At evening, David arose from his bed and walked on the roof of the king’s house. From the roof, he saw a woman bathing, and the woman was very beautiful to look at.
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 2. Noon. He had been reposing, according to custom. Calmet. 4:7. Calmet.—But the devil was not idle. He was meditating a temptation and crime, which involved a great part of the remainder of David’s life in misery. Bible.—He had reigned 18 years, and lived 48, almost without blame. Salien, A. 2998.—His house, as the Hebrew explains it. The Vulg. might insinuate that the woman was upon “the roof of her house.” But she was probably in her garden, as the Jews have their baths in the open air. They are frequently obliged to purify themselves. Calmet.—The house must have been very near David’s palace. Salien.