Bathsheba: Love

The Wife of Uriah

Common interpretation: David is tragic hero, victim to temptation

Results: Men get off the hook for their sexual sin, women remain condemened

The Wife of Uriah

Bathsheba is only woman not mentioned by name in Matthew’s Gospel. Why? As a refusal to let David’s shortcomings be forgotten, and also to assure Bathsheba her story is not forgotten.

Never Meet Your Heroes

Contrary to popular interpretations, Bathsheba is not the evil seductress in the story: She is victim, and David is the wrongdoer

“When Kings go out to war”= David is not where he ought to be.

David sees Bathsheba Bathing. Why?

Bathsheba likely purifying herself = contrast her faithfulness to David’s

Not bathing on the roof, probably in a private courtyard

Bathing at night = desire for privacy

David is the one on who all the action rests

David “takes” Bathsheba and “lays with her” = rape imagery, not consensual

Abuse of Power

Repitition of Garden themes

“saw she was beutiful”, “took her”, both stories point to disorientation of appropriate human authority

To cover up his crimes, David has Uriah killed.

All of this points towards David’s self-serving heart and lack of Love for his neighbor and for God.

Nathan’s Parable

Why did Nathan wait until baby was already born? David likely thought he had gotten off the hook. This shows that God does not forget.

Read v 11:23-25 c.f. 12:27

Depicts loving relationship between Bathsheba and Uriah

Double Meaning

Condemnation for Sexual Assault

Condemnation for Murder of Uriah

Lack of love blinds us to the pain we cause others.

The Curse Spreads Far

David’s actions have real consequences

His son dies

His other sons emulate his immoral behavior

Only Holy Love

F-

God does not forget Bathsheba, however

He redeems her by giving her another son, Solomon, or “Jedediah”, “Whom God Loves”

Even for David, despite his horrible actions, there is hope for redemption