David and the law

Hello Rabbi Why did David not recieve punishment under the law for adultery? And also for eating the show bread? Are kings immune from earthly prosecution under the law? Thank you in advance

Shalom! 

Thank you for your question. 

As the Talmud explains, Daivd did not technically sin with Bathsheva. Indeed, the Talmud says that "Whoever says that David sinned is mistaken" (Shabba 56a). 

It is explained that it was standard practice for Jewish soldiers to formally divorce their wives before going out in battle – lest they disappear in war leaving their wives forever forbidden to remarry. 

As such, King David technically did not commit adultery as Batsheva was officially divorced. 

That being said, the prophet Nathan does indeed criticize David for his behaviour as what he did was unbecoming, although not technically forbidden. 

So no, nobody is above the laws of the Torah. 

 Regarding the Lechem Hapanim (the showbread) episode: the Talmud in Menachos 95b explains that since King David was in a situation of pikuach nefesh, he was permitted to eat it.