BibleProject | One Story That Leads to JesusSample

Today’s reading showcases David at the height of his wisdom and integrity, but also his lowest moment of failure.

First, the good. David goes out of his way to treat Jonathan’s son, Mephibosheth, with khesed, a Hebrew word that, as you’ll see in the video, describes acts of loyal love. David promises to show khesed to Jonathan’s family, so he gives Mephibosheth plenty of land, food, and servants. Never mind that Mephibosheth’s grandfather tried to murder David several times, or that Mephibosheth and his son, Mica, could be rivals to David’s throne. David still treats him with khesed.

While David shows loyal love to his enemies, he fails to do the same for his allies. In another replay of Genesis 3, David sees a woman named Bathsheba from his rooftop and desires her. David knows Bathsheba is off-limits. She’s married to Uriah, one of David’s elite soldiers. He uses his power as king to take her anyway. When Bathsheba becomes pregnant by David, he tries to cover it all up by having Uriah killed and marrying Bathsheba immediately.

God sends the prophet Nathan to confront David about his sin. David immediately owns what he’s done—no excuses, no equivocating, just repentance. And God forgives him, but he doesn’t erase the consequences of David’s decisions. The tragic side of David’s story is only just beginning.

Reflection Questions

• The Hebrew word khesed combines the ideas of unconditional love, generosity, and enduring commitment into an all-encompassing concept of loyal love. Read Psalm 136 from a few different translations. How does this psalm help you understand the rich meaning of God’s forever-enduring khesed?
• Where else in the Hebrew Bible have you seen God strike a ruler’s firstborn son as a consequence for the ruler’s murderous behavior? (Look back to Exodus 1:22 and 12:29 if you need a hint.) What does this hyperlink suggest about the kind of king David has become?