Sometime ago (about 50 or so years ago), I read the well-written, heart-driven book, The Making of a Man of God , authored by the British born, Dr. Alan Redpath (1907-1989). Dr. Redpath, an outstanding preacher in his own right, herein examines salient aspects in the life to king David, and in one of the chapters, he discusses the signs, the behavior and the attitude of “ How the Mighty are Fallen.” A must read for anyone seeking a closer walk with their God.

Second Samuel 11 is the Scriptural guide for this chapter and through it Redpath’s pens a passionate, heart rending commentary that continues to impact my thinking to this very day. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in a spiritual challenge, especially if you sense yourself drifting from Biblical conviction, disengaged from intercessory prayer and generally lackadaisical in your relationship with Jesus Christ.

The chapter opens by informing the reader that it was the time when kings normally go forth to battle, but David was content for some devious reason, for which we will soon discover, to remain in Jerusalem, and to send Joab, the commander of the army, in his place. The important point is that David stayed home when he should have been at war with the enemies of God and Israel! That was certainly one of his primary tasks!

And then, one evening, finding himself sleepless, he met “the traveler!” (2 Samuel 12:4) But who this mysterious “ traveler ?” Let’s go back into chapter 11 and notice that David, due to his insomnia, “ …arose from his bed, and walked upon the roof of his house: and from the roof he saw a gorgeously beautiful woman washing herself …and the KJV says, “… the woman was very beautiful to look upon.” Here it is, between verse 2 and 3, David thinks to himself, “ I wonder who she is? ”

David knows that the kings of Israel are not to add horses, or wives, or silver and gold to themselves. (Deuteronomy 17:14-20) But the “traveler” says, “No, it’s okay, you can ask her name!” Remember, David should have been in battle with his army! He sought her name, and because he did there were three continuous tragedies that befell Israel. But who is this traveler? It’s the continual working of our mind. Paul warns us to only allow thoughts that are good, honest, just, pure, lovely and of good report. (Philippians 4:8)

G. Thomas Sharp