This verse demonstrates that God’s standard of righteousness looks beyond outward resolutions and confronts the hidden consequences of sin.
In this passage, we read that “When the time of mourning was over, David sent and brought her to his house and she became his wife; then she bore him a son. But the thing that David had done was evil in the sight of the LORD” (2 Samuel 11:27). These words show that after Bathsheba’s period of mourning for her husband Uriah, David took her as his wife. Bathsheba, traditionally understood to be in Jerusalem, moves into David’s royal residence. Jerusalem was the central city of Israel’s worship and governance under King David, and it was there that he ruled the nation around 1010 BC to 970 BC. His act of marrying Bathsheba seemed to cover up the scarcity of her future without Uriah, yet Scripture makes it plain that God saw the deeper truth of David’s wrongdoing.
“...then she bore him a son. But the thing that David had done was evil in the sight of the LORD” (v.27) also illustrates that no matter how much David attempted to legitimize the situation outwardly, the Lord’s judgment pierced through human appearances. David, the second king of Israel, played a pivotal role in the nation’s history, succeeding King Saul. Despite being the chosen king from an early age, his own moral failings taught him (and subsequent generations) about the gravity of sin. Later biblical writings, such as Psalm 51, reveal David’s profound repentance, offering insight into how God mercifully responds to a contrite heart. This theme of genuine repentance becomes significant throughout the rest of Scripture, culminating in the New Testament revelation of Jesus Christ’s forgiveness to those who turn back to God (Ephesians 1:7).
Finally, the statement that “the thing that David had done was evil in the sight of the LORD” (v.27) sets the foundation for understanding God’s holy nature. The Lord does not judge by human standards of appearance or social acceptance; instead, He looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7). Even when a wrongdoing seems easily concealed by circumstances, God remains aware of every detail—loving His people yet still holding them accountable. As David’s life continues, we see the discipline that arises from this sin, serving as a lesson not only for David’s legacy but also for anyone seeking a life aligned with God’s righteousness. It points forward to humanity’s deep need for divine grace, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus, who offers forgiveness and a restored relationship with the Father through faith (John 3:16).
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2 Samuel 11:27 meaning
In this passage, we read that “When the time of mourning was over, David sent and brought her to his house and she became his wife; then she bore him a son. But the thing that David had done was evil in the sight of the LORD” (2 Samuel 11:27). These words show that after Bathsheba’s period of mourning for her husband Uriah, David took her as his wife. Bathsheba, traditionally understood to be in Jerusalem, moves into David’s royal residence. Jerusalem was the central city of Israel’s worship and governance under King David, and it was there that he ruled the nation around 1010 BC to 970 BC. His act of marrying Bathsheba seemed to cover up the scarcity of her future without Uriah, yet Scripture makes it plain that God saw the deeper truth of David’s wrongdoing.
“...then she bore him a son. But the thing that David had done was evil in the sight of the LORD” (v.27) also illustrates that no matter how much David attempted to legitimize the situation outwardly, the Lord’s judgment pierced through human appearances. David, the second king of Israel, played a pivotal role in the nation’s history, succeeding King Saul. Despite being the chosen king from an early age, his own moral failings taught him (and subsequent generations) about the gravity of sin. Later biblical writings, such as Psalm 51, reveal David’s profound repentance, offering insight into how God mercifully responds to a contrite heart. This theme of genuine repentance becomes significant throughout the rest of Scripture, culminating in the New Testament revelation of Jesus Christ’s forgiveness to those who turn back to God (Ephesians 1:7).
Finally, the statement that “the thing that David had done was evil in the sight of the LORD” (v.27) sets the foundation for understanding God’s holy nature. The Lord does not judge by human standards of appearance or social acceptance; instead, He looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7). Even when a wrongdoing seems easily concealed by circumstances, God remains aware of every detail—loving His people yet still holding them accountable. As David’s life continues, we see the discipline that arises from this sin, serving as a lesson not only for David’s legacy but also for anyone seeking a life aligned with God’s righteousness. It points forward to humanity’s deep need for divine grace, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus, who offers forgiveness and a restored relationship with the Father through faith (John 3:16).