the sacrifices, David dressed in an ephod—the celebration was truly a religious ceremony. Nathan knew that the Holy One of Israel would be well pleased. As the sacrifice was concluded, David prayed for all the people (verse 18). Then he gave the entire multitude gifts of food and wine to celebrate the occasion. Everyone returned home with unspeakable joy and happiness. (Study 1 Chronicles 16 for more details on the day’s events.)
Michal’s Contempt
Once the official ceremony concluded, David returned to the palace in a festive mood. The triumphal procession of the ark had been nothing short of glorious. David was overwhelmed with a deep sense of satisfaction. God had delivered and richly blessed Israel. Today, His nation finally showed some appreciation in return. Israel was finally reunited with God. David reflected on the significance of the event. Jerusalem was the nation’s new capital. The ark of God was in the heart of the city and in the hearts of the people.
David planned a stupendous festivity for his family. He wanted to ensure that his entire household would long remember this day. As he entered the courtyard, David could feel the sweat of the dance drying in his hair and clothing. He had been caught up in the spirit. The joy he felt had no words.
Michal came out of the palace to meet him. She was obviously upset. David was not quite prepared for what was to come. Her bitter, virulent words spewed forth: “How the King of Israel honored himself today, uncovering himself today before the eyes of his servants’ female servants, as one of the vulgar fellows shamelessly uncovers himself!” (2 Samuel 6:20, English Standard Version). David was shocked and angered. Michal’s critical words cut deep.
“It was before the Lord,” David replied, “which chose me before thy father, and before all his house, to appoint me ruler over the people of the Lord, over Israel: therefore will I play before the Lord” (verse 21). Michal had attacked more than David. She had criticized God. David would not allow her to ridicule God or his office as king. He let Michal know that her father and family were given the boot personally by God. She had to understand that her husband—the king—danced before the God of Israel as worship—not as some perverted act before the Israelite maidens. David knew Michal had a serious problem that had to be dealt with.
He told his estranged wife, “And I will yet be more vile than thus, and will be base in mine own sight: and of the maidservants which thou hast spoken of, of them shall I be had in honour” (verse 22). Although the translation here is a little unclear, essentially David told Michal that he was definitely a vile and base person. King David was truly humble. He recognized his many shortcomings. Yet, what he had done in the Levitical procession was not a fault—it was a display of honor. David severely upbraided Michal, letting her know that the young maidens of Israel gave him more honor than she did. They knew that David danced before the Eternal.
It appears the marriage relationship between David and Michal ended on this day. Michal’s love for David, so vibrant years ago, had died. The Bible states simply, “Therefore Michal the daughter of Saul had no child unto the day of her death” (2 Samuel 6:23). Notice carefully that she is not referred to as David’s wife—she is called the daughter of Saul. Referring to 2 Samuel 6:23, Mr. Armstrong stated that Michal was likely dead by the time David took Bathsheba as a wife in his article, “Here’s the Plain Truth About Old Testament Polygamy!” What a sad commentary for a king’s daughter. Michal died fatherless, husbandless and childless.
David left Michal in the courtyard and rushed into the house. He made sure the festivities began.
House of Cedar
The Prophet Nathan was one of the king’s closest advisers. Consulting with David was always a pleasure. In one of their regularly scheduled meetings, David said to him, “See now, I dwell in an house of cedar, but the ark of God dwelleth within curtains” (2 Samuel 7:2). Nathan was simply amazed. David consistently focused his attention on God and the things of God. The king lived in splendor and he felt something was very wrong with this situation. He was not satisfied that the ark of the covenant was housed in a tent. David certainly loved God more than himself.
David discussed with Nathan his ideas to build a permanent dwelling—a temple for God. Nathan knew God was behind David; so was he. “Go, do all that is in thine heart; for the Lord is with thee” he said (verse 3). We can be sure that God was pleased with David’s desires. Yet, in this matter, God was not with David.
