Sunday School Lesson: Samuel Confronting King David Over His Sin with Bathsheba

Lesson Overview Scripture Reference: 2 Samuel 12:1-14

Main Theme: God’s justice and mercy; the consequences of sin; repentance and restoration.

1. Introduction to the Story Context: David's sin with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11).

David commits adultery with Bathsheba.

He arranges the death of her husband, Uriah.

Bathsheba becomes pregnant.

Setting the Scene: God sends the prophet Nathan to confront David.

2. Nathan’s Approach Nathan Tells a Parable (2 Samuel 12:1-7):

A rich man with many sheep takes the only lamb of a poor man.

David’s anger at the injustice leads to his own conviction.

Nathan declares, "You are the man!"

Lesson Takeaway: Sin often blinds us to our own faults. God uses His Word to bring us to awareness.

3. Confrontation and Accountability Nathan’s Reproof (2 Samuel 12:7-9):

God reminds David of His blessings: delivered from Saul, made king, and given Saul’s house.

David’s sin was not just against Bathsheba and Uriah, but against God.

The severity of David’s sin: He violated God's law and led others into sin.

Lesson Takeaway: Sin is never just a personal matter; it affects our relationship with God and others.

4. Consequences of David’s Sin Personal and National Consequences (2 Samuel 12:10-14):

David’s household will experience conflict (David’s children will turn against him):

• 3rd son Absalom will lead a revolt against an old King David (killed by Joab, see 1 Chronicles 3:1-2)

• 4th son Adonijah (2 Samuel 3:4) attempted to usurp the throne during the life of David (1 Kings 1:11ff). Solomon had him executed after being warned to remember his place in the line of succession per King David’s instruction regarding the crown. (1 Kings 1:32–35)

The child born to Bathsheba will die.

David's actions have a lasting impact on the nation.

Lesson Takeaway: Sin has consequences, and sometimes those consequences extend beyond the individual.

5. David’s Repentance David’s Confession (2 Samuel 12:13):

David acknowledges his sin: “I have sinned against the Lord.”

Nathan assures David that God has forgiven him.

Lesson Takeaway: True repentance involves acknowledging our sin, taking responsibility, and turning back to God.

6. God’s Mercy and Forgiveness God’s Response (2 Samuel 12:13-14):

David will not die because of his sin, but the child will.

God forgives David, but the consequences remain.

Lesson Takeaway: God’s mercy is greater than our sin, but there are still natural consequences for our actions.

7. Application for Our Lives Reflect on Our Own Sin:

What areas in our lives are we hiding from God? Are we ready to face our mistakes and repent?

The Power of Repentance:

God is always ready to forgive, but true repentance means changing our ways and seeking His help.

The Call to Accountability:

Do we have people in our lives who can lovingly call us out when we are wrong? Are we willing to listen?

8. Key Takeaways Sin’s Consequences Are Real: No matter how small or hidden, sin has far-reaching effects.

God Confronts Us Out of Love: Like Nathan, God will speak truth to us, even when it’s hard to hear.

Repentance Leads to Restoration: When we confess our sins, God is faithful to forgive and restore us.

God’s Mercy and Justice: While God is just, He is also merciful, offering forgiveness even when we deserve punishment.

9. Closing Prayer Pray for the strength to recognize and repent of sin in our lives, and for the grace to walk in God’s forgiveness.

Sunday School Lesson: The Story of King David and Bathsheba Theme: The Consequences of Sin and God's Mercy

Key Scripture: 2 Samuel 11-12

Introduction (5 minutes)

Briefly introduce King David as a man after God's own heart, a great king, but also a flawed human being.

Explain that today's lesson will focus on a significant event in David's life that teaches us important lessons about sin, repentance, and God's forgiveness.

Lesson Outline

I. David's Temptation and Sin (2 Samuel 11:1-5)

A. David's Idleness Leads to Temptation (2 Samuel 11:1-2)

Talking Point: While his army was at war, David remained in Jerusalem, leading to a dangerous period of inactivity. This highlights how idleness can open doors to temptation.

B. The Sight of Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11:2-3)

Talking Point: David saw Bathsheba bathing and was captivated by her beauty. This shows how external stimuli can trigger lust if not controlled.

