Tempted by another man’s wife, Joseph made the right decision, David the wrong one.
Joseph protested to Potiphar’s wife that yielding to her would be a betrayal of her husband and a sin against God. Both reasons were valid, but Joseph would have made the same decision even if he had possessed no religious convictions. A wise man, Joseph knew that if he succumbed to Pothipahr’s wife, Potiphar would soon find out and have him executed. Joseph’s refusal to succumb led him to prison, the lesser evil.
David eagerly yielded to Bathsheba’s attempt to seduce him, thinking (if indeed he thouight at all) that no one would find out. Whether he gave any thought to the Ten Commandments is not reported. As it turned out, David ordered Uriah’s execution in a futile attempt to prevent anyone’s finding out the truth.
Did Bathsheba intentionally attempt to seduce David? Consider the following:
- Bathsheba was lonely. Her husband had been long away from home and was unlikely to be back soon.
- She knew that David was powerful, wealthy and lusty.
- She knew that her house was next door to the king’s palace.
- She chose to bathe in a spot where the king could ogle her.