“Lesson 05 - How Satan Distracted David”

Matthew Allen
01/02/12 - Spiritual Warfare

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Lesson 5

How Satan Distracted David

Introduction

David is the greatest of the kings of the Old Testament. Taking Israel to its highest point of glory, David’s forty years were an undeniable success. David conquered all the remaining territory that had yet to be taken when Israel entered Canaan’s land. He firmly established a capitol in Jerusalem. Most importantly, he guided Israel into the closest relationship with God they would ever have as a nation. His spiritual and political leadership brought Israel to the pinnacle of its existence.

David’s life is a case study in devotion to God. More pages of the Old Testament cover his story than any other character before Jesus. David leaps onto the scene in 1 Samuel 17 with an amazing story of faith, killing the Philistine champion Goliath. The rest of the pages of 1 Samuel are a testimony to David’s firm trust in God, perseverance, and grace as he runs from Saul who seeks to take his life. 2 Samuel is dedicated to David’s life as king, which showcases a man who lived by faith. We have also been given the book of Psalms, which shows David’s continual trust in God during times of great adversity, his heartfelt desire to worship God, and his immense sorrow and repentance after a season of sin.

Yet with the many victories, we find several examples of David’s setbacks and failures. While his sin with Bathsheba is the most well known, there were several other issues David confronted and handled unsuccessfully. These stories have been left for us with a clear purpose in mind. David, just like all the others inside God’s spiritual hall of fame, was a human being just like us. He was subject to all the distractions, discouragement, doubt, and disobedience that we are. David was not invincible and neither are we.

In this lesson we will look at three instances where Satan distracted David. As we seek to improve our spiritual life, let us resolve to learn from the mistakes of David. Just as Satan had success with him, so he can with us. Like David, let’s fully commit ourselves to drawing close to God. But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. I will sing to the LORD, because he has dealt bountifully with me, Psalm 13.5-6.

1 Samuel 27 - David flees to Philistia

Soon after David was anointed as the next king over Israel, Saul pressed him into service as the king’s armor bearer. The two soon became very close. So much so that the record says that Saul “loved” David, 16.21. Unfortunately, this warm relationship would soon cease as jealousy and resentment turned Saul against David.

The seeds of that resentment are planted in 1 Samuel 17 where the Bible records one of David’s greatest victories. Still in his mid-to-late teens and untested in military battle, David’s courage and faith in defeating Goliath inspired an entire nation. On the way home from his victory the people rejoiced. As they were coming home, when David returned from striking down the Philistine, the women came out of all the cities of Israel, singing and with tambourines, with songs of joy, and with musical instruments. And the women sang to one another as they celebrated, ‘Saul has struck down his thousands, and David his ten thousands,’ 1 Samuel 18.6-7. This did not set well with Saul. In fact, the biblical record tells us Saul became very angry and from that day on he eyed David, 18.8-9.

This set up a very tumultuous period for David. The tests of life always come after the greatest of spiritual victories. Over the next few years David is subjected to constant stress as Saul seeks to take his life. David exhibits great faith during this period, but as time progresses, the weight of the stress begins to take its toll. In 1 Samuel 26 David demonstrates great faith in sparing the life of Saul, when he could have clearly killed him. But then his faith wanes.

As chapter 27 begins, he appears to be in the midst of a very “low” moment. Then David said in his heart, ‘Now I shall perish one day by the hand of Saul. There is nothing better for me than that I should escape to the land of the Philistines. Then Saul will despair of seeking me any longer within the borders of Israel, and I shall escape out of his hand,’ 1 Samuel 27.1. David makes the decision to take his wives, household, and six hundred fighting men to Achish in the land of the Philistines. These sixteen months are dark days in the life of David. Much of his conduct during this time cannot be condoned. While dwelling with the enemy, darkness began to have its effects on him.

