David´s Mistake

The news of Saul´s death spread and they come to the ears of David who is to be proclaimed as the new King and ruler. He declares a time of mourning and lamentation not forgetting who he was and the intentions he always had. And in his wisdom he produces reflection on others: “Ye daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you in scarlet, with other delights, who put on ornaments of gold upon your apparel (Samuel book 2, chapter 1).” He was an honorable man and he would go no further to hurt the memory of Saul for his death was more than enough for David, who had been threatened by the man. Saul´s son becomes king of Israel but when he dies, the people ask David to be their king, and he accepts moving the capital of the reign to Jerusalem.

The reign of King David is followed by a variety of blessings and victories. He beat the host of Philistines under Gods will and reigned as the LORD wished and asked. In reward the LORD gives David and his house a demonstration of his conformity, which David praises exceedingly. ”And let thy name be magnified forever, saying, The LORD of hosts is the God over Israel: and let the house of thy servant David be established before thee. For thou, O LORD of hosts, God of Israel, hast revealed to thy servant, saying, I will build thee an house: therefore hath thy servant found in his heart to pray this prayer unto thee. And now, O Lord GOD, thou art that God, and thy words be true, and thou hast promised this goodness unto thy servant: Therefore now let it please thee to bless the house of thy servant, that it may continue forever before thee: for thou, O Lord GOD, hast spoken it: and with thy blessing let the house of thy servant be blessed for ever (Samuel book 2, chapter 7).” God had promised his descendants would build a temple for him, that his throne would be forever occupied by his people, and that his family would always have his mercy. This is a symbol of prosperity, almost as if he was naming David a material representation of himself in the earth. His linage would live forever under the favor of the God that had freed the Israelites and that now was taking them to prosperity.

In the midst of all this, the bible reminds us of how David is a mere mortal far from perfect, and of how also he can make mistakes in his life. He falls in love with another woman and commits adultery with her, and furthermore he is responsible for her husband’s murder so that he could have her as his own. This was a great mistake and treason to his wife and his God. Lord decides to forgive him but not for free, for he warns David that problems would emerge in his house as a consequence.

We are all mortals and we are all weak. Every single one of us has made and still makes mistakes. God doesn’t take into account the intentions we had but the action, and although he may be merciful and he always forgives as it sais on the bible, the price for his forgiveness is high. Every sin we commit we pay for with suffering at some point in our lives, so whatever we do will eventually turn back on us. We should strive to do good to have good turn back to us, and avoid evil for evil always comes back, and its generally worst on us.