II Samuel 9-12

“Why did you despise the word of the LORD by doing what is evil in his eyes? (12:9). King David began his reign well by honoring Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s disabled son, and Saul’s steward Ziba (ch 9). However, his selfish entitlement as king led him to dishonor Bathsheba and murder her husband Uriah. Ironically, David was so sure of Uriah’s trustworthiness that he sent the assassination order by Uriah’s own hand (11:14). The prophet Nathan confronted him: “Now the sword will never depart from your house” (12:10).

“I would have given you even more” (12:8). What God wants to give us is so much greater than anything we can grasp for ourselves. Our way ends in disaster; his way ends in blessing.