That night, in a vision, God communicated directly with Nathan concerning David’s desire to build Him a temple. In the morning, Nathan rushed to give David the incredible news (verse 17).
God stated to Nathan, “Go and tell my servant David, Thus saith the Lord, Shalt thou build me an house for me to dwell in? Whereas I have not dwelt in any house since the time that I brought up the children of Israel out of Egypt, even to this day, but have walked in a tent and in a tabernacle. In all the places wherein I have walked with all the children of Israel spake I a word with any of the tribes of Israel, whom I commanded to feed my people Israel, saying, Why build ye not me an house of cedar?” (verses 5-7). This chapter represents some of the most inspiring words in the entire Bible. It gives us deep insight into the mutually close relationship shared between the Eternal and David. God referred to David as His servant. This shows that God deeply appreciated David and his desire to build Him a house. However, God let Nathan (and David) know that He never desired His people to build a permanent dwelling place for Him. Even though the ark had rested with different tribes, a tent was a sufficient house for God.
The Eternal continued with Nathan, “Thus saith the Lord of hosts, I took thee from the sheepcote, from following the sheep, to be ruler over my people, over Israel: And I was with thee whithersoever thou wentest, and have cut off all thine enemies out of thy sight, and have made thee a great name, like unto the name of the great men that are in the earth. Moreover I will appoint a place for my people Israel, and will plant them, that they may dwell in a place of their own, and move no more; neither shall the children of wickedness afflict them any more, as beforetime, And as since the time that I commanded judges to be over my people Israel, and have caused thee to rest from all thine enemies. Also the Lord telleth thee that he will make thee an house” (verses 8-11). In this prophecy, God demonstrated His great love for David and His people.
Because of David’s humility and obedience, the Eternal had taken the shepherd boy and made him a world-renowned king. He was as famous and as feared as a Rameses or a Sennacherib. And although David’s road to the throne was difficult, it was bringing the people peace. Yet, even more, God revealed He was more concerned about building up David’s house than having a temple built for Him! Isn’t the love between David and the Eternal simply awe inspiring? Each one wanted to build a house for the other!
David’s Enduring Dynasty
We know God was talking mostly about the establishment of David’s throne, which would involve generations of sons and eventually all of us—God’s very elect in this last hour (Luke 1:31-33; Revelation 3:21). Through Nathan, God promised David, “And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build an house for my name, and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever. I will be his father, and he shall be my son. If he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men: But my mercy shall not depart away from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away before thee. And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever” (2 Samuel 7:12-16). These are astounding promises.
Even though David was not permitted to build God’s temple, God assured him that his son would. The Eternal promised He would never remove His mercy from this son as He had removed it from Saul. However, God would punish him if he sinned. God also promised that David’s kingdom and throne would be established forever. Amazing! David’s dynasty is to last forever.
The humble king was overwhelmed. “Then went king David in, and sat before the Lord …” (verse 18). Exactly where he sat, the Bible does not say specifically. Yet, knowing David’s love for the ark, he likely went and sat in the tent he had built for the ark of the covenant.
David prayed, “Who am I, O Lord God? and what is my house, that thou hast brought me hitherto? And this was yet a small thing in thy sight, O Lord God; but thou hast spoken also of thy servant’s house for a great while to come. And is this the manner of man, O Lord God? And what can David say more unto thee? for thou, Lord God, knowest thy servant. For thy word’s sake, and according to thine own heart, hast thou done all these great things, to make thy servant know them. Wherefore thou art great, O Lord God: for there is none like thee, neither is there any God beside thee, according to all that we have heard with our ears” (verses 18-22). This prayer is one of incredible devotion. You should study and meditate on the entire prayer. It continues to the end of the chapter.
