Sue is agented withKaren Neumair atCredo Communications. Amazing Facts quarterly guide featuring news, articles, Bible answers, and more. David asked his servants about her and was told she was Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah the Hittite, one of David's mighty . Bathsheba was David's last wife (at least the last one mentioned in the Bible) and probably his most famous. Whether Bathsheba is guilty or not, is less important in the Bible than the guilt of the king himself: Nathan comes to David, not Bathsheba, to point out the error of his ways. We dont know. The Bible also mentions a woman who was not strictly a wife or a concubine, but close enough that it became a problem. Nathan calmly told the king: "You are the man," meaning that God had revealed to the prophet the truth of David's adultery, deceit, and murder of Uriah. When notified, Abigail hurried to intercede on behalf of her husband. While reading through Davids life, it is evident he did not always make good decisions. Shephatiah, whose mother was Abital, another of David's wives.6. Davids confession in 2 Samuel 12:13 is beautiful and simple: I have sinned against the Lord. First and foremost, our sin is always against God, so its his forgiveness we must seek first. 1 Chronicles 3:1-4 states that King David's first seven wives gave him six children, while they lived in Hebron. The story of David and Bathsheba is told in 2 Samuel 11 and 12, set against the backdrop of David's war against the Ammonites, a tribe from a region east of the Dead Sea that is now part of present-day Jordan. If we count the son who died in infancy after having been conceived through David's adulterous relationship with Bathsheba ( 2 Samuel 12:16-23 ), David . But power and money makes us feel like we deserve certain indulgences we might not have without a position of power. Absalom, whose mother was Maacah (or Maakah), the daughter of Talmar, King of Geshur, and wife of David.4. David had seven wives prior to Bathsheba. Later, Saul takes Michal away from David and marries her to another man, Paltiel. This story shows that God can redeem us even after we have wandered far off the path. ', quotes author Richard M. Davidson: "Just as intercourse between an adult and a minor, even a 'consenting' minor, is today termed 'statutory rape,' so the intercourse between David and his subject Bathsheba (even if Bathsheba, under the psychological pressure of one in power over her, acquiesced to the intercourse) is understood in biblical law, and so presented in this narrative, to be a case of rapewhat today we call 'power rape,' and the victimizer, not the victim, is held accountable."1. We know that David married many more wives other than the seven listed by name. Gods providence. There are several key places in the Bible that describe Davids wives. When it came time to be paid, Nabal instead refused to pay David and his men. As the Apostle Paul says, the Law served to reveal our sin and shut all people up under sin (Galatians 3:19-22). Fast access to all of Amazing Facts English and foreign-language Bible-based websites. URGENT! Ithream, whose mother was Eglah, yet another wife of David. Bathsheba was King David's most famous and controversial wife, in part because their marriage came after an illicit extramarital affair at the height of David's reign over Judah and Israel (circa 1005-965 BCE). (Deuteronomy 6:4-9), Guard your heart. He not only became the next king, but he was also blessed as an ancestor of the Messiah. Consumed with lust for power, Saul sought to destroy David because Gods favor rested on him, and David was deemed a contender for the throne (1 Samuel 18:12-16). The story of Bathsheba and David has proved so enduring that religious commentators still debate the quality of the sin involvedand its plot has been borrowed for countless romance novels, movies, and daytime dramas. He wasnt in love with her from what the text reveals. Bathsheba was a daughter of Eliam and was probably of noble birth. Article Images Copyright . He only notices Bathsheba because hes home when hes supposed to be leading his troops. May their lives and walks with God strengthen your faith and encourage your soul. Following is a list of the wives of David that we know the names of, along with where they were from, and Bible verses that mention them. In 2020, he won First Prize for Best Feature Story in a regional contest by the Colorado Press Association Network. Clearly, a liaison with her would violate the seventh commandment against adultery, and a king of Israel was supposed to be a religious leader as well as a political leader. He recalled Uriah from the front, supposedly to give him a report on the battle, and then told him to take some leave and visit his wife. Even though the Bible doesnt describe God or prophets outright condemning David for polygamy, it doesnt praise him for it either. At first, David called Bathshebas husband, Uriah, away from the battle to give him a report of the army. While he walked around on the roof of his house, David spied the married woman, Bathsheba, bathing. May their lives and walks with God strengthen your faith and encourage your soul. Although she seems passive at the beginning of her relationship with David, Bathsheba becameKing David's active support at the end of his life, as she secured David's throne for their son, Solomon, who was destined to become a wise, if flawed, ruler of Israel. David plotted to have Uriah killed. That child died shortly after birth as a consequence of David's sin, which the prophet Nathan warned of (2 Samuel 12:14-23). 4. God always opens pathways to repentance and freedom for us and provides escape routes for every temptation we encounter (1 Corinthians 10:13) If we ignore those, God will provide conviction when we sin (1 John 1:9). 