During this time, David launched raids toward the south against enemies that would have been common to both Philistia and Israel. He attacked Canaanite people who had not been removed during Israel’s conquest of the land. These actions would have incurred the favor of the Israelites who lived in southern Judah. After killing all the people, he would bring home the spoil for his men and the Philistines. Doing this, David deceptively won over the trust of Achish, who thought he was more of a servant than he really was. David purposely gave him misleading reports – indicating that his raids were against Israelite territory. Achish thought that David had “made himself an utter stench to his people Israel; therefore he shall always be my servant,” 27.12.

Strikingly absent from 1 Samuel 27-30 is David’s seeking God for guidance. This stands in contrast to what we read in chapters 23-24. Despite Samuel’s anointing, the statements by Jonathan, and one of his wives, David believed that if he remained in Israel, Saul would kill him. It was during this “low” moment in life that Satan entered and attacked. Had he remained in Israel, rather than taking matters upon himself, he would not have experienced some of the problems he encountered while living in Philistia. Much of what we see in this part of David’s life can simply be attributed to a weakness in not trusting God.

2 Samuel 11 - David’s Sin With Bathsheba

2 Samuel 1-10 covers the first half of David’s reign as king over Israel. Working with the blessing of God, David had great conquests and elevated Israel to a level of prominence. He defeated the Philistines and subdued them. Equally impressive, he subdued Edom, making the entire nation servants to Israel. 2 Samuel 8.14 says the Lord gave victory to David wherever he went. These were good times for David. He was blessed by God and well respected by the people. He executed justice throughout the land and promoted the ways of God, 8.15b.

Chapter 11 is the pivot point with the story of David. After these events took place, David’s prominence and influence as a leader began a steady descent until his death. While David never turned his back on God, the grave consequences that resulted from his sin impacted not only him, but the lives of countless others. How did the forces of darkness distract David with Bathsheba?

The opening part of 11.1 should not go unnoticed. By staying in Jerusalem, David was neglecting the responsibilities associated with being king. During this time, leading troops into battle was one of the great expectations of rulers. But yet, here is David, at home, alone, vulnerable to temptation. The greatest challenges we face usually come, not when we are busy, but during moments of inaction. That is certainly the case here. Had David been where he should have been, out on the battlefield, this sin most certainly would not have happened.

David saw Bathsheba bathing, dwelt on his desires, and acted upon them. Very beautiful, 11.2, comes from a word that describes someone of “striking physical appearance.” David may have inadvertently noticed a woman bathing, but he did not have to keep watching and thus excite his lust. We know the story and the consequences of this “one night stand” had far more ramifications than he could have ever imagined. Now David is forced to try to cover up his sin. Calling Uriah, Bathsheba’s husband, off the battlefield, David must have figured he had an easy plan to cover his sin. Only thing is, it didn’t work. Growing more desperate, next David attempted to get Uriah drunk, hoping that in that condition he would return home to his wife. This didn’t work either. Now, David’s brazen rebellion to God’s will comes out clearly with his third attempt to cover his sin. David sent Uriah out to the battle-line where he knew Uriah would be killed. “It was ironic that David, the protector of justice, would so pervert justice in the Uriah-Bathsheba incident.”^?1

After David had Uriah killed, he tried to console Joab who had followed the king’s orders in sending Bathsheba’s husband into a battle where the outcome would be obvious, 11.25. Once Uriah was eliminated, David finishes the final act of covering his sin, he takes Bathsheba for his wife, 11.27. His taking her in was not some “benevolent act” by the great king toward a grieving widow. In the original language the phrase brought her to his house, literally says, ‘sent and collected her’ and emphasizes the abuse of royal power that David felt no problem with exercising.

Here, we can easily see how darkness overpowered David. Lust and sexual sin has been the downfall of many a man. In fact, no person is immune. Admitting this fact is the first step in dealing with the problem, 1 Corinthians 10.12. If we are to be successful in fighting this sin, we must run from it. David stalled, kept looking, and acted. A few impulsive moments and one night of frivolity cost him everything. It resulted in needless death and continual family problems.

