Hey Bible readers, I'm Tara Lee Cobble and I'm your host for the Bible recap.

I usually try to give you a heads up when there's an episode that may not be suitable

for young ears, and that applies today, but I also want to give you a different kind

of heads up.

We'll briefly mention a topic that may be sensitive for some of you.

So if you're a person who has a history of sexual assault, just know we'll reference

that briefly in today's episode.

So you can listen cautiously or choose to skip this episode or save it for a time when

you feel prepared to listen.

Do whatever serves you best.

When today's reading opens, the timeline has overlapped with what we read two days ago.

Israel has been at war with the Ammonites and the Syrian mercenaries they hired.

Israel defeated the Syrians and made them their servants, but things were sort of left up

in the air with the Ammonites.

Typically, kings lead the way in their country's military exploits, but David decided to kick

back at home for some reason we never find out about, instead of leading his people into

battle.

It may seem like it's not a big deal, but this little decision exposes a big gap in his

leadership.

It hints at passivity.

David is shirking responsibility.

And while his army is off to war, David's walking on his roof one day and sees Bathsheba

...