Following comments on the summary of David's wars (ch 8), the kindness shown to Mephibosheth (ch 9), and the Ammonite war (ch 10), this message focusses on the fall of David into sin, the causes and consequences, applied to God's people today (ch 11-12).

What kind of hopes and desires is it legitimate to pray for? Are there terms for answered prayer? Here are lessons from David's words - 'Who can tell whether God will be gracious to me?' Also - the astonishing affection of God for each believer.

The contrast between love and lust seen in Amnon's rape of Tamar; Jonadab, like Satan, will prove a treacherous friend; Absalom unites charm and murderous cunning; a coup prepared after '40 years' - not an error but linking to the public mood that deposed Samuel.

Here is the life and attempted coup of Absalom, son of king David, with its startling parallels of everyone's rebellion against their God. We trace Absalom's thoughts and plans, and his end. Here is the gentle searching of our hearts by God, designed to lead us back to Him.

David's census - a lesson for God's people throughout time about acting only on divine authority. Who inspired it: God or Satan? Why was it so wrong? The 'normative principle' of God's rule over us. The problem of pride and God's precautions for us. A verse also about heartfelt worship.