1 Kings 1:4 says Abishag looked after the king and took care of him. We learn more about Michal, Abigail, and Bathsheba, but not much about how David related to them over time. As told in 2 . After Abigail told her husband that she saved him, Nabal had a heart attack and died. The Bible even refers to him as a "man after God's own heart" (1 Samuel 13:14; Acts 13:22). The Bible records at least twenty named children born to David and his many wives, though it is possible he had even more than those listed. Bathsheba is portrayed by the midrash as a modest woman who carefully observed the laws of family purity, but who found herself, without any conscious action on her part, in an adulterous affair with the king. On-demand Amazing Facts audio featuring a wealth of spiritual guidance and inspiration. Does it mean you cannot be forgiven or saved? The plan worked. However, its not clear if they reconciled after she rebuked David. However, God's mercies are proven to be far more powerful than any sin or parental mistake(Deuteronomy 5:9-10). He gets distracted by power, fame, and success. Through his messengers, David learned that she was Bathsheba, wife of Uriah the Hittite, who had gone to battle for David. Parenting is never easy, and it really doesn't get easier or cheaper by the dozen, as the saying goes. Did King David Rape Bathsheba? How Can I Recognize and Understand the Holy Spirit Better? Listen to all of Amazing Facts audio programming whenever and wherever you go. Article copyright 2006 by Richard M. Davidson. Unfortunately, bad habits can be learned and passed on to our children if not challenged or corrected early. Hes angry hearing the story. But the king had no sexual relations with her. So, Abishag slept with the king, but not (if youll forgive the pun) in the Biblical sense.. All 27 lessons of our popular Bible lesson series available at the click of your mouse. Even knowing she was another man's wife, David . He is the writer of a special Scripture study/reflection addendum to Someplace to Be Somebody, authored by his wife, Lisa Loraine Baker (End Game Press Spring 2022). Learn Religions, Sep. 10, 2021, learnreligions.com/bathsheba-king-davids-most-famous-wife-117306. And David sent and inquired about the woman. Saul then promised David the eldest son . Ahinoam: Introduced in 1 Samuel 25:43, Ahinoam is mostly mentioned alongside Abigail, since both wives accompanied David together while He fled Saul. The biblical text implies that this ritual purification was the bath that David saw Bathsheba taking. 1), ***Note: Some believe that David was also married to Merab based upon (1 Sam 17:25), however (1 Sam 18:17-19)(2 Sam 21:8) appears to disprove this. Incongruence happens when we ignore or disobey Gods laws. Before David took the throne, he used his power to serve others, perhaps most notably the defenseless cities of Keilah and Ziklag (1 Samuel 23:1-14; 30:1-31), but with Bathsheba he abused his power first to serve his lust, and then to preserve his reputation. Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. Although the lists of his mighty men (2 Samuel 23:8-39 & 1 Chronicles 11:10-47) are given after David has become king, many of them may have been the loyal followers who stayed with him when he was fleeing King Saul.At the very least, they fought side by side with him. Psalm 32 relays how Davids sin and restoration affected him physically, psychologically, and spiritually. He had a daughter named Michal, who King Saul had given him in exchange for killing 400 Philistines. The prophet Nathan rebuked David, and Bathshebas child died. We know Abigail was unusually wise, and nothing about how she related to David later in life. He gave them Solomon, whose name means "Peace.". In his arrogance and lust for power, Absalom eventually turned the hearts of the people against his father and later succeeded in taking the throne of Israel, plunging the nation into a civil war (2 Samuel 15). Abigail: David's second wife, Abigail, is found in 1 Samuel 25 during the saga of David's life when he fled King Saul. Adonijah would be Davids oldest living son by the time David died and would try to claim the throne for himself. The heart can fool any of us and destroy the best of us (Jeremiah 17:9). David had many wives and concubines. When David couldn't get Uriah to sleep with his wife Bathsheba (and therefore conceal David's adultery), he . Davids laziness in rooting out lust overlaps into a laziness of calling and purpose. (1 John 1:9-10), David and Bathsheba's story is a traumatic one, but also one that God redeems. David killed a lot of people in battle. A warrior, David becomes king to establish and lead Israel as a God-fearing nation, unlike the surrounding nations. While Uriah was away at war, David saw Bathsheba bathing in her courtyard one night; she was beautiful, and David lusted after her. Article Images Copyright . However, these lists only mention the wives that David had sons with, and the 1 Chronicles list ends with these were the sons of David, not including his sons born to concubines (1 Chronicles 3:9). Repentance didnt reverse the effects of Davids sin. He attends Faith Fellowship Church in East Rochester, OH where he has given multiple sermons and is discipled by pastor Chet Howes. For the full story of David and Bathsheba please read 2 Samuel 11 and for the full story of Nathan confronting David and the consequences of David's actions read 2 Samuel 12. David is an important figure in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. 