Terrible lessons are learned of lust and murder in this chapter. David's son Amnon, consumed with lust, sexually assaults his half-sister Tamar. In response, Absalom, Tamar's full-blooded brother, murders Amnon. David's adultery has created fault-lines in his family line, as his family is now at war within itself.

Nathan tells David of a rich man who stole his poor neighbor's only lamb, to host a party for a traveler. Enraged by such cruelty, David ordered the man to pay four-fold for his sin. David was the man. The story was a parable telling of David's sin with Bathsheba. Cut to the heart, David repents. Forgiven, he will suffer for this sin, as will the entire nation in time.

The parable of the shrewd manager brings into question how we use our money. Do you view money as a means to godly ends or as an end in itself? We consider the challenge of being good stewards and how the use of our money reveals the intents and desires of our heart.

When he should have been at war, David instead stays in Jerusalem. He who was mighty in battle proves weak in temptation. Succumbing to the beauty of Bathsheba, he has an affair with her. Uriah, Bathsheba's husband, is the hero of this story. Loyal to the end, he is slain by the king he served, who slept with his wife, in an attempted cover-up.

David, well established and blessed by the Lord, seeks a member of Saul's family to bless. He summons Ziba, one of Saul's stewards, who tells David of Mephibosheth, a son of Jonathan, who has survived. David demonstrates great mercy to Mephibosheth, giving him all the land of Saul, and making him a part of his royal court.

The "lost" parables show us the depth of God's love. The Shepherd risks his life for a lost sheep. A woman celebrates the recovery of a lost coin. A generous father receives his lost son. In each of these, we see a measure of God's love for us!

David tells Nathan the prophet that he wants to build a house for the ark of the covenant. God would not allow David to build this house. Instead, the Lord promises to build a forever house for David, by allowing one of his sons to reign forever! Receiving such an unimaginable promise from the Lord, David praises and thanks God for His untold goodness and love.

David moves his headquarters to Jerusalem. This strategic stronghold, where Judah meets Israel, becomes the military, governing and economic center of God's holy nation. In chapter six, David moves the Ark of the Convenant here, making this the spiritual capital of Israel. Largely because of David's moving the Ark to Jerusalem, it is revered as a holy city by Christians, Jews and Muslims still today.

The true test of discipleship is the quality of our service to others. So long as we are serving ourselves, as individuals or congregations, we are less than we are called to be. Instead, we who have been perfectly served by Jesus in every way, are called, like Jesus, to empty ourselves in service to others.

Abner, offended by Ishbosheth, swears an oath to bring Israel under David's rule. This leader of a military coup makes covenant with David, who welcomes him gladly. Sadly, or gladly, both Abner and Ishbosheth meet a bloody end, as scoundrels end their lives. Here we see God use human treachery to solidify David's reign.