Introduction:
David and Bathsheba are central figures in one of the most poignant narratives of sin, repentance, and redemption in the Old Testament. Their account is primarily found in 2 Samuel 11-12 and is a significant episode in the life of King David, illustrating both the frailty of human nature and the boundless grace of God.

Background:
David, the second king of Israel, was a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14). He was chosen by God to lead His people and was known for his military prowess, poetic psalms, and deep devotion to God. Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah the Hittite, was a woman of notable beauty.

The Sin:
The narrative begins in 2 Samuel 11 when David, during a time when kings typically went to war, remained in Jerusalem. From the roof of his palace, he saw Bathsheba bathing. Overcome by desire, David sent for her and committed adultery with her, despite knowing she was married to Uriah, one of his loyal soldiers. Bathsheba conceived a child from this encounter, prompting David to attempt to cover up his sin.

David summoned Uriah from the battlefield, hoping he would go home to his wife and thus provide a cover for the pregnancy. However, Uriah, demonstrating integrity and loyalty to his fellow soldiers, refused to enjoy the comforts of home while the Ark and Israel's army were in tents. In a desperate move to conceal his sin, David orchestrated Uriah's death by sending him to the front lines of battle, where he was killed.

The Confrontation:
After Uriah's death, David took Bathsheba as his wife, and she bore him a son. However, "the thing David had done displeased the LORD" (2 Samuel 11:27). God sent the prophet Nathan to confront David. Nathan told David a parable of a rich man who took a poor man's only lamb, stirring David's anger. Nathan then revealed, "You are the man!" (2 Samuel 12:7), exposing David's sin.

Repentance and Consequences:
David's response was one of genuine repentance. He confessed, "I have sinned against the LORD" (2 Samuel 12:13). Nathan assured David that the LORD had taken away his sin, but the consequences of his actions would still unfold. The child born to David and Bathsheba became ill and died, fulfilling Nathan's prophecy of judgment.

Despite the tragedy, David's repentance was sincere, as reflected in Psalm 51, a heartfelt plea for mercy and cleansing. God, in His grace, blessed David and Bathsheba with another son, Solomon, who would become one of Israel's greatest kings and the builder of the Temple.

Legacy:
The account of David and Bathsheba is a powerful testament to the complexities of human sin and divine forgiveness. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of sin, the importance of repentance, and the hope of redemption. Bathsheba later played a significant role in securing Solomon's succession to the throne, as seen in 1 Kings 1-2.

David and Bathsheba's lineage is significant in biblical history, as they are direct ancestors of Jesus Christ, as noted in the genealogy in Matthew 1:6. This connection underscores the theme of redemption and God's ability to bring good out of human failure.