The King is Naked

It was a fair noon, and the King rested from the heat on the roof. The army was engaged in battle and Jerusalem was quiet. Whilst he strode on the roof, he saw a woman bathing and his eyes were fixated on her. Immediately, the King called for her, and on enquiry, she said,

“I’m the wife of Uriah, the granddaughter of Ahithophel, your friend”.

So enchanted and determined was the King, that he lost his reason: forgetting about the Law, his friendship with Ahithophel, and the faithfulness of Uriah. Sadly, he laid with her and satisfied his lust for a few minutes. Sadly, he was not ready for the repercussions. Soon, word came to him from Bathsheba, “I’m with child”. Summoning her husband from the battle with Ammon, he tried to let him “own” the pregnancy. However, Uriah refused to go home and sleep with his wife. Having thus failed to let him own the pregnancy, he sent Uriah with a sealed letter to Joab, the general of Israel’s army. In this letter, Uriah’s death sentence to Joab was contained. Uriah was sent to the front of the battle, where it was very hot and aggressive. Expectedly, he died in battle.

Unbeknownst to David, his act was already known, and rumors were rife in the holy city, Jerusalem. Silence fell on the nation! People were shocked to the bone, but the evil rejoiced. Heaven looked on with awe and angst. He was the king, but a Higher King will judge the matter. He who is impartial in justice and Wise in council immediately sent His prophet, Nathan, to the deluded king.

Laying the matter before him, David Immediately realized his folly. Casting away his crown, he wept like a child. So deep was his sorrow, thorough his repentance, sincere his guilt. Oh David, the beloved of the LORD, so soon has thou forgotten your sufferings at the hands of Saul? So soon forgotten your faithfulness to God? Behold, thou art as naked as Adam! Sin has destroyed thee!

In mercy, God spared his life, but punished his sin! The child he had with Bathsheba died and Absalom, the most handsome of his children, rose against him. His concubines were defiled by Absalom openly, under the instructions of David’s closest friend Ahithophel, who was also the grandfather of Bathsheba and in-law of Uriah. David knew no peace. Writing about his sin and repentance, David’s 51st Psalm has become one of the best songs of repentance, mercy, and forgiveness. Over centuries, this Psalm has remained as beautifully sublime, inspiring, and forceful, bringing hope to many sinners and a discouraged soul.

The fall of David is but a stark reminder that we are human, fallible, and weak. The LORD remembers that we are dust. The most dangerous moments of a man’s life are when he is most successful and at peace. In the midst of prosperity lurks danger. In our distress, we easily seek God. In our prosperity, we easily forget Him. Yet, the mercies of God stand so tall and strong to any repenting and sorrowing sinner. Dear reader, have you stumbled into Satan’s grounds? Be not discouraged, for God delights in mercy, and He shall gladly forgive you. Behold Him save Mary Magdalene:

“Woman, where are those thine accusers? Hath no man condemned thee? Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more”.

Jesus calls thee today dear reader. He is willing and able to forgive thee. Do not forget Him when you are prosperous and successful and do not forget Him in your lowest times. Leave all your case with God, and He who judged David and revenged Uriah shall revenge you: “For vengeance is mine, said the LORD”. Ahithophel tried to avenge David for his sin against Uriah and his family, and he ended up committing suicide.

On this divine day of rest, may we rekindle our love with God again. May we get closer to Him and renew our bonds. May we empty our souls of all bitterness, hatred, vengeance, and sins, and He shall bless us abundantly. Happy Sabbath! Peace, be unto you!!

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