2 Samuel 11:2 Explained in Context

Read It With

• 2 Samuel 11:1–5

Read 2 Samuel 11:2 with 11:1–5. The wording “And it came to pass in an eveningtide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon…” supplies one step in the thought unit through its next reported action, speech, or consequence; the surrounding verses supply the causes, responses, and outcome summarized here: While armies besiege Rabbah, David sees Bathsheba, sends inquiries and messengers, takes her, lies with her, and receives her pregnancy notice.

Why This Verse Appears Here

Within “David Sends, Takes Bathsheba, and Receives Her Message,” 2 Samuel 11:2 advances the thought unit through its next reported action, speech, or consequence through the wording “And it came to pass in an eveningtide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon….” Its placement is governed by this reviewed relationship: 2 Samuel 10:15–19 establishes this prior movement: Hadadezer gathers forces beyond the River, David crosses Jordan, defeats them, and their client kings seek peace and fear further aid to Ammon. 2 Samuel 11:1–5 continues the narrative consequence; that demonstrated relationship, rather than sequence alone, explains its placement.