We’ve all heard the story of David and Bathsheba. David is standing on top of his palace and looks out to see Bathsheba bathing on her rooftop. Wait. Her rooftop? Where did we get that? I had always heard she was on her rooftop bathing promiscuously in clear view from David’s palace. Go back and read 2 Samuel 11:2-4 again.
David’s character and virtue are contrasted with Saul’s vice and downfall. David is insignificant to his family and to Israel. The opening scene of chapter 11 is Samuel going to Bethlehem in search of a new king. The prophet life must be a lonely one. The elders of Bethlehem trembled when they met Samuel asking if he has come in peace. The stage is set from the beginning as God says to Samuel, “Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”
