Adultery & Lust: David & Bathsheba

00:00:00 Speaker 1: But I say to you that every one who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart. Matthew five twenty eight. Dear Lord, this command challenges us to examine the purity of our thoughts and the intentions behind our gaze. We confess that we often fall short of this standard in a world saturated with temptations and images that provoke impure thoughts. We struggle to keep our hearts and minds clean, not just with matters of lust, but with greed, coveteousness, and jealousy as well. We ask for your strength and your grace to guard our eyes and our thoughts. To resist the lure of lust that seeks to entrap us. Purify our hearts, and renew our minds. Help us to see others not as objects, but as precious beings made in your image, worthy of respect and dignity. Create in us a steadfast spirit that seeks to honor You in all our relationships. Teach us to value true love and fidelity, reflecting the faithful love Christ has for his church. May we be committed to nurturing purity in every aspect of our lives. So that we may stand before you blameless. Our lives a testament to your transformative power. In the name of Jesus, who grants us the victory over every sin. We pray Amen. Thank you for praying with me today. This is the Jesus Podcast. Gospel stories reimagined with immersive storytelling and thoughtful reflection. Stick around for another story inspired by the Sermon on the Mount. If this podcast has blessed you, we'd love it if you left a review. We want to hear how the Gospel is transforming lives. Jesus lifted his arms and pretended he was balancing a scale. He lifted one arm up and said, you. 00:02:38 Speaker 2: Have heard it said to those of old you shall not murder, and whoever murders will be liable to judgment. But I tell you everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment. Whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council, and whoever says you fool will be liable to the health fire. 00:03:01 Speaker 1: Jesus raised the standard, piercing straight to the heart. 00:03:05 Speaker 2: If you are worshiping in the House of the Lord, and remember there that your brother has something against you, leave the altar and go first, be reconciled to your brother. 00:03:16 Speaker 3: Then come and worship. 00:03:18 Speaker 1: Jesus lifted the other arm, continuing to explain the nature of the heart and God's view of sin. 00:03:26 Speaker 2: But I say to you, everyone who looks at a woman with objectifying lust has already committed adultery in his heart. 00:03:35 Speaker 1: The men in the crowd stirred all of a sudden, feeling vulnerable, called out Jesus lifted an earnest voice and said, if. 00:03:47 Speaker 3: Your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. 00:03:51 Speaker 2: It's better that you lose only one of your members than your. 00:03:54 Speaker 3: Whole body being thrown into hell. 00:03:57 Speaker 2: If your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off, throw it away. It's better to lose one of your members than for your whole body to burn in hell. 00:04:09 Speaker 4: The second you say, oh, well, I would never commit that sin is the moment you let your guard down to it. You stop praying for resolve, and the enemy creeps right in unnoticed. Before you know it, you're committing the very acts you said you'd never do. This is the Jesus Podcast. I'm ethanwith pray dot Com. Join us as we continue our miniseries through the Sermon on the Mount. We've been connecting biblical stories to the gospel message of Jesus spoken in the Sermon on the Mount. Take a moment today to follow the podcast and subscribe on whatever platform you listen to. Doing so, make sure you never miss an episode. We really appreciate you listening. Artfully crafting these stories has been a joy, and we're looking forward to making more. Today we turn our folk to a powerful teaching from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount found in Matthew chapter five, verses twenty seven through thirty. This passage addresses the deep issues of lust and adultery, and we'll connect it to the tragic story of David and Bathsheba and Second Samuel chapter eleven. Together, we'll explore how adultery begins with small compromises in the heart and grows into something uncontrollable, emphasizing the need to guard our hearts diligently. 