"And it came to pass in an evening-tide, that David arose from off
his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king's house."
2 Samuel 11:2
At that hour David saw Bathsheba. We are never out of the reach
of temptation. Both at home and abroad we are liable to meet with
allurements to evil; the morning opens with peril, and the shades of
evening find us still in jeopardy. They are well kept whom God keeps,
but woe unto those who go forth into the world, or even dare to walk
their own house unarmed. Those who think themselves secure are more
exposed to danger than any others. The armour-bearer of Sin is Self-
confidence.
David should have been engaged in fighting the Lord's battles,
instead of which he tarried at Jerusalem, and gave himself up to
luxurious repose, for he arose from his bed at eventide. Idleness and
luxury are the devil's jackals, and find him abundant prey. In
stagnant waters noxious creatures swarm, and neglected soil soon
yields a dense tangle of weeds and briars. Oh for the constraining
love of Jesus to keep us active and useful! When I see the King of
Israel sluggishly leaving his couch at the close of the day, and
falling at once into temptation, let me take warning, and set holy
watchfulness to guard the door.
Is it possible that the king had mounted his housetop for
retirement and devotion? If so, what a caution is given us to count
no place, however secret, a sanctuary from sin! While our hearts are
so like a tinder-box, and sparks so plentiful, we had need use all
diligence in all places to prevent a blaze. Satan can climb
housetops, and enter closets, and even if we could shut out that foul
fiend, our own corruptions are enough to work our ruin unless grace
prevent. Reader, beware of evening temptations. Be not secure. The
sun is down but sin is up. We need a watchman for the night as well
as a guardian for the day. O blessed Spirit, keep us from all evil
this night. Amen.
