2 Samuel 11:10-11
10 When they told David, “Uriah did not go down to his house,” David said to Uriah, “Have you not come from a journey? Why did you not go down to your house?” 11 Uriah said to David, “The ark and Israel and Judah dwell in booths, and my lord Joab and the servants of my lord are camping in the open field. Shall I then go to my house, to eat and to drink and to lie with my wife? As you live, and as your soul lives, I will not do this thing.”
Uriah was a righteous man, one of David's mighty warriors (2 Samuel 23:39). The contrast between David's selfish pursuit of pleasure and Uriah's self-control is tragically comic. David did not deny himself, did not consider how his actions would affect others, and fell into grievous sin. Uriah loved his wife (see 2 Samuel 12:3) but he denied himself the pleasure of her company and instead focused on what the Lord would want him to do. Despite the manipulations of David, he remained true to his word. Uriah was concerned about doing what was right, versus his own comfort and pleasure. He ultimately was betrayed and killed by David, but his life and example were pleasing to God.
God, help me to choose to do Your will, rather than choosing selfish pleasure.
10 When they told David, “Uriah did not go down to his house,” David said to Uriah, “Have you not come from a journey? Why did you not go down to your house?” 11 Uriah said to David, “The ark and Israel and Judah dwell in booths, and my lord Joab and the servants of my lord are camping in the open field. Shall I then go to my house, to eat and to drink and to lie with my wife? As you live, and as your soul lives, I will not do this thing.”
Uriah was a righteous man, one of David's mighty warriors (2 Samuel 23:39). The contrast between David's selfish pursuit of pleasure and Uriah's self-control is tragically comic. David did not deny himself, did not consider how his actions would affect others, and fell into grievous sin. Uriah loved his wife (see 2 Samuel 12:3) but he denied himself the pleasure of her company and instead focused on what the Lord would want him to do. Despite the manipulations of David, he remained true to his word. Uriah was concerned about doing what was right, versus his own comfort and pleasure. He ultimately was betrayed and killed by David, but his life and example were pleasing to God.
God, help me to choose to do Your will, rather than choosing selfish pleasure.