00:05:33 Speaker 1: David lay on a small bed of cushions on the balcony of his roof, soaking in the day's warmth. The sun kissed his skin, and the slight coolness of the breeze kept him from overheating. The king was half asleep, enjoying a perfectly peaceful afternoon and resting his bones after a long battle. After his conquest of the Syrians, David returned home to rest and enjoy a break from the chaos of war. However, the Ammonites were still a threat to Israel. David sent his men on his behalf. Although his duty as king was to be present in battle, David thought he had earned a break. The king stretched his weary body out on the pillows and yont an. This was the first pause he had given himself since becoming king. David lounged and sipped on a cup of wine, allowing lethargy to set in. He stood to his feet and balanced himself on the railing. He closed his eyes and drew in the sweet spring air. His head was foggy and his mind was sluggish from napping. The king perused the city below, sipping his cup and smiling at the passer's by. Another lethargic yawn exhaled from his mouth, and just as he was about to retreat into his home, something caught his eye. A woman was bathing in a tub on her roof, enjoying the sun's warmth. David initially looked away, then paused to do a double take. He leaned even further over the railing and took in the view. She was breathtakingly beautiful. She glistened from the sun reflecting on the water, and David could see nearly every inch of her stunning frame. Breath taking, His mind was fogged in judgment. Dulled chills crawled up David's back. He felt the sun little seed of lust making a home in his heart. Although David had his pick of women, and more wise than one man should have, he felt drawn to her. Perhaps it was because she wasn't his and he wanted what he couldn't have. Maybe it was because he felt he deserved a gift after being so faithful. Whatever the thought was, it possessed David to near madness. He grew anxious with desire and couldn't remove her from his gaze. Every single movement of hers enraptured him. He watched as the wet cloth rubbed against her smooth skin. He gaped at her full lips as she splashed water over her face. She finished bathing and wrapped herself up. The play was over, but David was hoping for a second act. 00:09:04 Speaker 3: I must have her. She must be mine. 00:09:07 Speaker 1: He turned back and beckoned his servant to come near. He gestured to the home where the woman was. 00:09:14 Speaker 3: Who lives in this house? Who is that woman I saw on the roof? 00:09:18 Speaker 5: The only one currently in the home is Bathsheba, the wife of Urayah. The hitt had one of your mighty men. He is away with joe Ab in battle, so she is alone. 00:09:29 Speaker 1: David nodded and held back an excited smile. He was silent momentarily considering what he was about to do. On the surface, it seemed like just one decision. However, up until now, David had a pattern of recklessness in his romantic relationships. He acquired many wives and concubines without consideration of what it would do to his heart and theirs. This one moment was the climax of a thousand small compromises. 00:10:07 Speaker 3: Bring her to me. 00:10:09 Speaker 1: The servant said nothing. He simply bowed his head and left. David stood up, straightened out his royal robes, and went to his bed chambers to prepare. The moon's silvery gleams descended in full brightness. David didn't look up at the sky, as he often did. He didn't want to look up, for then he would be forced to think of his God, the author of his faith and convictions. Instead, he settled his gaze upon the fireplace. The intense heat radiated into the rest of the room. David's lust burned like the heat of the flames. The burning passion made him drunk. The truth is he had already made the decision when he allowed himself to gaze at Bathsheba. The spirit of adultery had already coiled around his heart and mind, squeezing the conviction out of him. It made the next decision all too easy. The large double door built of cedar and iron opened slowly. The light emanating from the flames illuminated the room just enough for him to see her. She wore a tight linen dress that rested delicately over her waist. Her brown, wavy hair lay over her shoulders, barely hidden by her head covering. She walked in nervously. He watched every move of her hips. As she walked forward, they swayed back and forth like a pendulum, keeping David's full attention. There was silence for a short while as they stood and stared at one another. Bathsheba was terrified, but couldn't show it. 00:12:13 Speaker 3: You summoned me Lord. 00:12:15 Speaker 1: She knew David's intentions. Why else would she be brought to his chambers alone in the night. She came to him, but the choice was an illusion she couldn't refuse. 00:12:30 Speaker 6: The King. 00:12:32 Speaker 1: David was blinded by lust. It hindered his ability to hear the fear in her voice. It kept him from seeing the shift in her eyes. The white noise of self indulgence drowned out the voice of his conscience. He stepped closer, and Bathsheba froze. She looked up at him. He was handsome and with kind eyes. He was impressive, but most of her felt shame, fear, and helplessness. 