man, as one who had thought on his ways and repented of his
transgressions; which could not have been expected of one who after
the commission of such crimes, remained thoughtless and secure, till
the moment when his guilt and danger were set before him.

But if David was a penitent before he was visited by Nathan, why had
he concealed his repentance? Why spread a veil over it and neglected
to glorify God by a confession of his sins? Did he think it sufficient
to confess to God, and humble himself in secret?

So some argue, and endeavor to cover the sins of which the world knows
them to be guilty. But we are far from suspecting this of David.

To break the divine law is implicitly to condemn it. "What iniquity
have your fathers found in me?" To conceal sorrow for sin, is in
effect to justify it. Then only is God glorified by an offender, when
he takes the blame and the shame of his sins on himself, acknowledging
the law which he hath broken to be "holy, just and good." Of these
things, this offender could not be insensible David was indeed under
strong temptation to hide his sins. He was the head of a family,
several members of which were abandoned characters. These he had
doubtless often reproved. He was the head of a nation, numbers of
which were children of Belial. These he had called to repentance,
reproved, punished. He had long professed religion--perhaps often
declared its power to change the heart and mend the life. But if his
crimes were now made public, he must appear "a sinner above all who
dwelt at Jerusalem!" To have his conduct known would cover him with
shame, and "give great occasion to the enemy to blaspheme, and speak
reproachfully."