David and Bathsheba: Love, Sin and Deceit.
King David was one of the most incredible men in the Old Testament. He had thousands of men who fought for him and he was given the gift of being a great military leader himself. He had been blessed by God with being anointed and given his peoples kingdom of Israel and Judah to rule over. He had ten wives and concubines as well. "He played exquisitely, he fought heroically and he loved titanically," observed historian Abram Leon Sachar" (Kirsch, 2001). He had it all but yet had to sin to gain favor from a certain beautiful woman, Bathsheba. With all sin there is consequence, even for a mighty king.
David was a great military leader and fought courageously for his God. One time while his men were out fighting in Rabbah, in the Spring, he decided to stay behind in Jerusalem for a time. This was the starting point of the problems to come, the king was not where he should have been. "One evening David got up from his bed and walked around on the roof of the palace." That is when he spotted her. If David had been on the battlefield with his men where he should been, he would not have been lurking around top the palace. He may have been restless and bored as he was usually out leading the army. From there on the roof, he spotted a beautiful woman bathing. Her beauty must have over took him and he made inquires to find out who she was. Now keep in mind, this is the King of Israel whom was know his self to be a charmer and having greats look inquiring about his woman. Also, keep in mind that women in this day in time did not have the western civilization social privileges and openness of opinions that women have today. He was the king that has absolute control and authority. If Bathsheba were to decline the summons, she could be taking the risk of execution for disregarding the King. At any rate, she in some way must have been flattered at the notion that her King was asking about her.