About one year passes between the events of 2 Samuel 11 and 12. While David successfully covered his sin from those around him, this did not go unnoticed by God. Psalm 32.3-4 gives us insight to the internal struggles David experienced during this time.  This was not a time full of joy for David. He could not escape the truth of what he had done, no matter how hard he tried. See Psalm 51. While David’s confession and repentance were genuine, the consequences of his sin could not be taken away. The forces of spiritual darkness now distracted David for the remainder of his reign as king.

2 Samuel 13 - David’s Absentee Fatherhood

It could be said that David was an absentee father.  While he had numerous wives and concubines which gave him many children, there were many things in his life that took his attention away from events at home. There were numerous things distracting him – wars; commerce; building projects; treaty negotiations; entertaining; and judging. At end of the day he had little time to spend with his children.

With some of the events in 2 Samuel 13 we are left to wonder if David was passive in his parenting style. Was his head somewhere else? Could David be accused of letting his kids raise themselves? In 13.14, David’s son Amnon rapes his sister Tamar.  When he was made aware of what happened, David was very angry, 13.21. But this is the only reference to his feelings on the matter. Any demonstration of parental authority and discipline is left out of the biblical record.

There are many important lessons for New Testament Christians to consider here. Pleasant and prosperous lives have caused many parents to be passive in their approach to discipline. The pursuit of happiness and material things has moved to the top of our priorities. The things of this world can never replace godly, hands-on leadership, and discipline inside the home. Even though David provided wonderful blessings for his family, an immaculate palace and everything money could buy, things could not solve the relationships of their home. What a nightmare of a palace this must have been! David’s dysfunctional family can be seen in the later chapters of 2 Samuel:

• After Amnon raped Tamar, Absalom hated Amnon, not even speaking to him for two years. Eventually Absalom had Amnon assassinated, 13.24-39.
• In 2 Samuel 15, Absalom tried to overthrow the throne of David.
• In 16.21-22 Absalom, who killed his brother for rape, publicly raped David’s wives, and almost succeeded in overthrowing his father from the throne.
• In 18.1-18 Absalom dies by the hand of Joab, David’s general.
• 1 Kings 1-2 - On David’s deathbed one of his other sons, Adonijah, tries to take the throne by force, and David has to have Solomon anointed quickly to prevent it.

Had David been on top of matters in his household – things might have turned out much differently.

Conclusion

Never underestimate the power of darkness to penetrate your life in ways you cannot imagine. Satan attacks in the dark and lonely moments of our life as well as inside our families. Never let your guard down. Don’t give into the voices that say you are invincible, 2 Corinthians 10.12.

Satan’s goal is to knock you off course with constant distractions. If he can turn your attention off of God and move your focus to yourself then he will get the upper hand. Never take your eyes off the prize or off Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, Hebrews 12.1-2.

Questions for Discussion:

1. Why does David go to Philistia?
2. What is significant about his decision?  Describe David’s emotional condition.
3. Where does David reside while in Philistia? For how long?
4. Why would Achish have been so eager to have David in Philistia?
5. What are your thoughts about David’s conduct while in Philistia?
6. Is there anything significant about David’s location at the beginning of 2 Samuel 11? Did this play a role in David’s sin? How? Are there any modern applications?
7. What are some ways we can fight lustful thoughts?
8. Do you think David started his day with the intention of sinning in the way he did?
9. Speculate about how David may have justified his desire and actions in the moments leading up to the sin with Bathsheba.
10. How does David attempt to cover his sin?
11. Describe the character of Uriah.
12. How does David eliminate Uriah?
13. What happened to the baby that was conceived?
14. How do distractions get in the way of spiritual responsibilities?
15. What consequences come about when parents fail to discipline and set the proper example for their children?
16. List three ways parents can guard against being distracted from their duties toward their kids.

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¹ Constable T. (2012). Notes of 2 Samuel. Retrieved January 2, 2012 from: http://www.soniclight.com/constable/notes/pdf/2samuel.pdf

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