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)
The verse highlights that even a man as profoundly righteous as David wasn't perfect, and his deviation—in the matter of Uriah—is specifically called out amidst his overall faithfulness. This shows God's precise justice; He acknowledges David's lifelong devotion while still holding him accountable for a significant transgression. It’s a powerful reminder that striving for righteousness doesn't mean reaching sinless perfection, but a committed heart that acknowledges wrongdoing.
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)
This verse explains why God's judgment on Jeroboam was justified, by contrasting him with King David. Unlike Jeroboam who led Israel into idolatry, David, despite one significant failure with Uriah, generally followed God's commands faithfully throughout his reign, earning God's favor. This sets David up as the ideal king against whom other kings are measured.
We often remember David for his triumphs and his failures. But what does Scripture say about the overall direction of his life?
This verse paints a powerful picture of David's commitment to God. It highlights that, for the most part, his life was characterized by faithfulness.
A Consistent Walk
This isn't to say David was perfect, but his primary orientation was toward pleasing God.
Even the most faithful lives have moments of deep failure. What can we learn from David's singular exception?
The verse doesn't gloss over David's significant sin. It acknowledges the one major blemish on his record: the matter of Uriah the Hittite.
Acknowledging the Flaw
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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 the tension in David's life: a man deeply devoted to God, yet capable of a profound moral failure. The consequence of his sin with Uriah echoed through his family and the kingdom, demonstrating that even God's chosen leaders are accountable.
c. 1010-970 BC— this verse
David's Reign as King
David ruled as the second king of the United Kingdom of Israel, unifying the tribes and establishing Jerusalem as the capital.
c. 1000 BC
David's Adultery with Bathsheba
During a time when kings normally went to war, David saw Bathsheba bathing, committed adultery with her, and then arranged for her husband, Uriah the Hittite, to be killed in battle.
c. 1000 BC
Nathan Confronts David
The prophet Nathan bravely confronts David about his sin, using a parable to make David realize the gravity of his actions.
c. 1000 BC
David's Repentance and Consequences
David repents, but God declares that the child born of Bathsheba will die, and that 'evil shall come upon you from your own household.'
c. 970 BC
Death of David
David dies after a long reign, leaving a complex legacy of faithfulness and a significant moral failure.
c. 970-931 BC
Reign of Solomon
David's son Solomon succeeds him, initially walking with God but later falling into idolatry, partly due to his many foreign wives.
This passage details David's grave sin with Bathsheba and Uriah, the very exception mentioned in the verse, highlighting the contrast between his general faithfulness and this specific failure.
2 Samuel 12:1-14Nathan the prophet confronts David about his sin with Bathsheba and Uriah, showing the severe consequences and God's response to David's transgression.
Psalm 51:1-19This psalm is David's prayer of repentance after his sin with Bathsheba, demonstrating his deep sorrow and longing for God's forgiveness and restoration, even amidst his overall righteousness.
1 Kings 11:4-6This passage describes Solomon, David's son, turning away from the Lord in his old age due to foreign wives, serving as a poignant example of how even those from a righteous lineage can falter.
The verse highlights that even a man as profoundly righteous as David wasn't perfect, and his deviation—in the matter of Uriah—is specifically called out amidst his overall faithfulness. This shows God's precise justice; He acknowledges David's lifelong devotion while still holding him accountable for a significant transgression. It’s a powerful reminder that striving for righteousness doesn't mean reaching sinless perfection, but a committed heart that acknowledges wrongdoing.
This verse explains why God's judgment on Jeroboam was justified, by contrasting him with King David. Unlike Jeroboam who led Israel into idolatry, David, despite one significant failure with Uriah, generally followed God's commands faithfully throughout his reign, earning God's favor. This sets David up as the ideal king against whom other kings are measured.
This verse explains why God's judgment on Jeroboam was justified, by contrasting him with King David. Unlike Jeroboam who led Israel into idolatry, David, despite one significant failure with Uriah, generally followed God's commands faithfully throughout his reign, earning God's favor. This sets David up as the ideal king against whom other kings are measured.
"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." — The verse highlights that even a man as profoundly righteous as David wasn't perfect, and his deviation—in the matter of Uriah—is specifically called out amidst his overall faithfulness. This shows G…
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Last reviewed October 2026