C. David Inquires About Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11:3)

Talking Point: Despite knowing she was married, David actively sought more information about her, moving from observation to pursuit.

D. David Takes Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11:4-5)

Talking Point: David sent for Bathsheba and lay with her, resulting in her pregnancy. This was a clear act of adultery, abusing his power as king.

II. David's Attempt to Cover Up His Sin (2 Samuel 11:6-27)

A. Bringing Uriah Home (2 Samuel 11:6-9)

Talking Point: David tried to trick Uriah into going home to his wife, hoping to make it appear that Uriah was the father of Bathsheba's child.

B. Uriah's Loyalty and Integrity (2 Samuel 11:9-13)

Talking Point: Uriah, a man of great integrity, refused to enjoy comforts while his fellow soldiers were on the battlefield. His righteousness contrasts sharply with David's sin.

C. David's Deceptive Letter (2 Samuel 11:14-17)

Talking Point: David escalated his sin by sending a letter with Uriah, instructing Joab to place Uriah in the thick of battle to ensure his death. This act of pre-meditated murder was a dark stain on David's character.

D. Uriah's Death and Bathsheba's Mourning (2 Samuel 11:17-27)

Talking Point: Uriah was killed, and Bathsheba mourned his death. David then took Bathsheba as his wife, believing his secret was safe.

III. Nathan's Confrontation and David's Repentance (2 Samuel 12:1-15)

A. God Sends Nathan to David (2 Samuel 12:1)

Talking Point: God, who sees everything, did not allow David's sin to go unaddressed. He sent the prophet Nathan to confront David.

B. Nathan's Parable of the Rich Man and the Poor Man's Lamb (2 Samuel 12:1-4)

Talking Point: Nathan used a relatable story to help David see the injustice of his actions without initially revealing the direct accusation.

C. David's Righteous Indignation (2 Samuel 12:5-6)

Talking Point: David's anger at the rich man in the parable demonstrates his capacity for justice, highlighting the irony of his own grave sin.

D. Nathan's Direct Accusation (2 Samuel 12:7-9)

Talking Point: Nathan boldly declared, "You are the man!" exposing David's sin and reminding him of God's blessings and David's ingratitude.

E. Consequences Announced (2 Samuel 12:10-12)

Talking Point: Nathan prophesied the severe consequences of David's sin: trouble within his own household, public humiliation, and the death of the child born from the affair.

F. David's Confession (2 Samuel 12:13a)

Talking Point: David immediately confessed, "I have sinned against the Lord." This humble admission is a crucial turning point, showing genuine repentance.

G. God's Forgiveness and Continued Consequences (2 Samuel 12:13b-15)

Talking Point: While God forgave David's sin, the announced consequences, including the death of the child, would still come to pass. This teaches us that while God forgives, our actions often have natural consequences.

IV. The Consequences and God's Mercy (2 Samuel 12:15-25)

A. The Child's Illness and Death (2 Samuel 12:15-18)

Talking Point: The child became ill and died, fulfilling Nathan's prophecy. David's intense mourning shows his pain and understanding of the consequence.

B. David's Acceptance and Worship (2 Samuel 12:19-20)

Talking Point: After the child's death, David's response was to worship God, demonstrating his faith and acceptance of God's will, even in sorrow.

C. God's Continued Blessing (2 Samuel 12:24-25)

Talking Point: Despite his sin, God showed mercy to David and Bathsheba by blessing them with another son, Solomon, through whom the Messiah would eventually come. This highlights God's grace and redemptive power.

Conclusion and Application (5-10 minutes)

Review Key Takeaways:

Sin has serious consequences, even for those who are close to God.

Idleness and unchallenged temptation can lead to grave sin.

Trying to cover up sin only makes it worse.

God sees everything and will bring hidden sins to light.

Genuine confession and repentance lead to God's forgiveness.

Even when forgiven, there can still be natural consequences to our actions.

God's mercy and grace are abundant, even in the face of our failures.

Discussion Questions:

What can we learn from David's mistakes to avoid similar pitfalls in our own lives?

Why is it important to confess our sins to God immediately?

How does this story show us both God's justice and His mercy?

Prayer: Lead a prayer acknowledging God's holiness, confessing our own tendency to sin, and thanking Him for His forgiveness and grace.