2 Samuel 12

There is no one who does not need God’s mercy and no one who may not have it.

In Oberammergau, the keepers of a centuries-old tradition have made
big changes—including efforts to expunge antisemitic material.

In Oberammergau, the keepers of a centuries-old tradition have made
big changes—including efforts to expunge antisemitic material.

What if all were extended the gift of a second chance?

What if all were extended the gift of a second chance?

The story's action words tell us a lot about power and who has it.

The story's action words tell us a lot about power and who has it.

Read Tamar or Dinah's story with your church. Listen together for their cries.

Read Tamar or Dinah's story with your church. Listen together for their cries.

How shrewdly the drama of mixed motives, mixed loyalties, and mixed feelings unfolds.

How shrewdly the drama of mixed motives, mixed loyalties, and mixed feelings unfolds.

Robert Barron’s grasp of the complex development of David’s character in 2 Samuel is unsurpassed. And his references to history and literature are more than adornment.

Robert Barron’s grasp of the complex development of David’s character in 2 Samuel is unsurpassed. And his references to history and literature are more than adornment.

I've always admired the prophets. Their job of truth-telling required such courage and personal sacrifice. Yet they never held back. They spoke the truth no matter the consequences. I imagine they were lonely, then. Who could stand their challenging company for very long?

Personal relationships, however, weren't the prophets' priority. Their job was to tell God's truth in a way that would be heard.

I've always admired the prophets. Their job of truth-telling required such courage and personal sacrifice. Yet they never held back. They spoke the truth no matter the consequences. I imagine they were lonely, then. Who could stand their challenging company for very long?

Personal relationships, however, weren't the prophets' priority. Their job was to tell God's truth in a way that would be heard.

In this week’s reading, Bathsheba, the woman David drew dripping out of her bath and into his story, is not named.