Fridays with David

Read 2 Samuel 11:6-11 – Then David sent to Joab, saying, “Send me Uriah the Hittite.” And Joab sent Uriah to David. When Uriah had come to him, David asked how Joab was doing, and how the people were doing, and how the war prospered. And David said to Uriah, “Go down to your house and wash your feet.” So Uriah departed from the king’s house, and a gift of food from the king followed him. But Uriah slept at the door of the king’s house with all the servants of his lord, and did not go down to his house. So when they told David, saying, “Uriah did not go down to his house,” David said to Uriah, “Did you not come from a journey? Why did you not go down to your house?” And Uriah said to David, “The ark and Israel and Judah are dwelling in tents, and my lord Joab and the servants of my lord are encamped in the open fields. Shall I then go to my house to eat and drink, and to lie with my wife? As you live, and as your soul lives, I will not do this thing.” (NKJV)

It’s war time and Uriah knows he is on duty. This warrior shows remarkable integrity by refusing to go home for one night while others are in the field. What a contrast with his king, who avoided battle altogether that season. Does Uriah have a sense of what the king is up to? Perhaps not. He is one of David’s mighty men and likely cannot understand why he has been called home. But regardless of whatever confusion he might feel, he acts on what is right. Uriah will go down in history as a hero who was abused by his leader, but a hero nonetheless. Uriah’s integrity is remarkable. He is determined to do what he knows is right, even though his leader encourages him to do otherwise. Can you live like that? Shouldn’t we? It’s so easy to take advantage of the shortcuts others are enjoying, but the root of righteousness is right, right? Had Uriah played along, he might have lived through the upcoming battle, but he would have ended up with a life far different than the one he had known. David’s sin had stolen his most valued treasure and had he taken advantage of the moment David gave him, he would have become a man he could no longer be proud to be. Sometimes cutting corners costs more when you don’t get caught.

– Dr. Mike Clarensau serves as Senior Director of the Healthy Church Network of the Assemblies of God.