Chapter 5: The Cover-Up

Joab sent a messenger to David with the battle report. So Joab gave the messenger specific instructions: if the king becomes angry about the losses, tell him Uriah the Hittite is also dead.

The messenger arrived and delivered the report. When he mentioned Uriah's name, David did not flinch.

DAVID“Say this to Joab: do not let this upset you. The sword devours one as well as another. Press the attack and destroy the city.”— 2 Samuel 11:25

The sword devours one as well as another. As if Uriah's death was random. As if it were war and not murder.

Bathsheba heard that her husband was dead and mourned him. When the mourning period ended, David sent for her and brought her into the palace as his wife. She bore him a son.

To everyone watching, it looked like a king showing kindness to a fallen soldier's widow. The secret was buried. No one suspected.

But David was not at peace. Later he would write that while he kept silent, his strength was draining away, and God's hand felt heavy upon him day and night.

But the silence was not agreement.

NARRATOR“But the thing David had done displeased the Lord.”— 2 Samuel 11:27