A plot to cover up sin

David was a king who had received the anointing of the Holy Spirit. However, from the moment he committed sin, the Holy Spirit departed from him. Until then, David had made wise decisions, but he began to act in completely foolish and unreasonable ways. Sin is a terrifying thing. One certain sin will lead to next greater sin. (1) David calls Uriah back from the battlefield. This is to make it appear as though Bathsheba’s pregnancy is the result of normal marital relations. (2) After David hears from Uriah about the situation on the battlefield, he then says, “Go down to your house, and wash your feet.” This was a commonly used expression of appreciation at the time. However, behind it was a conspiracy to cover up his sin. (3) A gift for a feast is given to Uriah. With this, Uriah was expected to stay at home for several days. However, things did not go as David had hoped.

Uriah a proselyte

Uriah was a Gentile (a Hittite), but he had converted to Judaism. The meaning of the name Uriah is “the Lord is my light.” (1) Uriah did not go home but slept near the gate of the king’s palace. (2) When David learned of this, he questioned Uriah, asking why he had not gone home. (3) Then Uriah answered as follows: “The ark and Israel and Judah are staying in temporary shelters, and my Lord Joab and the servants of my Lord are camping in the open field. Should I then go to my house to eat and drink and to sleep with my wife? By your life and the life of your soul, I will not do this thing.” (4) Next, David makes Uriah drunk with wine in an attempt to somehow get him to go home. This, too, is a sin. It was a scheme carried out to make Uriah break his vow. David had a faithful subordinate in Uriah. Could there be any greater blessing than that? However, Uriah’s very faithfulness became a burden and a nuisance to David. Anyone who feels that the blessings given by God are a bondage should immediately engage in self-reflection. Such a person cannot be said to be walking in the light.