p. 4 | DAVID'S SIN by E. Hilliard

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · May 6, 1897

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 23, No. 18.

DAVID'S SIN.

By E. Hilliard

Its Practical Lessons.

PERHAPS there is no Bible writer whose character has been so assailed as that of the prophet David. Infidels have referred to his sin in the matter of Uriah the Hittite, as a reason why they can not accept the plan of redemption set forth in God's Word. It is true that David did commit a terrible sin. He says so himself. Hear his penitent prayer, "Deliver me from blood-guiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation." Ps. 51:14. God himself declares the sin to be a great and grievous one. He full well knew what the effect would be on future generations; for he said through his prophet Nathan, "By this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme." 2 Sam. 12:14.

Now suppose instead of showing mercy to David he had refused to pardon his guilt, would the infidels of that and succeeding generations, who have pointed the finger of scorn at the penitent patriarch, have believed the Bible or been any more ready to accept the plan of salvation?—Not one. If an infidel obtains the right view of the plan of redemption, he will recognize at once that it is for the purpose of pardoning sin. If he gains a view of the exceeding sinfulness of his sins, he will greatly desire to be forgiven. He will be thankful that God forgave David and placed it on record. Whoever finds fault with God's pardoning of David's sins of murder and adultery, finds fault with the plan of salvation. Had it been planned according to their narrow ideas, it would have been a very limited affair indeed, and conducive of very little, if any, good.

Every infidel must acknowledge that the Bible sets forth pardon for all manner of sins, except the sin against the Holy Ghost. Now this being the case, why should not David have been pardoned, provided that he met the conditions, as well as any one in the world? Why find fault with God's mercy? Why not rejoice in it, hope in it, and avail ourselves of it, before it is too late?

No one who has a just conception of the far-reaching influence of sin, can fail to see the enormity of David's sin. The prophet sinner held the high position of king, and his influence was far-reaching. The terrible influence of his awful guilt did not die when the patriarch finished his course, and was laid away to rest. For nearly three thousand years he has been unconsciously sleeping in his grave; and yet the story of his fall is repeated by the infidel scoffer to reflect shame on the Scriptures. It is also held up by the faithful teacher of God's Holy Word to encourage the transgressor to hope in God's mercy.

That class of people who look to the pardon of David's guilt, must be careful not to overlook David's repentance. If heartfelt repentance ever fell on the ear of a sin-pardoning Redeemer, it was from the mouth of David. Hear his words: "When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long. For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me; my moisture was changed as with the drought of summers." "I acknowledge my transgressions; and my sin is ever before me." Ps. 32:3, 4; 51:3, R. V.

Think of it. He whose conscience smote him for cutting off a piece from the cloak of Saul, had so fallen that he murdered one of his most valiant soldiers to cover his shameful violation of the seventh commandment. But, notwithstanding all of this, God sent him close, cutting reproof, brought him to repentance, forgave him, and whoever enters heaven will meet the man whose psalms have been read and sung for generations. Praise the Lord for the plan of salvation that cleanses the foulest sinner! If infidels would repent, instead of finding fault with God for pardoning David's sins, they too might be saved. E. HILLIARD. Tonga, Friendly Islands, South Pacific.