00:13:11 Speaker 2: I shouldn't be here. 00:13:13 Speaker 1: David took his hand and gently placed it on her chin, directing her face back at his. David leaned in and kissed her. As the flickering flame continued to burn. She kissed him in return, and thus began the night of sin. David wrapped his arms around Bathsheba. In the heat of passion. He didn't think of his family. In the forbidden pleasure, he didn't think of Uriah. David enjoyed every second of his sin. He felt invincible, untouchable, an immune to the effects of his actions. He was gravely mistaken. Weeks passed and David did his best to remove the Knight of Sin from his mind, but he couldn't. He thought about Bathsheba more and more as the days rolled on. It was not love that David felt, No, he simply loved the pleasure she brought him. It was a low point for God's anointed king. After his midnight escapade with Bathsheba, David continued to shirk his responsibilities. David's servant entered the hall. He twiddled his thumbs and looked away, considering what to say next. 00:14:45 Speaker 5: My Lord, I have been told Bathsheba desires to speak with you. She has requested that she come immediately. 00:14:52 Speaker 3: Excellent news. Then bring her to me. I shall prepare, and, as always, tell no one of this. 00:15:01 Speaker 1: The servant knew what David didn't. He sent for her, and in the secrecy of night, the young woman was brought into his chambers. David ran his hand through her hair. 00:15:14 Speaker 3: And smiled, you look radiant. 00:15:18 Speaker 1: David reached for her. She pulled away and looked at him with fearful eyes. 00:15:24 Speaker 3: What's wrong, my King? I am pregnant. 00:15:31 Speaker 1: Tears welled up in her eyes, and she began to weep. David stepped back and leaned against the table. His heart began to poundand heavily, and for the first time in weeks, he felt completely sober. 00:15:51 Speaker 3: Are you sure? Could it be Riias? Of course it's yours. My husband has been fighting against the Ammonites on your behalf. I haven't seen him in months. 00:16:01 Speaker 1: The words stunned David's heart. He had neglected his responsibilities as king. He leveraged his status to take advantage of her. Now would usually be the time when David leaned on the wisdom of God. However, he had already created a habit of listening to his voice instead of the lords. He ignored his instinct to pray and frantically reassured Bathsheba that he would handle everything. 00:16:34 Speaker 3: Do not worry, my dear, I shall make this right. You will not be cast aside. All will be well again. 00:16:42 Speaker 1: He sent her back home to rest. The king sat down at his table and pulled at his hair. He called his servant and. 00:16:50 Speaker 3: Said, send word to Job. I need you Riah to be taken from battle and return to me. 00:16:56 Speaker 1: The servant bowed his head and did as he was told. David pressed his head against the table and grant a mess of mate lust as a trap door to all other sorts of sins and tragedies. The king sat on his throne, listening to the elders give reports on their tribes. He took note of the small disputes, glaring needs, and successful growth. David was always adept at listening to the elders and considering their wisdom regarding the kingdom. It was a trait that he had hoped to pass down to his son Absalom, heir to the throne. Yet to day, David's mind was elsewhere. He was thinking about this new child in Bathsheba's womb. He was anxious and nervously awaited Euriah's arrival. After the elders departed, the doors opened and the messenger walked in with Uriah. His hair was dirty and soaked, his armor was stained red and caked with mud. David's heart beat profoundly at the sight of him. Uriah was a loyal friend, one of his mighty men who followed him in the wilderness. Yet the desire to cover up his sin was more significant than his conviction, and it took David no time to begin his lies. 00:18:35 Speaker 3: Uriah, I'm glad you've come. You must be weary from your travels. Go wash yourself, greet your wife. We should talk about the battle when you've bathed and had a proper embrace. 00:18:48 Speaker 7: With all due respect, my king, I want to update you on the battle and request reinforcements. Then I would like to return to the men they need me. 00:18:59 Speaker 1: David went to Uriah's noble heart. Pangs of conviction began to bubble up, but he ignored them. He wouldn't admit his fault. He needed to continue manipulating. 00:19:13 Speaker 3: I admire your spirit. However, I'd have much to do before the day is over. Let us convene tomorrow. Go home, enjoy a warm bed with your wife, and we shall speak at daybreak. 