2 Samuel 11:8

DAVID’S ARTIFICES TO CONCEAL HIS SIN AND TO KILL URIAH, 2 Samuel 11:6-27.

8. Go down to thy house and wash thy feet David’s ostensible object in sending for Uriah was to learn how the war prospered; and, being apparently pleased with his report of affairs, he directs him to go home and rest himself before returning to the scenes of war. Washing the feet was customary after a journey and before retiring to sleep. Genesis 18:4; Genesis 19:2. But the king’s real design was to have Uriah pass the night with his wife, that the child already conceived by her might not be regarded as the fruit of their adultery.

There followed him a mess As a royal present to convince him of the king’s affection for him. Very likely David feared that his sin was known or suspected, for the guilty soul is ever clouded with such suspicions.