This prayer allows us to look into the innermost depths of David’s mind and heart. He felt himself to be totally unworthy of such incredible revelation and promises. Yet, throughout the prayer he shows the intimate closeness he held with the Eternal God. Eight times David lovingly and intimately addresses the Eternal as “O Lord God.” This is a very intimate expression flowing from a deep wellspring of love. While praying David reveals the firmness of his faith in the vision and understanding Nathan brought to him. Immediately believing God’s revelation greatly expanded his thinking about being king over Israel. David understood that his realm would reach into eternity. And, although he may not have realized it at that time, God promised to put the universe under his feet (Hebrews 2:5-8). What was given to David here will be taught to all mankind at Jesus Christ’s return. At that time this sin-laden world will be filled with hope. All men, women and children will see that David’s throne carries incredible meaning for all.
David definitely understood that God’s manifold blessings made his future bright. He could not have been more thankful. He ended his prayer, “For thou, O Lord of hosts, God of Israel, hast revealed to thy servant, saying, I will build thee an house: therefore hath thy servant found in his heart to pray this prayer unto thee. And now, O Lord God, thou art that God, and thy words be true, and thou hast promised this goodness unto thy servant: Therefore now let it please thee to bless the house of thy servant, that it may continue for ever before thee: for thou, O Lord God, hast spoken it: and with thy blessing let the house of thy servant be blessed for ever” (verses 27-29). David was very close to God at this point. God was his strength. He conquered many enemies for the Eternal and the nation.
David’s military campaigns outlined in 2 Samuel 8, 9 and 10 reflect an incredible history. (See the chart “David’s Military Campaigns.”) Unfortunately, David was about to be conquered by a grave personal sin.
Another’s Wife
In the process of time, David retired from active participation in military campaigns. His life as king had become too valuable to risk in battle. Joab was successfully leading the army, so the king’s presence was not necessary.
However, David missed military life. There was a definite excitement and thrill to it all. He remained in Jerusalem during the siege of Rabbah, an Ammonite stronghold (2 Samuel 11:1). News could come very slowly at times. He wondered how the siege was going. David tossed on his bed. Sleep eluded him like an enemy. He finally got up and went up to the roof.
David loved the clear moonlit night. He breathed deeply of the clear air. David looked out over his capital city. Jerusalem was a jewel sparkling in white light. He turned for a better view of the city. Then, he suddenly stopped. Something more beautiful than Jerusalem caught his eye. Below him, between dark shadows, was a woman bathing herself (verse 2). The moon uncovered her incredible loveliness. David was taken with her—instantly and immeasurably. David, the shepherd now king, acted quickly—too quickly.
“And David sent and enquired after the woman. And one said, Is not this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite? And David sent messengers, and took her; and she came in unto him, and he lay with her; for she was purified from her uncleanness: and she returned unto her house” (verses 3-4). Many details are left out of this time in David’s life. God has no desire to romantically glamorize David’s sin. No one needs to know more than that the tragic sin-filled incident happened. This act of adultery led David down a path of sorrowful consequences. David’s unruly passion was over by the time Bathsheba returned home. Yet real trouble was soon to return to his doorstep.
Commentators tell us Bathsheba was the granddaughter of David’s famous counselor, Ahithophel. It is likely that David knew Bathsheba before this incident. She was renowned for her beauty. Many would have known of her. The Jamieson, Fausset and Brown Commentary says that the phrase, “And one said,” in verse 3, should be translated, “he said to himself.” If this is accurate, then David did know Bathsheba. Could David have lusted for her over time? We can only speculate.
The Bible does not show that Bathsheba offered any resistance to the tryst. Was she afraid to refuse the king? Or was vanity the motive on her part? David, the famous king, was surely known to her. The Bible seems to indicate Bathsheba was a willing party to the sin. Notice how the Bible reminds us she was the wife of Uriah (verse 3). Verse 4 is laced with spiritual irony: Bathsheba may have been ritually clean, however, her actions were unclean spiritually.
