David distinguishes himself as a man of compassion by showing continued mercy to the household of Saul. An heir of Jonathan's, Mephibosheth by name, was still living in the kingdom. David installs him in the palace and places the lands that belong to him by birthright under the care of a faithful manager.
Israel continues to battle against the enemies at her borders. God favors David with victory; and provides great encouragement to the nation in the process. However, David finds himself away from the place God would have him and as a result, he enters an adulterous relationship with the wife of a man employed in David's elite forces. When a pregnancy results, David attempts to cover his sin by bringing the soldier home and thus removing a question of paternity. The faithful soldier will not enjoy such a leave while his fellow soldiers are still in the battle field. David feels he has no choice in the matter but to have the soldier placed in a dangerous spot in the battlefield and his support withdrawn. It is no wonder that the soldier is soon reported to have died in battle. After an appropriate period of mourning, the widow soon joins David in the palace as his wife. Throughout all this, God is taking notice. David's actions do NOT please God.
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