2 Samuel 11:2

One evening David got up from his bed and strolled around on the roof of the palace. And from the roof he saw a woman bathing--a very beautiful woman.

Study Bible

One evening David got up from his bed
This phrase sets the scene during the evening, a time often associated with rest and reflection. David, as king, had the luxury of rising from his bed at this time, indicating a period of leisure. The context here is significant because it was during the spring, a time when kings typically went to war (2 Samuel 11:1), yet David remained in Jerusalem. This decision marks the beginning of a series of events leading to his moral failure. The evening can symbolize a time of vulnerability, as darkness often represents temptation and sin in biblical literature (John 3:19-20).

and strolled around on the roof of the palace.
The roof of the palace was a place of privacy and vantage, common in ancient Near Eastern architecture. It provided a view over the city, symbolizing David's elevated status and authority. However, this physical elevation also foreshadows his moral descent. The act of strolling suggests idleness, which can lead to temptation, as seen in Proverbs 16:27, where idle hands are described as the devil's workshop. The palace roof, a place of potential reflection and prayer, becomes instead a place of temptation.

And from the roof he saw a woman bathing
The act of seeing here is pivotal. In biblical narratives, seeing often precedes desire and sin, as with Eve in Genesis 3:6. The woman bathing indicates a private act, suggesting David's intrusion into a personal space. Bathing was a ritual act of purification, possibly linked to Levitical laws (Leviticus 15:19-24), highlighting the woman's innocence and the gravity of David's gaze. This moment marks the beginning of David's moral failure, as he allows his gaze to linger, leading to covetousness.

a very beautiful woman.
The description of the woman as "very beautiful" emphasizes the temptation David faced. Beauty in the Bible is often noted, as with Sarah (Genesis 12:11) and Rachel (Genesis 29:17), and can be both a blessing and a source of temptation. This beauty becomes a test of David's character, revealing his susceptibility to lust. The narrative does not name Bathsheba here, focusing instead on David's perspective and the objectification inherent in his gaze. This sets the stage for the ensuing sin, contrasting with the biblical ideal of inner beauty and godly character (1 Peter 3:3-4).

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
The King of Israel, a man after God's own heart, who is at a pivotal moment in his life where he faces temptation and moral failure.

2. Bathsheba
The woman whom David sees bathing. She is described as very beautiful and is the wife of Uriah the Hittite.

3. The Roof of the Palace
The location where David observes Bathsheba. This setting is significant as it represents a place of power and vulnerability.

4. Evening
The time of day when this event occurs, symbolizing a period of rest and reflection, yet it becomes a moment of temptation for David.

5. Jerusalem
The city where these events take place, the capital of Israel and the center of David's kingdom.

Teaching Points

Guarding the Eyes and Heart
David's sin began with a look. We must be vigilant about what we allow our eyes to see and our hearts to desire.

The Danger of Idleness
David was not where he was supposed to be—leading his army. Idleness can lead to vulnerability to temptation.

The Ripple Effect of Sin
This moment of temptation led to a series of sins (adultery, deceit, murder). Sin often has far-reaching consequences.

Repentance and Restoration
While this passage focuses on David's failure, it sets the stage for his later repentance. God’s grace is available even after grave sin.

Accountability and Community
David was alone when he fell into temptation. Having accountability partners can help us stay strong in moments of weakness.

Bible Study Questions

1. What steps can we take to guard our eyes and hearts from temptation in our daily lives?

2. How does idleness or being out of place make us more susceptible to sin, and what can we do to stay purposefully engaged?

3. Reflect on a time when a small sin led to larger consequences. How can we learn from David's experience to prevent this in our own lives?

4. In what ways can we seek accountability within our Christian community to help us resist temptation?

5. How does understanding the process of temptation and sin, as described in James 1:14-15, help us in our spiritual walk?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 3
The temptation of Eve in the Garden of Eden parallels David's temptation, highlighting the universal struggle with sin.

James 1:14-15
This passage explains the process of temptation leading to sin, which is evident in David's actions.

Matthew 5:28
Jesus' teaching on lust connects to David's initial sin of looking at Bathsheba with desire.