Final answer:
King David violated several Ten Commandments, including adultery with Bathsheba, the murder of her husband Uriah, and coveting his neighbor's wife. He also engaged in numerous acts of violence in his military campaigns, which may reflect a departure from the commandment against killing.
Step-by-step explanation:
Commandments Broken by King David
King David is a central figure in the Hebrew Bible, recognized for both his leadership and his failings. According to Biblical accounts, particularly in the books of Samuel, David broke several of the Ten Commandments, which are fundamental laws given to Moses and the Israelites.
The most explicit commandment that David violated is “Thou shalt not commit adultery” (Exodus 20:14). This is evident in the episode where David saw Bathsheba bathing and, despite knowing she was married to Uriah, had an affair with her (2 Samuel 11:2-5). Following the affair and Bathsheba's consequent pregnancy, David orchestrated the death of Uriah by sending him into the front lines of battle, where he was killed (2 Samuel 11:14-17). This action also broke the commandment “Thou shalt not kill” (Exodus 20:13).
Another commandment that David transgressed is “Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s wife” (Exodus 20:17), which he did by desiring and taking Bathsheba. The Ten Commandments also include prohibitions against bearing false witness and stealing, which can be interpreted as being violated when David deceived his people and essentially stole Uriah's wife.
Throughout his military campaigns, David engaged in acts of violence and warfare, claiming many lives, as recorded in various passages such as 2 Samuel 5:25, 8:1-18, and 10:18. While these actions were often presented within the context of divine commands or blessings, they do reflect a departure from the commandment against killing, complicating the assessment of David's adherence to the commandments.
In David's time, societal norms and the interpretation of commandments may have differed from modern understandings, yet the biblical texts critique his actions in light of the commandments given to Moses, highlighting a tension between divine laws and human conduct.