11:18-21
Joab sent a messenger to David with news of the battle, and more specifically of the demise of Uriah. He carefully briefed the messenger, warning him of the likely response of David. An initial response of anger was to be expected, for putting men in the most dangerous position was not a wise thing to do. Moreover, past experience should have warned against it. The messenger was to say that Uriah the Hittite was dead, David would then be happy.
11:22-25
The messenger duly gave his account to David, finishing with the news that Uriah was dead. There is no record of David’s response prior to the news that Uriah was among the fallen. After the messenger has finished, David adopts a philosophical approach, essentially saying these things happen in war. Joab is not to worry, but to press on with the attack.
11:26,27
Bathsheba heard the news and mourned for her husband. Note that Bathsheba is not actually named in this latter part of the account, the emphasis is on David. He takes Bathsheba as (yet another) wife. This may have been out of desire, or out of a feeling of responsibility. Whatever the case, a son was born. “But the thing that David had done displeased the Lord”. God knew all that had been done, and He was displeased. This was the biggest problem that David faced.
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