What happened to King David was tragic. He was in his prime, a bit over 50. He had ruled as king for around 20 years and had known nothing but success. His future could not have been brighter.
Then came Bathsheba. We read in 2 Samuel 11:1-2, “In the spring of the year, the time when kings go out to battle, David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel. And they ravaged the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David remained at Jerusalem.”
This was the time of year that kings led their troops into battle. The spring meant great weather, plenty of food for animals and soldiers, and travel on dry roads. King David should have been with his men, but he remained home alone. What was he doing? 2 Sam. 11:2a says, “It happened, late one afternoon, when David arose from his couch…” He was taking it easy, napping, laying around, and basically wasting time. It was while he was idle he fell into temptation.
One of the great ways to beat temptation is to stay busy. If David had been busy he would not have given in to temptation. Idleness is the devil’s workshop. Have you noticed that standing water gathers filth? One of the best ways to beat temptation is to simply be where you’re supposed to be, doing what your supposed to do with all your might for the glory of God.
