David Temporarily Becomes Agent of Satan

Heretofore David's record as a ruler had won the confidence of the nation. But as he departed from God, he became for the time the agent of Satan. Yet he still held the authority that God had given him, and because of this, claimed obedience that would imperil the soul of him who should yield it. Joab, whose allegiance had been given to the king rather than to God, transgressed God's law because the king commanded it.EP 521.4

When David commanded that which was contrary to God's law, it became sin to obey. “The powers that be are ordained of God” (Romans 13:1), but we are not to obey them contrary to God's law. The apostle Paul sets forth the principle by which we should be governed: “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 11:1.EP 522.1

An account of the execution of his order was sent to David, but so carefully worded as not to implicate either Joab or the king. “Thy servant Uriah the Hittite is dead.”EP 522.2

The king's answer was, “Thus shalt thou say unto Joab, Let not this thing displease thee, for the sword devoureth one as well another.”EP 522.3

Bathsheba observed the customary days of mourning for her husband, and at their close, “David sent and fetched her to his house, and she became his wife.” He who would not, even when in peril of his life, put forth his hand against the Lord's anointed, had so fallen that he could wrong and murder one of his most faithful, valiant soldiers, and hope to enjoy undisturbed the reward of his sin.EP 522.4

Happy they who, having ventured in this way, learn how bitter are the fruits of sin, and turn from it. God in His mercy did not leave David to be lured to utter ruin by the deceitful rewards of sin.EP 522.5