King David begins consolidating his rule: conquering his enemies and sorting out his debts to his old friend Jonathan by giving all Saul’s old lands to Jonathan’s lame son… but then things become a bit too peaceful and the trouble begins.

He sends his army off to clean up the last of a rabble of neighbours who have displeased him, and meanwhile sits out on his balcony on a balmy evening.

He spies a beautiful woman, and asks who she is: Bethsheba, wife of Uriah – one of his loyal soldiers. Still David can’t leave it and he calls her to his house, where he sleeps with her and she gets pregnant.

So, to try to cover his misdeeds, he calls back Uriah, hoping he will sleep with Bathsheba and think the child is his own. Uriah, a pious man, refuses to sleep in his house while home though, as the Ark of God is in a tent, so should he be.

So David sends him back to the army, carrying a note to his general to put Uriah near the dangerous action so he dies. Joab does so and Uriah dies. After the period of mourning, David takes Bathsheba to be his wife.

But God is not happy.

Dear God, Please forgive me my sins. Please guide my footsteps and guard our family as we prepare to take holidays. Please be with P and N at this time. They must be gutted. Please be with them and show them your love. In Jesus’ name, Amen