00:19:27 Speaker 1: Euriyah didn't do what he was told. He waited outside the king's house and rested his head against the stone walls. He closed his eyes and breathed in the spring air. Uriah's weary bones relaxed outside, and he fell asleep near the steps. David was up all night, anxiously pacing back and forth near the fire. He would be more comfortable knowing Uriah was with Bathsheba. In all the anxiety and waiting, it didn't occur to him to seek the Lord. The shame in his heart kept him from approaching God. Instead of confessing and bringing his sin to the altar of the Lord, he buried his shame and sought to cover up his sin. After a sleepless night in his room, David rose at sunrise to walk in the garden. The David's dismay. It was Uriah sleeping on the floor. 00:20:36 Speaker 3: Hurrayah, what are you doing here? Why haven't you gone home to Bathsheba. 00:20:41 Speaker 1: Euriah stood at attention. He was shorter than David, yet somehow seemed a hundred feet taller. 00:20:49 Speaker 7: The ark of covenant dwells in a tent. Joe Ab and the others are camping in the mud with arrows fired at them. For me to eat, drink and lie with my wife would be a disgrace. How can I live with myself knowing that they are cold and vulnerable while I am warm and full. 00:21:08 Speaker 1: David was growing irritated with Uriah's righteousness. It vexed him to be in the presence of someone so devoted. It made his shortcomings all the more real. 00:21:20 Speaker 3: What a blessing to have you as a brother in arms. Uriah, Come let us see and discuss the war. You shall stay with me to day, and I shall send you back tomorrow. 00:21:30 Speaker 1: The two discussed the battle, the state of the men, and the need to press forward. As the day drew on, David brought meats, cheeses, and wine. He told the servants to always keep Euriyah's cup full. To the best of David's ability, he tried to get the man drunk. Uriah continued to drink. 00:21:54 Speaker 3: You must miss your wife dearly, Riyah. She is very beautiful. 00:22:00 Speaker 7: Oh yes, she is the love of my life. 00:22:06 Speaker 5: A cool spring in a desolate desert. 00:22:10 Speaker 1: His poetic description of his wife did not help David with his guilt. 00:22:15 Speaker 3: Go home, you, Riyah, embrace her as her husband. You're no doubt anxious to bet her again. 00:22:24 Speaker 7: I will not. She's delicacy. If I bid her with my comrades lying the dirt, What kind of man am I? Why should I bathe in gold while they bathe in filth? No, I'll sleep here and then leave in the morning. 00:22:46 Speaker 1: Uriah stumbled up onto his feet, knocking over his cup in the process. He steadied himself and focused. After composing himself. He waddled to a nearby lounging area and fell first into the cushions. David tried shaking him awake, but the man was fast asleep. The king shook in frustration. There would be no chance now of Uriah sleeping with his wife. David found himself at a crossroads. He could either give up on the charade and confess, or continued to get tangled in the web of lies he had spun. David clenched his fists and tensed his whole body. He had so much rage boiling up in him. Lust gave way to compromise. Compromise gave way to corruption. Corruption gave way to rage. 00:23:47 Speaker 3: What am I going to do? He's ruined everything. 00:23:51 Speaker 1: David was unable to see that Uriah had done nothing wrong. He was he who had gotten himself into this situation. He paused his clamoring for a moment and drew a deep breath. He closed his eyes and thought about his options. Then an idea. 00:24:11 Speaker 3: Came to him. 00:24:13 Speaker 1: In all his years, he had never considered something so heinous and sinful. Yet he had already trained his mind to ignore the voice of God. Without a second thought. David re entered his home and began to write a message to joe Ab Job. 00:24:36 Speaker 3: It has come to my attention that the front lines require more soldiers after Euriyah's visit. I have decided to send you reinforcements. However, I am also requesting something from you. It is a matter of great importance and will require your secrecy. As my commander in right hand, you must set your Riah at the forefront of the harshest parts of the battlefield when he marches, in order the other soldiers to delay before following him. I need Euriah to fall on the battlefield. Considering my forgiveness of your crimes against Abna, I trust that you will obey me without question. King David. 