June 23, 2026

When Nathan condemns David for his sin, David sets a powerful example by humbly accepting the declaration, agreeing he sinned, and fasting and praying. He did not deny, argue, justify, or get angry. He listened to the word of the prophet and of God and sought to change and repent. This level of humility, from an all powerful king, is not coming or easy. It may be difficult for us to act so gracefully in similar situations. I'm grateful for his example in this. Contrast to Herodias and how she responded to being called to repentance by John the Baptist.

While I admire this example of David, it is also better to humble ourselves without compulsion. Repent before being called to repentance. For that reveals the desire of our heart of our own will to do better and be better.

Alma 32

13 And now, because ye are compelled to be humble blessed are ye; for a man sometimes, if he is compelled to be humble, seeketh repentance; and now surely, whosoever repenteth shall find mercy; and he that findeth mercy and endureth to the end the same shall be saved.

14 And now, as I said unto you, that because ye were compelled to be humble ye were blessed, do ye not suppose that they are more blessed who truly humble themselves because of the word?

The Lord appeared to Solomon after he sought the Lord diligently. The scriptures say he went to a high place, most likely a mountain. Not only would it take effort to reach this place, but Solomon also made 1000 sacrifices. He either slowly brought all these animals up, which would have been a labor-intensive trek, or he made multiple trips, which would require more time and effort over time. Whichever it was does not matter as much, but I like to look at it as taking many trips to the temple and sacrificing time to do the Lord's work. Because of this, the Lord appeared to Solomon and blessed him with the righteous desires of his heart the more.

What did Solomon do after receiving this vision the blessing? He gave sacrifice again.

If our hearts are set on doing the Lord's work, we will not be alone.

Rhonda

I always struggle with the fact that David lost exaltation, even after repenting. Maybe it's because he was compelled to repent. I do understand that God forgives whom He will and that God knows David heart. There's a few things like this in this chapter that I struggle to understand - such as (was it Uzzah) who was struck dead for steadying the ark of the covenant?

Reply

I do, too. In the end, final judgement is left to God. Perhaps it's because of the kennel of light David had attained, he was essentially a prophet King having talked with God, that the sin of adultery followed by a cover up of premeditated murder was not something he could fully come back from. Or perhaps he lost his exaltation then but may somehow receive it again after paying an excruciating price. I don't know the answer, and it is a harrowing warning.

The scriptures say there is no forgiveness in this life or the next for murder. However, if a prophet murdered someone, I am positive the bar is higher than for someone who grew up on the streets in a gang who murdered someone. There are so many variables and the circumstances so unique. But where one has more light and knowledge, they are held to a higher standard. Imagine if President Nelson had committed adultery and then killed the woman's husband. It's impossible to imagine, right? I think that's the point and the gravity.

In the end, God will decide and do what is best for David. David will be wherever is best for him, wherever he'll be happiest. God loves him, and that doesn't change.

With Uzzah, the Lord has commanded that Levites carry the ark as they had the priesthood. However, David had his men carry it on a cart, contrary to the command. While Uzzah's intentions were good to steady the ark, it's similar to Saul who kept the Amalekite sheep for sacrifice. Obedience is greater than sacrifice. Uzzah did something he was not authorized to do and therefore broke the first law of heaven. It also implies an assumption of knowing better than God. Elder Maxwell noted that the Lord, who parted the Red Sea, certainly knew how to keep the Ark in balance without human intervention.

I also think that sometimes old testament deaths are acts of mercy more than punishment. We know this of the flood of Noah. Perhaps God allowed Uzziah to be an example we could learn from, while also taking him from this earth for a wider purpose for Uzzah.

I don't know. But I do know that Heavenly Father loves each of His children more perfectly than we can ever imagine, and the Savior, who has felt all our sorrow, will stand by each of us and all things will be taken care of for our benefit. We are here to practice, strive, struggle, and grow and will eventually end up where we most desire to be.