David hoped to cover up his adultery by calling Uriah home to his wife, but Uriah would not cooperate. David should have been convicted by his friend’s faithfulness to God and to his king. But David, full of his own power and authority, plotted secretly to put Uriah to death. It was premeditated murder of his good friend.

David used Joab to accomplish this task, ordering him to put Uriah in the front of the battle to be killed. Joab clearly understood what David was planning, even if he may not know why. Joab cooperated with David, and a good man, Uriah, was cut down.

David and Joab may have thought they were good friends covering for each other. But their conspiracy was no better than Cain murdering his brother Abel.

After killing Uriah, David took responsibility for Bathsheba and married her. He may have thought the whole thing was behind him. He got away with it. But what he did displeased God (27).
Application: Father, I cannot hide my sin from you. Nor can I cover my friend’s sins through deception. Let me know with certainty what displeases you in me.
One Word: God cannot be mocked (Gal 6:7)