2 Samuel 11:2

Arabic 2016 (الكِتاب المُقَدَّس: التَّرْجَمَةُ العَرَبِيَّةُ المُبَسَّطَةُ)

وَفِي المَسَاءِ، نَهَضَ مِنْ سَريرِهِ وَذَهَبَ يَمْشِي فَوْقَ سَطْحِ مَنْزِلِ المَلِكِ وَفيمَا هُوَ هُنَاكَ، رأى امْرأةً تَسْتَحِمُّ، وكَانَتْ جَمِيلَةً جدًّا.

What Does This Mean?

This verse describes David, the king, who was walking on the roof of his palace one evening. He saw a beautiful woman, Bathsheba, bathing, and was immediately attracted to her. It sets the stage for a series of morally complex events.

Explained for Children

Imagine you're playing on your roof at sunset and you see someone you find really pretty. You get a funny feeling in your tummy. That's what happened to King David, but it led to some big problems later on.

Historical Background

2 Samuel was written by multiple authors, including the prophet Nathan, around 930-850 BCE. It was written for the Israelites to reflect on the reign of King David and the establishment of the Davidic dynasty. The story takes place in a time where kings had significant power and influence.

Living It Out Today

In today's context, this verse reminds us to be cautious about our intentions and the consequences of our actions, especially when we're drawn to someone. It's a cautionary tale about power and responsibility.

Topics

• temptation
• power
• morality
• responsibility
• consequences
• sin

Related Verses

• Genesis 39:7-12
• 1 Kings 11:1-8
• Matthew 5:27-28
• 1 Corinthians 6:18
• 1 Timothy 5:22

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was David on the roof?

David was likely seeking a cool place to relax as the evening approached. Roofs in ancient times were often used as a place to cool off and observe the surroundings.

What was Bathsheba doing when David saw her?

Bathsheba was washing herself, which in the ancient Near East could be a private activity, but she was visible from David's vantage point on the roof.

What does this say about David's character?

This verse shows David's vulnerability to temptation and his failure to control his desires, highlighting a moment of weakness in an otherwise commendable leader.

Why is this story significant in the Bible?

This story illustrates the consequences of sin and the complexity of human nature, even for leaders who are considered to be favored by God.