2 Samuel 11:2

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass in an eveningtide {H6153}{H6256}, that David {H1732} arose {H6965} from off his bed {H4904}, and walked {H1980} upon the roof {H1406} of the king's {H4428} house {H1004}: and from the roof {H1406} he saw {H7200} a woman {H802} washing {H7364} herself; and the woman {H802} was very {H3966} beautiful {H2896} to look upon {H4758}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Once, after his afternoon nap, David got up from his bed and went strolling on the roof of the king's palace. From the roof he saw a woman bathing, who was very beautiful.

Berean Standard Bible

One evening David got up from his bed and strolled around on the roof of the palace. And from the roof he saw a woman bathing—a very beautiful woman.

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse marks the precise moment King David, a figure previously renowned for his devotion and military prowess, initiates a tragic downward spiral of sin that would bring devastating consequences upon himself, his family, and his kingdom. It vividly portrays a scene of unexpected vulnerability and temptation, as David's idleness and elevated vantage point converge to create the perfect storm for a moral failure that would forever stain his legacy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows [2 Samuel 11:1](/2_samuel/11-1 "2 Samuel 11:1 - David's Absence from Battle"), a crucial detail often overlooked but foundational to understanding David's predicament. That verse states, "And it came to pass, after the year was expired, at the time when kings went forth to battle, that David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the children of Ammon, and besieged Rabbah. But David tarried still at Jerusalem." David's uncharacteristic absence from his kingly duty on the battlefield sets the stage for his idleness and subsequent susceptibility to temptation. The narrative then swiftly moves from David's observation in [2 Samuel 11:2](/2_samuel/11-2 "2 Samuel 11:2 - David Sees Bathsheba") to his inquiry about the woman, his sending for her, and the resulting adultery, as detailed in [2 Samuel 11:3-4](/2_samuel/11-3 "2 Samuel 11:3-4 - David and Bathsheba"). This rapid progression highlights the immediate and devastating consequences of his initial gaze.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "eveningtide" was a time of transition, often associated with relaxation and quiet after the day's heat. Ancient Israelite homes commonly featured flat roofs, which served as private spaces for various activities, including sleeping, relaxing, and enjoying cooler air. From the "roof of the king's house," David would have had a commanding view over the surrounding city, offering a degree of privacy for himself while inadvertently granting him a vantage point over others' private spaces. Washing rituals were common in ancient cultures for hygiene and purification, and while public bathing existed, a woman washing herself at home would typically expect privacy. David's position allowed him to intrude upon this private moment, transforming a common architectural feature into a platform for temptation and a violation of privacy.
* **Key Themes:** This pivotal verse introduces several critical themes that resonate throughout the rest of David's narrative and the broader biblical account. Firstly, it underscores the danger of **idleness and complacency**, as David's dereliction of his kingly duty in [2 Samuel 11:1](/2_samuel/11-1 "2 Samuel 11:1 - David's Absence from Battle") creates the void that temptation fills. Secondly, it powerfully illustrates the **peril of the eyes and the progression of temptation**. David's initial "seeing" is not inherently sinful, but his lingering gaze and subsequent actions demonstrate how a visual encounter can be the gateway to lust and full-blown sin, a concept echoed in Jesus' teaching in [Matthew 5:28](/matthew/5-28 "Matthew 5:28 - Lust of the Eyes") and James' explanation of temptation in [James 1:14-15](/james/1-14 "James 1:14-15 - The Progression of Temptation"). Finally, this verse serves as the **catalyst for a profound downward spiral**, demonstrating how a seemingly minor misstep can lead to a cascade of increasingly grave sins, including adultery, deception, and murder, with far-reaching consequences for David and his kingdom, as detailed in [2 Samuel 12](/2_samuel/12 "2 Samuel 12 - Nathan Confronts David").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Saw (Hebrew, _ra'ah'_):** While this verb can simply mean "to see" or "to look," in this context, it carries a deeper implication. It suggests more than a casual, fleeting glance; rather, it implies a deliberate, prolonged observation, a gaze that moves beyond mere perception to contemplation and desire. David "saw" in a way that allowed the image to take root in his mind, fueling his subsequent actions. This is not a passive observation but an active engagement with what he beheld.
* **Very beautiful to look upon (Hebrew, _tov me'od'_):** This phrase literally translates to "good exceedingly" or "exceedingly good," emphasizing an exceptional, striking, and overwhelming beauty. The use of "me'od" (exceedingly) intensifies "tov" (good/beautiful), indicating a powerful allure that immediately captivated David's attention and stirred his lust. The text does not use this description to excuse David's sin, but to explain the potent nature of the temptation he faced.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass in an eveningtide":** This sets the scene at a time of day often associated with winding down, rest, and perhaps a lowering of one's guard. It is a period of transition, making David's subsequent actions all the more striking.
* **"that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king's house":** This clause highlights David's active movement. He is not merely lying in bed but actively rising and moving to a specific vantage point. The "roof of the king's house" signifies his elevated position, both physically and socially, yet it is from this height that his moral descent begins. This action is contrasted with the previous verse where kings are "going forth to battle," underscoring David's idleness.
* **"and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself":** This is the core action of the verse. David, from his elevated position, observes a woman engaged in a private act. The act of "washing herself" implies vulnerability and a reasonable expectation of privacy, which David inadvertently or deliberately violates by his observation.
* **"and the woman [was] very beautiful to look upon":** This final clause provides the critical motivation for David's subsequent actions. The woman's exceptional beauty is explicitly stated as the catalyst for David's desire, explaining the powerful allure that drew his gaze and ignited his lust.

