2 Samuel | Chapter Summaries + Study QuestionsSample

2 SAMUEL 11

DAVID’S ADULTERY + CONSPIRACY TO MURDER

In the springtime, the kings are typically in battle, but David remains behind in Jerusalem. One day, David is on his rooftop and sees a beautiful woman named Bathsheba. David sends someone to take her, although she is married to a man named Uriah, and David sleeps with her.

Uriah is one of David’s mighty men (referenced in 1 Chronicles 11) and is off at war. When Bathsheba realizes she is pregnant, David wants to trick Uriah into thinking that the child is his own. David calls Uriah home from battle, in effort for him to sleep with Bathsheba, but Uriah is dedicated to the battle and would not go back to the comfort of his own home.

Instead of coming forward, David sends a message to Joab, one of Israel’s military leaders, telling him to put Uriah on the front lines in the most dangerous position. The Ammonites killed many Israelites, and David ensured Uriah was one of them. When Bathsheba heard that her husband had died, she lamented his death. David takes Bathsheba and makes her his wife.

God is displeased with David’s actions. In this chapter alone, David commits adultery, murder, and likely sexual assault.

STUDY QUESTIONS

According to 2 Samuel 11:1, where were the other Israelite leaders? Why do you think David stayed in Jerusalem?

In the situation with Bathsheba, how did David continue to sin instead of coming forward to Uriah? How does hiding sin often lead to further sin?