Adultery

David in Sin

For many people in today's world, the importance of sin as a concept is gradually eroding. Some dismiss any belief in sin as a quaint notion left over from a bygone era. Others accept the reality of sin, but deny or ignore their own sins. Still others use sin as an opportunity for entertainment, delighting in the exposure of others caught in sin, or even parading their own moral failures before a prying public.

For King David, there was ultimately only one way to deal with sin: face it, confess it, and be forgiven. Psalm 51 shows him doing precisely that. In total contrast to the pretense of confession practiced by so many today, David's prayer expresses utter brokenness.

What exactly was the sin to which David was admitting? The Bible tells us plainly that he committed adultery with Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah the Hittite, and that when she became pregnant David tried in vain to cover his sin, eventually engineering Uriah's death (2 Sam. 11). Yet Psalm 51 does not mention the adultery, and it only touches upon the murder (51:14). Instead, the main transgression confessed is, “Against You, You only have I sinned, and done this evil in Your sight” (51:4).

David was not evading responsibility for the sexual immorality and murder, but he recognized that ultimately sin is an offense against a holy, righteous God. Even when other people are hurt by our sins, it is God whose standards have been violated. Thus, while sinners owe apologies and restitution to people, they owe contrite confession to God. He alone is able to forgive sins (Mark 2:7).

The Bible is extraordinarily realistic. Its account is not filled with “super saints” whose perfection we must admire from a distance. Instead, it presents the lives of real people and makes a full disclosure of their failings. It does this for our instruction and growth—we who also struggle with sin, imperfection, and doubt.

God helped David. He desires to help you, too. What sins do you need to confess to Him right now, in order to find His forgiveness and restoration?

The Ordeal of Jealousy

What does a spouse do when the marriage partner breaks faith in the relationship? What can other believers do to address the wrong which has been done and see that justice is accomplished?

In the case of an Israelite's wife suspected of adultery, the Law acknowledged the pain of the offended spouse (Num. 5:14). It recognized the destructive potential of jealousy. So it instructed an offended husband to bring his wife before the priest, who in turn would “set her before the Lord” (5:15–16), who was the only One to be trusted to properly detect the sin.

It's interesting to note the sensitivity involved in the ritual for determining guilt or innocence. Rather than placing the woman before a crowded, noisy room of hostile examiners or curious spectators, she was brought quietly before the Lord. There the priest placed her under oath and gave her a drink of “bitter water” by which the Lord would assess and judge her guilt or innocence.

The implication is clear: people are not likely to exhibit much justice when they are hurt, angry, or jealous. Those feelings are understandable, especially if a spouse has been unfaithful. But wounded love usually tempts a person to vengeance rather than justice. Ultimately, revenge belongs only to a holy, righteous God. Only He can be trusted to mete out an absolutely fair punishment (Deut. 32:35–39; Rom. 12:19).

Like the Law, Jesus counseled a wise, sensitive approach in dealing with sin among believers. He cautioned His followers to privately confront an alleged offender rather than creating a public spectacle. Great care should be taken to assess guilt or innocence. And always the driving spirit behind any inquiry needs to be the restoration of the sinner and reconciliation in the relationship between offender and offended (see Matt. 18:15–22).

For more on this topic, see POLITICAL SCANDAL, “Scandal and Cover-Up”. RAPE, “Unbridled Sexual Passion,”.