Quiz: 2 Samuel 11:1-5

And it came to pass, after the year was expired, at the time when kings go forth to battle, that David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the children of Ammon, and besieged Rabbah. But David tarried still at Jerusalem. And it came to pass in an eveningtide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king’s house: and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman was very beautiful to look upon. And David sent and inquired after the woman. And one said, Is not this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite? And David sent messengers, and took her; and she came in unto him, and he lay with her; for she was purified from her uncleanness: and she returned unto her house. And the woman conceived, and sent and told David, and said, I am with child.

2 Samuel 11:1-5

Questions

1. Where was David when he was tempted sexually?
2. What was David doing when he was tempted?
3. When was David tempted?
4. Through which of his senses was David tempted?
5. What is the first mistake that David made after seeing the woman washing herself?
6. What is the second mistake that David made?
7. What simple step could David have taken to avoid all of the sin and heartache that followed this incident?
8. What responsibility does Bathsheba have for David’s sin?

Answers

1. David was at home when he was tempted sexually. Temptation strikes anywhere.
2. David was minding his own business when he was tempted. Temptation strikes regardless of what you are doing.
3. David was tempted in the evening. Temptation strikes anytime, but particularly when you are tired, or alone, or both.
4. David was tempted through his eyes.
5. The first mistake that David made after seeing the woman washing herself is that he didn’t immediately look away. He looked long enough to discern that she was beautiful, something the first look wouldn’t have told him.
6. The second mistake that David made was taking things further by inquiring after the woman. He should have forgotten the incident.
7. The simple step that David could have taken to avoid all of the sin and heartache that followed this incident was to turn around and walk back downstairs the moment he spotted Bathsheba washing herself.
8. Bathsheba bears no responsibility for David’s sin. We don’t know enough about the circumstances to lay any blame at her feet. David’s sin is his alone. He cannot point the finger at Bathsheba. David is responsible for taking the second look, for inflaming his lust, for asking after the woman, and for committing adultery with her.