When we compare David’s sin with Bathsheba in 2 Samuel 11 with James’ words in 1:14-15 where he says, “each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.” We notice that James uses the word “enticed” which means to be entrapped; it is our own fleshly desires that entrap us. We can see the same blueprint of sin here with David:
Vs. 1bIdleness: “In the spring, at the time when kings go off to war…David remained in Jerusalem.” Springtime in our country signifies the start of the baseball season but in Israel it signifies the start of the battle season. It was too cold to fight in the winter so they would go back and rest up for the spring time battles. David’s act to distribute the kindness of God may have played a part in his decision to stay at home when the battle was not finished.
Hey saint God has not designed you and me to be spectators, when we become spectators instead of participants we get into trouble. Consider the twin cities of Sodom and Gomorrah: what do you suppose was their sin? Well most if not all would say sexual immorality but according to scripture in Ezekiel 16:49 “this was the iniquity of your sister Sodom: She and her daughter had pride, fullness of food, and abundance of idleness; neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy.” Sexual immorality is where these cities ended up but clearly they were blessed with full provisions, lots of time and instead of being a blessing kicked back and took it easy which led to sin.
Idleness is not just inactivity it is activity without purpose and such Idleness will lead to a troubled heart. Remaining in Jerusalem is not automatically a problem as you will recall that Mephibosheth found strength and refuge in Jerusalem at the kings table. But I suggest that the king’s table is a far different place than the kings roof pacing back and forth. The Ammonites lay defeated but not destroyed, subdued but not in subjection. As such our fleshly passions can trick us so that we will not go out and destroy the areas of our lives that seek to conquer us. The truth is David was safer on the battlefield than he was on his own roof!
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