The Noble Uriah
David’s face must have gone white when he received Bathsheba’s message (2 Samuel 11:5). She had conceived. There was no doubt it was David’s child—Uriah was at Rabbah. Wild with fear of discovery, the king hatched a plan of evil deceit. He sent a message to Joab to return Uriah from the front. David was sure any red-blooded Israelite soldier would want to enjoy the favors of his beautiful wife. The child would appear to be Uriah’s. But Uriah proved to be more noble than the king.
The soldier must have been confused when he was summoned to see the king. Why would the king need to speak to him? Entering the palace, he felt out of place. Even the king seemed nervous and a little pushy. David asked him many questions. He “demanded of him how Joab did, and how the people did, and how the war prospered” (verse 7). The humble soldier answered the best he could. Uriah was somewhat relieved when the king dismissed him. David told him, “Go down to thy house, and wash thy feet” (verse 8). David also gave him provisions for his wife. What an honor. Uriah wondered, Why? He had certainly done nothing to deserve it. David smiled on the inside. He believed his troubles were over.
But the loyal soldier declined to go to his house. He slept with the rest of the soldiers guarding the king’s house (verse 9). When it was reported to David what Uriah had done, he summoned him a second time. A little disheveled and unwashed, Uriah appeared before the king. Uriah noticed that King David looked a little frayed. He asked Uriah with a measure of disbelief, “Camest thou not from thy journey? Why then didst thou not go down unto thine house?” (verse 10). Uriah couldn’t help but wonder why his actions were so troublesome to David.
He respectfully answered the king, “The ark, and Israel, and Judah, abide in tents; and my lord Joab, and the servants of my lord, are encamped in the open fields; shall I then go into mine house, to eat and to drink, and to lie with my wife? as thou livest, and as thy soul liveth, I will not do this thing” (verse 11). Uriah was so loyal to his fellow soldiers that he would not take part in pleasures they could not. Had not the king shown similar loyalties to the troops in times past? (2 Samuel 23:16). Uriah was simply following David’s good example.
David contained the fear erupting inside him. He coolly told Uriah to stay in Jerusalem one more night. He could return to his soldier friends at Rabbah in the morning (2 Samuel 11:12). David devised a new plan on the spot. He would get Uriah drunk. Surely a drunken man would want his wife.
David invited Uriah to eat with him. He made sure the wine flowed. The soldier did as soldiers do: He ate heartily and drank more. Uriah was soon drunk. All present sang and laughed. War stories flowed. Very sober, David watched Bathsheba’s husband in the candlelight. The time came to act.
David stood up, signaling the dinner was ended. The gathering sensed it was time to go. Arm over shoulder, David escorted Uriah to the door. David eyed him as he left the palace. His palms grew sweaty.
Uriah, staggering slightly, sauntered through the shadowy courtyard. Though drunk, he remained true to his character. Instead of returning home, the man took his place with David’s bodyguard. On his bed, Uriah quickly fell asleep. David’s eyes darkened at the sight. As thunder cracked in the distance, a treacherous plan was conceived.
David said to himself, “This problem will be solved at Rabbah.”
Correction: “Bathsheba”
In the first paragraph of this article the author stated: “The tabernacle in the wilderness had been destroyed at Shiloh (1 Samuel 4). That tragic day had been so long ago.”
The tabernacle in the wilderness was not destroyed with the destruction of Shiloh. As 1 Chronicles 21:29 points out it eventually made it’s way to the “high place at Gibeon.” While it was in existence at the time of David, the king did not use it to house the Ark of the Covenant in the new capital of Jerusalem. David built a new tent structure for it (1 Chronicles 15:1; 16:1).
The article now reads:
Nathan was ecstatic. Tears of joy welled up in his eyes and his heart beat faster as he walked with the ark of the covenant moving ever closer toward the tent David had prepared for it. Now there was new hope for the nation in Jerusalem. The king had spared no expense on the structure and the ceremony. The ark’s new shelter reflected David’s deep devotion and respect for the God of Israel. How different David was from Saul.