#### Literary Devices
The verse is rich in **Irony**, particularly when read in conjunction with [2 Samuel 11:1](/2_samuel/11-1 "2 Samuel 11:1 - David's Absence from Battle"). David, the great warrior-king, is found idle at home during a time when "kings went forth to battle." His physical elevation on the roof ironically precedes his moral degradation. There is also significant **Foreshadowing** in this seemingly simple observation. The lingering gaze and the description of the woman's beauty serve as a potent harbinger of the adultery, deception, and murder that will follow, setting in motion the tragic events of [2 Samuel 11](/2_samuel/11 "2 Samuel 11 - David and Bathsheba") and [2 Samuel 12](/2_samuel/12 "2 Samuel 12 - Nathan Confronts David"). Furthermore, **Symbolism** can be seen in the "eveningtide," which can represent a time of spiritual dimness or vulnerability, and the "roof," symbolizing a position of power that can be misused for illicit observation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse serves as a profound theological cautionary tale, illustrating the universal susceptibility to temptation, even for those deeply devoted to God. It highlights that sin often begins subtly, not with a grand act of rebellion, but with a gaze, a thought, or an unchecked desire. David's experience underscores the biblical truth that idleness can be a breeding ground for temptation, and that true spiritual vigilance requires guarding not only our actions but also our eyes and our hearts. The story powerfully demonstrates the progressive nature of sin, where one seemingly small compromise can lead to a cascade of devastating choices and consequences, emphasizing the urgent need for self-control, discipline, and reliance on God's strength.

