“One evening David got up from his bed and walked around on the roof of the palace. From the roof he saw a woman bathing. The woman was very beautiful, and David sent someone to find out about her. The man said, ‘Isn’t this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah the Hittite?’ Then David sent messengers to get her. She came to him, and he slept with her.” – 2 Samuel 11:2-4
Once the adultery occurred between David and Bathsheba, a long list of cover-up sins involving deceit, murder, and lying began. But have you noticed that despite the horrendous consequences of what appeared to be a consensual act, the Bible’s perspective seems to only condemn David? What about Bathsheba? She took part, too, didn’t she? She was a beautiful woman, and beauty in a woman is great power. Don’t kid yourself, Bathsheba was aware of her power when she bathed outside by the moonlight, knowing the King was in town and her husband was away.
Even so, the Bible puts the responsibility of this sin on David. The person in authority is the one held responsible for the deed. David was the man in power. He was the King, and he had the major responsibility for this sin, no matter how cooperative Bathsheba may or may not have been. He used his power and authority over her to bring this sin to fruition and, therefore, he was held fully accountable.
Yes, it takes two to commit the act, but the one in power is always the most responsible.