00:25:17 Speaker 1: David sealed the letter with his royal emblem and had his messenger leave immediately for Joe ab. He sat back in his seat, contemplating what he had just done. He had set in motion something that could not be Undone tomorrow, Euriah would leave to fight, and he would never return. Nothing would ever be the same. Weeks passed, and David arose before the sunrise. He rolled out of bed and looked at his new bride beside him. He had married Bathsheba half to Euriah's death. The anxiety of covering up their affair had left them exhausted. David had a disquieted soul, but he didn't know it. The radical self reflection he once had was gone. His conscience was like an unsharpened blade, rusty and dull. He had spent so much time quieting the voice of God's spirit within him that it was nearly impossible for him to feel guilty anymore. He wrapped himself in his royal robes and left the house to stroll among the gardens. The mild spring air was slowly giving way to the heat of summer. He walked the gardens, humming an old tune and listening to the birds. Then, almost out of nowhere, Nathan the Prophet appeared. The king gasped, then let out a sigh of relief. 00:27:06 Speaker 3: Ah Nathan, Ye startled me. It was great to see you at the wedding Bathsheba and I were pleased to have you there. 00:27:14 Speaker 8: I wouldn't have missed it, my son. However, I wish I could carry on in the celebration, but alas I cannot. I have heard disturbing news. 00:27:27 Speaker 3: What troubles ye? 00:27:28 Speaker 1: The old man gestured for the king to sit down. The two sat beside one another, soaking in the new rays of the morning. Nathan sighed and. 00:27:40 Speaker 8: Said, ah, I have heard a report, my king, and I would very much like your thoughts on the matter, for you have a heart that seeks after justice. 00:27:53 Speaker 3: I will do what I can. Nathan, tell me what happened. 00:27:57 Speaker 1: Nathan nodded and plucked a flower from the garden. He twiddled it between his fingers and began to tell the story. 00:28:05 Speaker 8: There were two men who lived in this same village. One of them was very rich and the other was very poor. The rich man had many flocks of sheep, goats and sever herd of oxen. He was abundantly blessed. But the poor man had nothing but one single little lamb. He had bought this lamb with money he had saved for quite some time. He nursed the lamb, it bathed it, nurtured it. The little lamb would even sleep with his children at night. The lamb was like a daughter to this poor man. 00:28:46 Speaker 1: Nathan smiled and looked at David. The king enjoyed the story thus far, and Nathan knew he had his attention. 00:28:56 Speaker 8: However, something disturbing happened at that boy man. But one day a traveler came. 00:29:03 Speaker 7: To visit the rich man. 00:29:05 Speaker 8: Now the rich man wanted to feed his guest, but he didn't want to prepare any of his own animals. So in the middle of the night, the rich man went into the poor man's home and stole the little lamb. He killed it and prepared him to feed his guest, and the poor man was left with nothing. 00:29:27 Speaker 3: What who is this man? 00:29:30 Speaker 2: As the Lord lives, the man who has done this deserves to die. 00:29:36 Speaker 3: I will restore the lamb fourfold to the poor man. What sort of eagermaniacal monster would do such a thing. 00:29:44 Speaker 1: Nathan stood to his feet and held out a finger to the king. His eyes were filled with righteous indignation. The old prophet boomed his voice downward toward the king. 00:29:58 Speaker 8: You are that man and King David. 00:30:02 Speaker 1: Nathan's voice carried and echoed across the garden, sending chills down David's spine. 00:30:08 Speaker 3: What do you mean? 00:30:11 Speaker 8: Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel and the God of Justice. I anointed you king over the nation, and I delivered you from the wrath of Saul. I gave you a home wives and the nation. 00:30:25 Speaker 6: And if all that were not enough, I've also added victories and conquests to you. Why then, have you despised my word and done what is evil? You have struck down your Eyah, the Hittite, a child of Israel, and taken his wife. You have everything you could have ever wanted, Yet you stole from a man whose only treasure was his wife. 00:30:51 Speaker 1: David was shaken to his core. Nathan spoke with the authority of God. He could feel the Lord's anger bubbling all over. 00:31:02 Speaker 8: Hear the word of the Lord. Giant flare. Behold, the sword shall never depart from your house because of the violence you enacted against your Eyah. Violence will play your household, and strife will come upon you. I will raise up evil against you out of your own home. Your wives will scorn you and take on other lovers, and they will do so publicly and in the sun. For you did it secretly, But I will punish you before all Israel. 00:31:34 Speaker 1: David fell to his knees. He wept at the feet of Nathan. 00:31:40 Speaker 3: I have said, Lord, I have no excuse. 