Dave's Diary

Daily Readings: 2 Samuel 12 and Psalm 51

Today, alongside 2 Samuel 12, we skip back to Psalm 51 and read David’s psalm of confession and repentance, which he composed after Nathan the prophet confronted him about his sin with Bathsheba. In some ways, the entire Psalm is an elaboration of the heart-attitude expressed in 2 Samuel 12:13 where David said to Nathan, “‘I have sinned against the Lord.’” In Hebrew that confession is just two words, “hata al-Yahweh“. We easily forget that every sin against another human being is also a sin against the LORD, but David acknowledged this reality. He offered no excuses, made no denials, and he pointed no finger at Bathsheba, nor at Satan the tempter. He honestly acknowledged his guilt before the Lord, knowing that God had witnessed his sin and had now exposed it through Nathan. There was no point trying to cover it up anymore!

The sadness of 2 Samuel 12 is the extent to which David’s sin bore consequences for himself and for others, both immediately and in future. God did not hold back these consequences. It’s a frightening, and frankly disturbing chapter. We may even find ourselves questioning many aspects of it. But let us not dodge the essential message: DO NOT take sin lightly. Sin destroys lives, in the present and the future. So, when we realise our own sin, there is only one correct approach: We are to admit it and repent of it with all our hearts.

The light point in the chapter is that God does indeed forgive and restore David and Bathsheba. While some terribly painful consequences remain, Nathan’s promise stood firm: “The Lord has taken away your sin. You are not going to die.” (v.13b) God did not cast David from His presence (Psalm 51:11) but instead “had mercy” on him “according to His unfailing love.” (v.1) Thanks be to God.

Oh Lord, You are my God. Like David, I have sinned against You many times. Thank You for Your mercy towards me – and especially for Jesus my Saviour (Whom David was not privileged to know) Who has carried my sins as far away from me as the east is from the west. In Him, I have found perfect forgiveness and redemption. All praise to You King Jesus, my Saviour and Lord! Amen.