2 Samuel 12:12 For thou didst it secretly: but I will do this thing before all Israel, and before the sun.
The story of David and Bathsheba in II Samuel 11 is a powerful lesson on the consequences of secret sin. David, who was blessed by God and held in high esteem, went into a deep sin that had far-reaching effects on his life and kingdom.
David, staying back while his mighty men, including Uriah, fought battles, saw Bathsheba bathing. Consumed by lust, he brought her to the palace, committing adultery with her. When Bathsheba informed David she was pregnant, he tried to cover his sin by bringing Uriah home, hoping he would sleep with his wife and think the child was his. Uriah, loyal and honorable, refused to enjoy the comforts of home while his fellow soldiers were in battle. In a desperate move, David arranged for Uriah’s death by placing him in the front lines of battle, effectively committing murder.
In Chapter 12, God sends Nathan to confront David. Nathan tells David a parable about a rich man who took a poor man’s only lamb, stirring David’s anger. Nathan then reveals that David is that rich man. God reminds David of all the blessings He had given him, and how David’s sin showed his ungratefulness.
“And Nathan said to David, Thou art the man. Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, I anointed thee king over Israel, and I delivered thee out of the hand of Saul; And I gave thee thy master’s house, and thy master’s wives into thy bosom, and gave thee the house of Israel and of Judah; and if that had been too little, I would moreover have given unto thee such and such things.” (II Samuel 12:7-8)
The Consequences of Secret Sin
1. Ungratefulness to God
Secret sin reveals our ungratefulness to God. Despite God’s abundant blessings, David’s actions showed a lack of appreciation for what God had given him. He forfeited future blessings by choosing sin over obedience. God had blessed David immensely, yet he chose to seek what was not his, showing ingratitude.
2. Bringing Evil into Our House
David’s sin brought evil into his own house. In verse 11, God says:
“Thus saith the Lord, Behold, I will raise up evil against thee out of thine own house, and I will take thy wives before thine eyes, and give them unto thy neighbour, and he shall lie with thy wives in the sight of this sun.”
This prophecy was fulfilled as Absalom, David’s son, rebelled against him and took his father’s concubines publicly. Additionally, Ahithophel, Bathsheba’s grandfather, turned against David, further bringing turmoil to David’s house.
3. Blasphemy from the Enemies of God
Secret sin causes the enemies of God to blaspheme. Nathan told David in verse 14:
“Howbeit, because by this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme, the child also that is born unto thee shall surely die.”
David’s actions gave God’s enemies a reason to mock and scorn. When believers enter into sin, it tarnishes God’s name and gives non-believers ammunition to criticize the Lord.
4. The Cost to Our Children
David’s sin also cost him the life of his child with Bathsheba. In the end of chapter 12, we see the tragic consequence as the child dies. Our secret sins can have devastating effects on our children, not only physically but spiritually. When parents live in hidden sin, children often see it, and it can spiritually damage them, leading them away from God.
The story of David and Bathsheba is a sobering reminder of the consequences of secret sin. It reveals our ungratefulness to God, brings evil into our own homes, causes God’s enemies to blaspheme, and can have devastating effects on our children.
Let us strive to live in the light, confessing our sins, and seeking God’s forgiveness, so that we may continue to receive His blessings and protect our families from the consequences of hidden sin.