* [Matthew 5:28](/matthew/5-28 "Matthew 5:28 - Lust of the Eyes")
* [James 1:14-15](/james/1-14 "James 1:14-15 - The Progression of Temptation")
* [Proverbs 4:23](/proverbs/4-23 "Proverbs 4:23 - Guarding the Heart")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's fall, beginning with this seemingly innocuous moment, serves as a stark reminder that no one, regardless of their spiritual stature or past faithfulness, is immune to temptation. His story compels us to cultivate a posture of constant vigilance, recognizing that sin often gains its first foothold through our senses, particularly our eyes. In an age saturated with visual stimuli, the call to guard our hearts and minds from unholy desires is more urgent than ever. We are challenged to examine our own lives: Where might we be idle, either physically or spiritually, creating an open door for temptation? What "rooftops" or vantage points in our lives (e.g., social media, entertainment, unchecked privacy) might expose us to images or situations that can lead to sin? David's experience underscores the critical importance of proactive spiritual discipline, accountability, and a consistent pursuit of God's will to safeguard against the insidious progression of temptation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where in my life might idleness or an unchecked "vantage point" (physical, digital, or relational) be creating an opportunity for temptation?**
* **How vigilant am I in guarding my eyes and my thoughts from unholy desires, recognizing that sin often begins in the mind?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a lifestyle of active spiritual engagement, purposeful work, and accountability to prevent a "downward spiral" of sin in my own life?**

### FAQ
**Was David's sin premeditated, or was it an impulsive act?**

Answer: The text suggests that David's initial "seeing" was opportunistic rather than premeditated. He "walked upon the roof" and "saw" her, implying an accidental encounter. However, his subsequent actions—sending to inquire about her, then sending for her—demonstrate a deliberate choice to pursue the temptation. While the initial sight was not sought out, David chose to dwell on it and act upon the lust it ignited, transforming a moment of temptation into a conscious act of sin.

**Why was David on the roof at "eveningtide" instead of at war?**

Answer: This is a critical detail highlighted in the preceding verse, [2 Samuel 11:1](/2_samuel/11-1 "2 Samuel 11:1 - Kings Go to War"). The text explicitly states that "at the time when kings went forth to battle... David tarried still at Jerusalem." His absence from his kingly duty and his uncharacteristic idleness created the context for his vulnerability. Had he been where he was supposed to be, leading his troops, this temptation likely would not have occurred. His being on the roof at "eveningtide" is a direct consequence of his dereliction of duty.

**Does Bathsheba's "very beautiful" appearance excuse David's sin?**

Answer: Absolutely not. The description of Bathsheba's beauty explains the powerful allure that captivated David and the intensity of the temptation he faced, but it in no way absolves him of his responsibility for his actions. The biblical narrative consistently holds individuals accountable for their choices, regardless of the strength of the temptation. David's sin was his own, as confirmed by the prophet Nathan's confrontation in [2 Samuel 12](/2_samuel/12 "2 Samuel 12 - Nathan Confronts David") and the severe consequences that followed.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The tragic account of David's fall in [2 Samuel 11:2](/2_samuel/11-2 "2 Samuel 11:2 - David Sees Bathsheba") powerfully underscores the pervasive reality of human sinfulness and the desperate need for a perfect King. David, a "man after God's own heart" ([Acts 13:22](/acts/13-22 "Acts 13:22 - David, a Man After God's Own Heart")), still succumbed to temptation, demonstrating that even the most devout among us are fallen and prone to sin. This narrative points us to Jesus Christ, the true and greater King, who faced every temptation known to humanity ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus Tempted in Every Way")) yet never yielded to sin. Unlike David, who was idle when he should have been at war, Jesus was always actively engaged in His Father's will, even to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Jesus' Obedience to Death")). Where David's gaze led to lust and defilement, Jesus' gaze was always one of compassion, healing, and truth, seeing into the hearts of people to offer redemption ([John 1:47-48](/john/1-47 "John 1:47-48 - Jesus Sees Nathanael")). His perfect life, sacrificial death, and victorious resurrection provide the only true cleansing for sin, a spiritual washing far superior to the physical washing observed by David. Jesus is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offering forgiveness, restoration, and the power to overcome temptation through His indwelling Holy Spirit, fulfilling the righteousness that David and all humanity so desperately lack.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 5:28

But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.

Psalms 119:37

¶ Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; [and] quicken thou me in thy way.

Proverbs 6:25

Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids.

Acts 10:9

¶ On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour:

Job 31:1

¶ I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid?

1 John 2:16

For all that [is] in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

1 Peter 4:7

¶ But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.