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The story of David and Bathsheba is one of
temptation, sin and anguish. Because of a horrible act of adultery, Bathsheba
became pregnant and had a child. As a result, God’s sentence was that the
child should not live. Though David fasted and begged God to spare the child’s
life, God remained resolute and allowed the child to die (II Samuel 12:14).
But what if God had spared the child’s life? What if He had shown mercy
towards David, Bathsheba and the child and had foregone the punishment?
No doubt, God’s decree was sore, but there was a lesson that He had to
teach David and future generations. David had to learn the great lesson that sin
is detestable in God’s eyes, and that He will punish sinners, no matter what
their rank may be. Moreover, God wanted David to learn that, though much had
been given to him, much was expected from him and that, as God’s anointed, he
had the duty to set a righteous example for the whole nation. If God had allowed
David to escape his punishment, that lesson would have never been learned, and
David might have continued to rebel against God’s will.
Furthermore, David’s servants who were aware of his sin, and the
whole nation that would have finally found out, might have concluded that God
has double standards, and that rulers receive special treatment, even when they
commit heinous sins.
In fact, when Nathan the prophet confronted David, he
stressed the fact that, as a result of David’s sin, God’s enemies had received
an occasion to blaspheme (V. 14).
God was willing to forgive David, but He decreed that
he had to be consequenced to silence the opposition. God had to make clear to
all that sin is reprehensible to Him, no matter who the perpetrator may be, and
that He judges all humans equally.
Had David been allowed to escape the just consequences to his evil deed,
all believers throughout the ages may have been emboldened to conclude that God
had a slack approach toward sinners and, consequently, might have adopted a
relaxed approach toward similar sins. Worse of all, many might have concluded
that God had double standards, and was, therefore, unfair and unjust.
Clearly, the punishment for David’s sin was very strong. But if God had
simply allowed David to get away with it, the long-term ramifications would have
been disastrous for many. God knew this and intervened, lest there would be any
doubt in anyone’s mind that sin is detestable in His eyes, and that
transgressions to His Holy Laws carries strong penalties, even if they are
perpetrated by great biblical characters such as David.
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© Copyright,
Michael Caputo, 2013
All rights reserved. This
article may be quoted, but it may not be reproduced in full in any form.
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