2 Samuel 11:2
And it came to pass in an eveningtide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king's house: and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman was very beautiful to look upon.
2 Samuel 11:2 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from 2 Samuel 11:2 describes a pivotal moment in the life of King David, a key figure in the Bible. The mention of "eveningtide" sets the scene for the story unfolding. As David walked on the roof of his palace, he caught sight of a woman bathing and was immediately struck by her beauty. This woman was Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah the Hittite, one of David's loyal soldiers. This moment of temptation marked the beginning of a chain of events that would have significant repercussions for David and his kingdom. It led to David committing adultery with Bathsheba and eventually orchestrating the death of her husband to cover up his sin. This verse serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of succumbing to temptation and the consequences of straying from God's commandments. It also highlights the vulnerability of even the most righteous individuals when they allow themselves to be led astray by their desires.
Theological Overview
From a theological perspective, this verse from 2 Samuel 11:2 focuses on the story of David and Bathsheba, a narrative that highlights the consequences of David's sinful actions. The phrase "eveningtide" symbolizes the darkness that was to come in David's life as he strayed from God's path. The fact that David was lounging on his bed instead of actively engaged in his duties as king suggests a sense of complacency and idleness. Walking on the roof of the king's house was a breach of privacy and authority, indicative of David's pride and arrogance. The mention of the beautiful woman bathing signifies the temptation that David would soon face, leading to adultery and ultimately the murder of Bathsheba's husband. Through word studies, "very beautiful to look upon" emphasizes the physical allure of Bathsheba, enticing David to sin. This verse serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of lust, pride, and the importance of remaining faithful to God's commandments.
2 Samuel 11:2 in other translations
American Standard Version
And it came to pass at eventide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king's house: and from the roof he saw a woman bathing; and the woman was very beautiful to look upon.
World English Bible
At evening, David arose from his bed and walked on the roof of the king’s house. From the roof, he saw a woman bathing; and the woman was very beautiful to look at.
Douay-Rheims
In the mean time it happened that David arose from his bed after noon, and walked upon the roof of the king's house: And he saw from the roof of his house a woman washing herself, over against him: and the woman was very beautiful.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And when it was euening tide, Dauid arose out of his bed, and walked vpon the roofe of the Kings palace: and from the roofe he sawe a woman washing her selfe: and the woman was very beautifull to looke vpon.