1 Kings 15:5
because David did what was right in the eyes of the LORD and did not turn aside from anything that he commanded him all the days of his life, except in the matter of Uriah the Hittite.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Even though David had a serious lapse in judgment with Bathsheba and Uriah, God's grace still acknowledged his lifelong devotion. The verse highlights that one sin, however grievous, doesn't automatically negate a history of obedience in God's eyes, while still holding him accountable for that specific failure.
This verse appears in the account of Asa, king of Judah, who is being contrasted with his predecessor, his father Abijam. While Abijam's reign was marked by sin, Asa's is praised for following God, but this praise is qualified by the example of King David. The text is highlighting that even a great king like David wasn't perfect, setting a nuanced standard for judging kings and their faithfulness.
We often remember David for his flaws, but Scripture also highlights his consistent walk with God. What does it truly mean to do 'what was right in the eyes of the LORD'?
The Bible doesn't paint a picture of perfect people, but of people who, by God's grace, strive to live in alignment with His will. For David, this meant:
Even the most devout can stumble. This verse points to one significant blemish on David's otherwise exemplary record. What does this singular exception reveal about sin's power?
The inclusion of David's sin with Bathsheba and Uriah isn't to excuse it, but to underscore the reality that even a man devoted to God can commit terrible wrongs.
Understand the original words
sur · Hebrew Verb
To deviate, depart, or stray from a path, moral standard, or divine commandment. It implies a conscious or wilful turning away from obedience to God.
mitsvah · Hebrew Noun
The authoritative instructions, requirements, or statutes given by God to His people. They represent His revealed will for how humanity should live in relation to Him and others.
This verse highlights that even a man as deeply devoted as David had a significant moral failing, showing that no one is perfect and that God's grace is needed by all, even His greatest servants.
c. 1010 BC
David Anointed King
Samuel anoints David as king over Israel, beginning his rise to power and eventual reign.
c. 1000 BC
David Captures Jerusalem
David conquers the Jebusite city of Jerusalem and establishes it as the capital of his united kingdom.
c. 990 BC— this verse
David's Sin with Bathsheba
David commits adultery with Bathsheba and orchestrates the death of her husband, Uriah the Hittite, a grievous sin.
c. 990 BC
Nathan Confronts David
The prophet Nathan confronts David about his sin, leading to David's repentance and God's forgiveness, though consequences remain.
c. 970 BC
David's Later Reign
This passage details the specific incident where David fell into sin with Bathsheba and Uriah, which is the exception mentioned in the verse. It highlights the contrast between his general faithfulness and this significant failure.
2 Samuel 12:1-14Here, the prophet Nathan confronts David about his sin. This shows God's response to David's transgression and David's subsequent repentance, underscoring the gravity of the 'matter of Uriah the Hittite.'
Psalm 51:1-19This psalm is David's prayer of repentance following his sin with Bathsheba and Uriah. It demonstrates the deep remorse and brokenness that resulted from his actions, even amidst a life otherwise devoted to God.
1 Kings 11:1-13This passage describes Solomon's later downfall due to foreign wives and idolatry, showing how even descendants of David, who was generally faithful, could stray significantly from God's commands.
Even though David had a serious lapse in judgment with Bathsheba and Uriah, God's grace still acknowledged his lifelong devotion. The verse highlights that one sin, however grievous, doesn't automatically negate a history of obedience in God's eyes, while still holding him accountable for that specific failure.
This verse appears in the account of Asa, king of Judah, who is being contrasted with his predecessor, his father Abijam. While Abijam's reign was marked by sin, Asa's is praised for following God, but this praise is qualified by the example of King David. The text is highlighting that even a great king like David wasn't perfect, setting a nuanced standard for judging kings and their faithfulness.
This verse appears in the account of Asa, king of Judah, who is being contrasted with his predecessor, his father Abijam. While Abijam's reign was marked by sin, Asa's is praised for following God, but this praise is qualified by the example of King David. The text is highlighting that even a great king like David wasn't perfect, setting a nuanced standard for judging kings and their faithfulness.
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Despite his sin, David continues to rule for many years, consolidating his kingdom and establishing lasting structures.
970 BC
Death of David
David dies after a long and influential reign, leaving a complex legacy of faith and failure.
"because David did what was right in the eyes of the LORD and did not turn aside from anything that he commanded him all the days of his life, except in the matter of Uriah the Hittite." — Even though David had a serious lapse in judgment with Bathsheba and Uriah, God's grace still acknowledged his lifelong devotion. The verse highlights that one sin, however grievous, doesn't automati…
