I have read the opening act of the David and Bathsheba story in 2 Samuel 11 countless times. But today, it was as if the story, and it's author were telling me not to rush forward, to tomorrow, onto chapter 12 about Nathan or David's subsequent sincere plea for forgiveness.

No, do not rush to the next act. Just sit with this. What was it today that caused this churn in me? I kept mulling over it this morning. The story would not let go of me, it clung on.

Was it the poetic beauty of the opening lines - "And it happened at the turn of the year, at the time when kings go forth…" ?

Or the line sometime thereafter - "And it happened at eventide that David arose from his bed and walked about on the roof…"?

Was it the privilege of patriarchy that could summon any beauty that eyes could rest upon, and then to acquire it at any cost?

Was it the total helplessness of the beauty? Or did she subsequently have her eyes set on the prize?

Or was it the loyal innocence of the Hittite? Or did he come to know of the affair from the palace guards, but nevertheless - helpless?

Or the Commander's strategic placement of the lamb at the slaughter house?

Or was it man's universal greed - in war and sex?

Was it the grand ending of the opening act - "and the thing that David had done was evil in the eyes of the Lord"?