00:31:44 Speaker 1: Nathan knelt and touched David on the shoulder. He spoke in a gentle voice, saying, the. 00:31:52 Speaker 8: Lord will forgive you my king. You will not die, and your kingdom shall remain nevertheless, because of all the strife and chaos, this is caused the child who is born to you out of sin, sha'n't i. 00:32:10 Speaker 1: David darted his eyes up to Nathan. He shook his head in disbelief, but Nathan had nothing left to say. He rose and returned to his house, leaving David in emotional and spiritual disarray. 00:32:28 Speaker 3: Why have I done? 00:32:30 Speaker 1: David looked up at the sky for the first time in weeks. 00:32:36 Speaker 3: Where have I gone? 00:32:37 Speaker 1: It was as if a fog had cleared from David's head and he could finally see what he had gotten himself caught up in, he placed his face in his hands and wept. 00:32:55 Speaker 3: Who have I become? 00:32:58 Speaker 4: You've heard that it was said you shall not commit adultery, But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out, and throw it away, it is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away, it is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell. Jesus teaches that adultery is not just a physical act, but begins in the heart with lustful thoughts. He emphasizes the seriousness of dealing with sin at its root, using hyperbolic language to convey the drastic measures we should take to guard our hearts against lust and adultery. This teaching underscores the importance of inner purity and the need to address sin before it manifests and destructive actions. The story of David in Bathsheba is a poignant illustration of how adultery begins with small compromises and grows into something uncontrollable. David, a man after God's own heart, allowed LUs to take root in his heart, leading to a series of tragic decisions. David's adultery with Bathsheba did not begin with the act itself. First, he shirked his responsibility to ride into battle with his men. Then he allowed his eyes to linger too long on a woman that wasn't his wife. Then he leveraged his power to gain access to her. After that, everything snowballed and devolved into chaos. Initial compromises lead to deceit, manipulation, and, ultimately, for David, murder. Listen, friends, and listen closely. The moment you let your guard down to a specific sin, you've become more vulnerable than ever. There is a progression to these sins, and we rarely see them coming. There's a progression of adultery we must be aware of. Adultery begins with small compromises in the heart. For David, it started with a lingering gaze and a failure to turn away from temptation. We must be vigilant about the thoughts and desires we entertain. When given fuel, these small compromises grow into something uncontrollable. David's thus led to an adulterous act, which spiraled into deceit and murder. Unchecked sin in our hearts can lead to actions that have devastating consequences. The consequences of David's sin were severe. It led to personal guilt, the death of an innocent man, and turmoil in his household. Adultery and lust have far reaching impact on our lives, and the lives of others. That is why we must be diligent in guarding our hearts. We begin with vigilance. Jesus's teaching emphasizes the need for vigilance and guarding our hearts. We must be proactive in avoiding situations and thoughts that lead us into temptation. Then we must seek out accountability. Having accountability partners can help us stay on track. Confiding with trusted friends or mentors about our struggles and seeking their support can provide strength and encouragement. Third, we must renew our minds regularly. Immersing ourselves in God's word and prayer helps to renew our minds and align our thoughts with God's will. This spiritual discipline strengthens us against temptation. Then we take drastic measures. Jesus's hyperbolic language about gouging out an eye or cutting off a hand highlights the importance of taking drastic measures to avoid sin. This might mean setting boundaries on what we watch, read, or engage with to protect our hearts. As we reflect on Jesus' words in Matthew chapter five, verses twenty seven through thirty, and the story of David and Bathsheba, let us be reminded of the importance of guarding our hearts against lust and adultery. May we recognize that sin begins in the heart and take proactive stamps to maintain inner purity. Let us pray for the strength to resist temptation, to seek accountability, to renew our minds, and take the necessary measures to live in righteousness. May we be true citizens of Heaven, reflecting the purity and holiness that Jesus calls us to. In our next episode, we'll talk about the importance of marriage by going back to the first marriage will be swept away in the garden of Eden to talk about divorce, intimacy, and how to cultivate love like a well, like a garden.