II Samuel 11:12-13

“Then David said to him, “Stay here one more day, and tomorrow I will send you back.” So Uriah remained in Jerusalem that day and the next. At David’s invitation, he ate and drank with him, and David made him drunk. But in the evening Uriah went out to sleep on his mat among his master’s servants; he did not go home.”

Uriah, still in soldier mode, chose not to go home and be with his wife. So David 

– extended his stay

– invited him to wine & dine

– made him drunk!

David knew that alcohol changes men… 

Proverbs 20:1

“Wine is a mocker and strong drink a brawler, whoever is led astray by them is not wise.”

David was counting on this. Surely, the alcohol would loosen Uriah up and he would go home and make love to his wife and this problem would go away. 

But alas, Uriah ‘did not go home’. The devious power play had failed to lead this man of integrity astray.