2 Samuel 11 - 13

We learn so much as we study the goodness of King David. He never seemed to take on authority that was not his nor seemed to practice unrighteous dominion. He was just and fair. Pride didn't seem to overpower his as it did to Saul. Even his refusal to lift his hand against Saul because he was the Lord’s anointed is one of the finest examples of loyalty anywhere in the scriptures. He was was a great example to us all until he let his guard down in self-mastery of his physical desires which led to one of the greatest tragedies of all scripture. Things must have become somewhat "easy" for David for -

"...the time when kings go forth to battle, that David sent Joab, and his servants with him...But David tarried still at Jerusalem." (Old Testament 2 Samuel 11:1)

And while he was probably kicking back and relaxing on a hot summer night on his roof -

"...he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman was very beautiful to look upon." (Old Testament 2 Samuel 11:2)

The fact that he saw her was not necessarily the sin, but -

"...whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart." (New Testament Matthew 5:28)

The lust is apparent as David -

"...sent and enquired after the woman..." (Old Testament 2 Samuel 11:3)

He failed to leave it alone and -

"...sent messengers, and took her; and she came in unto him, and he lay with her..." (Old Testament 2 Samuel 11:4)

This was a grevious sin. Speaking of adultery or sexual sin, Alma told Corianton -

"...Know ye not, my son, that these things are an abomination in the sight of the Lord; yea, most abominable above all sins save it be the shedding of innocent blood or denying the Holy Ghost?" (Book of Mormon Alma 39:5)

But with sincere and sore repentance, David could have repented from this terrible failure, but instead upon learning that Bath-sheba was pregnant, he sent a letter to Joab, the leader of his army to -

"...Set ye Uriah, [Bath-sheba's husband], in the forefront of the hottest battle, and retire ye from him, that he may be smitten, and die." (Old Testament 2 Samuel 11:15)

Obviously a willful and pre-meditated instruction to murder Uriah. Upon learning of the incident, The prophet Nathan came and shared this parable with David -

"...There were two men in one city; the one rich, and the other poor.
2 The rich man had exceeding many flocks and herds:
3 But the poor man had nothing, save one little ewe lamb, which he had bought and nourished up: and it grew up together with him, and with his children; it did eat of his own meat, and drank of his own cup, and lay in his bosom, and was unto him as a daughter.
4 And there came a traveller unto the rich man, and he spared to take of his own flock and of his own herd, to dress for the wayfaring man that was come unto him; but took the poor man's lamb, and dressed it for the man that was come to him." (Old Testament 2 Samuel 12:1 - 4)

David was appalled and angrily responded -

"...As the LORD liveth, the man that hath done this thing shall surely die..." (Old Testament 2 Samuel 12:5)

To which Nathan responded -

"...Thou art the man...." (Old Testament 2 Samuel 12:7)

And if that wasn't enough -

"...Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I anointed thee king over Israel, and I delivered thee out of the hand of Saul;
8 And I gave thee thy master's house, and thy master's wives into thy bosom, and gave thee the house of Israel and of Judah; and if that had been too little, I would moreover have given unto thee such and such things.
9 Wherefore hast thou despised the commandment of the LORD, to do evil in his sight? thou hast killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword, and hast taken his wife to be thy wife, and hast slain him" (Old Testament 2 Samuel 12:7 - 9)

And David remorsefully confessed -

"...I have sinned against the LORD..." (Old Testament 2 Samuel 12:13)

And then his sin, Nathan told him -

"...The LORD also hath not put away thy sin that thou shalt not die" (JST 2 Samuel 12:13)

David’s grievous sin would not put away by God. It is difficult for many but the Lord revealed -

"..David's wives and concubines were given unto him of me, by the hand of Nathan, my servant, and others of the prophets who had the keys of this power; and in none of these things did he sin against me save in the case of Uriah and his wife; and, therefore he hath fallen from his exaltation, and received his portion; and he shall not inherit them out of the world, for I gave them unto another, saith the Lord." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 132:39)

For it is clear that -

"...if you keep my commandments and endure to the end you shall have eternal life, which gift is the greatest of all the gifts of God." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 14:7)