Victim of Treachery 2 Samuel 11 Uriah Victim of Treachery 2 Samuel 11 Tonight’s lesson is taken from the text of 2 Samuel 11 I seldom read this lengthy of a text, but I think it best tonight, to get the whole context Keep in mind that most of the lessons on 2 Samuel 11 emphasize the adultery between David and Bathsheba, and the consequences of David’s sin In our reading, I want you to note the actions of Uriah, and his treatment at the hands of the king. (2 Samuel 11) READ ENTIRE CHAPTER PM: Uriah (2 Samuel 11) [Most of the time, the narrative is focused on David and Bathsheba, but in this lesson I will discuss Uriah the Hittite, victimized by David’s treachery. Defrauded, deceived, clueless, murdered, mourned. But, faithful to his king, and avenged by God.]

Uriah (Victim of Treachery) Uriah’s actions were praiseworthy (9-11, 13) Luke 17:7-10; 1 Corinthians 4:1-4 Uriah’s actions were praiseworthy (8-13) READ As a faithful soldier in David’s army, Uriah’s refusal to take advantage of the comforts of home while his fellow soldiers were in danger… an attitude worthy of praise! (Luke 17: 7-10), “And which of you, having a servant plowing or tending sheep, will say to him when he has come in from the field, “Come at once and sit down to eat’? 8 But will he not rather say to him, “Prepare something for my supper, and gird yourself and serve me till I have eaten and drunk, and afterward you will eat and drink’? 9 Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I think not. 10 So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.’” Though you might think that Uriah was overzealous, surely you can see how such a dedicated servant of the king would think as Uriah did! As an application: How diligent are we as servants of Christ? (1 Corinthians 4:1-4), “Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful. 3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by a human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. 4 For I know of nothing against myself, yet I am not justified by this; but He who judges me is the Lord.” We should always and only be concerned with whether our actions please our Lord (one be found faithful Unprofitable servants PM: Uriah (2 Samuel 11) [Most of the time, the narrative is focused on David and Bathsheba, but in this lesson I will discuss Uriah the Hittite, victimized by David’s treachery. Defrauded, deceived, clueless, murdered, mourned. But, faithful to his king, and avenged by God.]

Uriah (Victim of Treachery) Uriah’s actions were praiseworthy (9-11, 13) Luke 17:7-10; 1 Corinthians 4:1-4 Integrity is not always rewarded in this life (6-8, 14-15) Psalm 140:4-5; Revelation 2:10 Integrity is not always rewarded in this life The king obviously had called Uriah to cover up his own sin. Bathsheba was pregnant, and Uriah had been away in battle. He wanted Uriah to have relations with Bathsheba David’s was devious regarding his intent in calling for Uriah (6-8) READ David purposefully got Uriah drunk in the hope his integrity in this would be impacted by his drunkenness (Why? Because it works!) (cf. Proverbs 31:4-5), [the words of King Lemuel’s mother], “It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, Nor for princes intoxicating drink; 5 Lest they drink and forget the law, and pervert the justice of all the afflicted.” But, it didn’t work this time. And so, David hid his sin by having Uriah killed (this was murder!) (14-15) READ We need to learn that there is no promise of justice in this life! (Psalm 140:4-5), [A Psalm of David, consider his mistreatment by Saul, and his own Son Absalom], “Keep me, O Lord, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from violent men, who have purposed to make my steps stumble. 5 The proud have hidden a snare for me, and cords; they have spread a net by the wayside; they have set traps for me.” (Revelation 2:10a), “Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days…”

Uriah (Victim of Treachery) Uriah’s actions were praiseworthy (9-11, 13) Luke 17:7-10; 1 Corinthians 4:1-4 Integrity is not always rewarded in this life (6-8, 14-15) Psalm 140:4-5; Revelation 2:10 God promises justice in the end! (27; 12:10-14) 2 Thessalonians 1:6-8; Revelation 2:10 God promises justice in the end! Consider that despite David’s efforts, and his ability to have Uriah killed, he did not escape the consequences of his actions! (27) READ (12:10-14), [Nathan’s conversation with David], “Now therefore, the sword shall never depart from your house, because you have despised Me, and have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your wife.’ 11 Thus says the Lord: ‘Behold, I will raise up adversity against you from your own house; and I will take your wives before your eyes and give them to your neighbor, and he shall lie with your wives in the sight of this sun. 12 For you did it secretly, but I will do this thing before all Israel, before the sun.’ ” 13 So David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.” And Nathan said to David, “The Lord also has put away your sin; you shall not die. 14 However, because by this deed you have given great occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme, the child also who is born to you shall surely die.” We know that in the end, the Lord will avenge us when we are wronged (2 Thessalonians 1:6-8), “since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, 7 and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, 8 in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Revelation 2:10b), “Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.”

God rewards and avenges the righteous! Conclusion Uriah was a victim of David’s treachery He was defrauded, deceived and murdered, but David’s treachery was uncovered, and God dealt with his sin. God rewards and avenges the righteous! Uriah was a victim of David’s treachery He was defrauded, deceived and murdered, but David’s treachery was uncovered, and God dealt with his sin. God rewards and avenges the righteous!