An old proverb reads: “An idle mind is the devil’s workshop.” Solomon wrote: “If a man is lazy, the rafters sag; if his hands are idle, the house leaks.” As David’s story turns from success to failure, these words often come to mind.
Throughout David’s story, the writer has emphasized the presence of God, the success of David, and that David’s success is due entirely to the Lord (at least ten specific references thus far in David’s story). God gave David success, but David had to work. When he quit working, he got in trouble. Joab knows David is being lazy, and that the kingdom is in trouble. That’s why, though Joab’s army is within reach of victory, he calls for David to come take over. The kingdom depends on a proactive king. When David comes back to work, the success returns.
David’s sin with Bathsheba is not just ordinary adultery. It was greed. God had given David everything, but it wasn’t enough. It was an attempt to supplant God. If David wanted more, God would have given it. But David didn’t want God to give it. He wanted to get it on his own. It was an insult to God, because David, the servant of the Lord had become a thief and a murderer and brought shame on the name of his God.
Sin has consequences, and they are not always but momentary. Sometimes, as in David’s case, they are far reaching. God intends it be that way, so that all will know how really despicable sin is in the sight of God. The next time you find your mind wandering, in idleness, to where it doesn’t need to go, get up and get about the Lord’s business.