Sunday School Lesson: A forensic view-Nathan confronts David about Bathsheba. Feb 6, 2022. Part 2 Continued

Disclaimer: The news and views expressed on this site are strictly those of Grady Bryant, obtained from information made available to the general public through bulletins, public events, announcements, and services that were open to the general public. This website is not officially endorsed by Warner Baptist Church.

Part 2 ( Continued from Feb 16 blog)                                       February 18, 2022

 

Article 2 Volume 13

Uriah came to town but he did not go see his wife as David had planned. This action by Uriah surprised David. Wonder why?

I believe that Uriah may have been told that David had spent some time with his wife in the palace. See, even though Uriah was away in the war zone the news may have reached him.  You would be surprised how much news can reach a soldier when he is away from home. ( when I was in the army, 3,000 miles from home in France, you would be surprised to know how many letters I received from different people about my girl back home),

This possibility became more evident when David sent for Uriah to take a break from the war and come home. So when Uriah came home, he was suspicious that something was going on so he spent his time with the soldiers.

When David confronted him he gave him an explanation.  Uriah's action lead to David giving him a letter to take back to the military leader.  This letter gave instructions to the leader to place Uriah on the front line where his chances of survival would be very limited.

David's plan worked. Uriah was killed  fighting in the war.

When Bathsheba heard that her husband was dead, she mourned for him; then when her mourning period was over David sent for her. She came, and became one of his wives.  She gave birth to his son.

The Lord was very displeased with what David had done.

 Chapter 12. The Prophet Nathan tells David a Parable

The parable is in verses 1-4. (Read it  in your Bible). So David's anger was stirred up when he heard the parable. He told Nathan that the man should be put to death.

Then Nathan told David that he(David) was the man.

Through Nathan the Lord remained David of all that he had done for him. David was told that there would be much adversity in his household in the future. David confessed his sin to Nathan.

Nathan told David that the Lord had put away his sin and he would not die for committing it.

However, because of this deed, the child who is born to you shall surely die.  Then Nathan departed to his household.

(It is taught by many and believed by more that the lost of the child was the only punishment. However, there was lots of adversity in David's household and family in future years.  Some of the adversity encountered were: (1) Absalom killed his half brother Amnon because he had raped their sister, Tamar. David was the father of all three of the children. (2) Absalom was killed by Joab the commander of David's army. (3) Solomon kills his half brother Adonijah for trying to seize his throne. Both are David's sons. (4) Absalom attempted to take over David's kingdom.

So, you can see there was a lot of adversity in David's household that have a direct link to his sin regarding Bathsheba).

David pleaded with God for the child to live.

Nevertheless, the child died.  After the child's death, David went in to comfort Bathsheba, his wife. After, he laid with her, she bore a son.  They named him, Solomon.

Conclusion

What this analysis reveals is that David may have had more than a one night stand with Bathsheba. The time period from the beginning of the affair to the child's birth was longer than 9 months. Uriah was probably aware of David's scheme and that is the reason he did not see his wife when he came home on leave. David's sin, in future years, lead to much adversity in his household.

God forgave David for his he sin and David received many blessings in future years despite the adversities encountered.

One of the take away of this lesson is to seek God's forgiveness and don't think that you can outsmart God. Pray, and do not grow weary in praying.

Copyright (c) 2022. Grady E. Bryant, Sr.

 

Sunday School Lesson- A forensic view: Nathan Confronts David about Bathsheba. Feb 6,2022

Article 1, Volume 13

Sunday School Lesson about David & Bathsheba from a forensic view

 Biblical Reference is 2 Samuel: chapters 11 & 12

The Presentation

This story has been told many times in many different ways about what happened, how it happen, and the consequences.  I listened to or viewed the presentation of at least 4 teachers. They were all in agreement about the consequences.

When you follow the script as outlined in the Sunday School book you don't have enough time to consider too many other matters that might enhance the lesson.  That is okay and acceptable.

The view is like this:  David was on the roof late at night and he saw this naked (assumption) woman bathing, in her back yard.  She was beautiful. He inquired about her and sent for her to visit his palace. She came Then she went back home. After she got home she sent word to David that she was pregnant.  David inquired about her husband, Uriah who was serving in David's army.

I want to point out, that while this drama is unfolding, David already has 6 wives and some children.  Where were they?

I am going to pause here.  I believe you probably know the rest of the story as traditionally taught.  For the rest of the story, I'm going to use some forensic insight study analysis.

First, let me tell you how this forensic analysis approach started with me.  It was many years ago at Mary Estes elementary, a little 4 room school in Suffolk, Virginia that served the three black communities in the nearby area. Most of the children did not have any pre-school training prior to starting school in the primary/first grade combined class. The school had two outdoor toilets and a pump outside for water. The heat was provided by two inside wood/coal heaters. 

**When I was in the first grade, my teacher taught me to keep reading until I saw the Duck.  What she was conveying to me was that I had to keep reading and analyzing until what I was reading was clear in my mind.  I had to be sure that I saw a duck and not a chicken or rooster. Then, when it became clear to me I could tell it over and over with a better understanding.

**writer's metaphor

Continuing the story using forensic analysis insight

We know that Bathsheba went to David's palace after he sent for her. But apparently, it was not the same night. Look, he had to gather some information about her. So, when she did come, apparently they spent some time talking and getting to know each other.  I'm not convinced that she did not know he was on the roof looking at her.  So, she cunningly took her time doing what she was doing. She may have spotted David on the roof prior to that night. 

How long did she stay?  The Bible does not say. It could have been a day or maybe even a month.

However, after her stay she went back home.  It was, most likely, at least 5 weeks before she informed him she was pregnant.  See, it takes time for women to be certain.  Immediately, the idea was brought forth to bring her husband home from the war.  Was it David's idea or Bathshea's?  (I am aware of at least 5 similar situations, and in each case, the plan was executed by the woman. My awareness may be based on something I read).

David arranged for Uriah to come home from the war and spend some time with his wife. Uriah came home but he surprised David.  He did not spend any time with his wife.  Wonder why?  

( To be continued on Friday, February 18, 2022)

Copyright (c) 2022. Grady E. Bryant, Sr. All Rights Reserved.

 

Disclaimer: The news and views expressed on this site are strictly those of Grady Bryant, obtained from information made available to the general public through bulletins, public events, announcements, and services that were open to the general public. This website is not officially endorsed by Warner Baptist Church.