I just read the story of David and Bathsheba. Whoever wrote it did a magnificent job, what with the example of the pet ewe. David’s causing Bathsheba to commit adultery pales in comparison to Nathan’s use of the ewe to play Bathsheba’s part in order to get David to understand what he has done.
Nathan is an example of an excellent preacher who brings home his topic in a humanistic way. David sees his wife stealing in a touching way. His severe remorse makes way for his forgiveness. But there are consequences. That is the story of sin, down through the ages.
Civilization 