9. Pastor and therapist Ted Roberts gives an interesting theory in his book Pure Desire and other resources: David may have been stuck in a cycle of sexual bondage. Like many men struggling with pornography or sexual issues, David had a harsh relationship with his father, who called David his youngest son, using a Hebrew word that also means unimportant. Men with sexual issues also have illicit behavior they try to hide (David hid his affair with Bathsheba), and pass on their dysfunctional behavior to their children without ever confronting the problem (Amnon rapes his half-sister, David got angry but did nothing about it). This is astonishing evidence of Gods grace and forgiveness. Uriah still wont go home. Though David had (probably) eight wives and (probably) 10 concubines, King Solomon seemed to take things up a notch in a Biblical case of "hold my beer." According to 1 Kings 11, Solomon was recorded to have at least 700 wives (though the text itself only mentions those wives "of royal birth"), and at least 300 concubines. Then Nathan reveals that the story is about Davids sin against Bathsheba and Uriah. In every time and season, there is an opportunity to share hope in Christ. Comments made on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday may not be approved until the following Monday. How Can I Recognize and Understand the Holy Spirit Better? The baby has been born and at least nine months have passed, but David has not repented. When it came time to be paid, Nabal instead refused to pay . She begged for forgiveness and gave David a handsome number of supplies, thus staying Davids hand from taking vengeance by his own hand. Following Amnon's murder, Absalom fled Jerusalem and did not return for another three years. You read that correctly, God recorded Davids polygamous lifestyle for our instruction and encouragement. God forgave Davidand usof any and all confessed sin. Bathsheba, also spelled Bethsabee, in the Hebrew Bible (2 Samuel 11, 12; 1 Kings 1, 2), wife of Uriah the Hittite; she later became one of the wives of King David and the mother of King Solomon. The story of Bathsheba and David has proved so enduring that religious commentators still debate the quality . Don't forget to listen to Bible Answers Live onSirius XM Family Talk 131this Sunday at 10:00pm ET/7:00pm PT.Find more ways to listen here! Altogether, scripture records that David had 19 sons by . 2. Depending on the length of a woman's period, this seven-day injunction before purification virtually guarantees that a woman will most likely be ovulating, or close to ovulating when she resumes having sex. Nothing encourages and inspires a child to follow God like a parent who walks with the Lord. Heart-touching stories of lives impacted by the ministry. But God blessed Bathsheba with her son Solomon who would become king after his father. Some of David's children did; many did not. Witness to friends and family with these powerhouse resources on a wide variety of biblical topics. Although Nathan is the third son raised by David and Bathsheba, he is the fourth born to Bathsheba. God sends Nathan the prophet to tell David a story about injustice, and David takes the bait. Even Solomon was not exempt from Davids sin. Saul had no choice but to give Michal to David as his wife (1 Samuel 18:20-27). In fact, the Bibles narrative makes it clear Davids marriage choices created big problems. Most of the sons mentioned from these womencaused much strife and grief in Davids family. Amnon, whose mother was Ahinoam of Jezreel, one of David's first wives (1 Samuel 25:43).2. Later Absalom tried to usurp David. Davids history suggests that he used many women to balance out his faults (lust, violence, and ego). Absalom killed Amnon his brother, and then Absalom was killed. He talks to Uriah about the battle and sends him home so hell sleep with his wife and the affair will be hidden. We are told the names of some of his wives in the verses below,however, it says in (2 Sam 5:13) that when David got to Jerusalem he took more wives. We are not given the names of these women. It is likely David had even more sons and daughters that the Bible does not record since we know he had several more unnamed wives and perhaps even more concubines through which he fathered children (1 Chronicles 3:9). Still, we dont know if David named Solomon his successor because he favored Bathsheba, because God favored Solomon, or to compensate for everything Bathsheba had suffered. Bible Answer: 2 Samuel 12:8 does not record God's approval of polygamy but God's gift of the possessions that He gave David. How many wives did David have before Bathsheba? He didn't lure her. Sources:TheGospelCoalition.org, 'Did King David Rape Bathsheba? In his epistle to the Romans, Paul mentions the edifying nature of the entire Old Testament stating, For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scripture we might have hope (Romans 15:4). Adultery is still sin. His first six sons, recorded in 2 Samuel 3:1-5 and 1 Chronicles 3:1-4, are: 1. Are they more prone to sexual sin than regular people? 2) The baby born from Davids sin would die; the death would show unbelieving nations that God did not approve of Davids sin. Others have speculated that in the pagan societies surrounding Israel, having multiple wives was a way kings showed their power. A lack of integrity in one area always seeps into a lack of integrity in other areas. Bathsheba and David: Biblical Romance and Tragedy. You can choose not to excuse or normalize your behavior. And David did repent before the Lord. But his pursuit of righteousness was a family trait. In addition to Davids free will to stop his adulterous and murderous actions at any point, God also sent Nathan to confront David and remind him that God demanded his obedience. Listen to our episode on David right now: G. Connor Salter is a writer and editor, with a Bachelor of Science in Professional Writing from Taylor University. This son died seven days after his birth (2 Samuel 12:16-23), and it is possible that he is not included in this list. David raped Bathsheba and sent her home. However, while we may see David as a legend and hero of the faith, we must also remember that he was just as much a son, a brother, a husband, and a father as he was a king or a warrior. Who Are King David's Children in the Bible? Eglah(1 Chr 3:3)(2 Sam 3:5) David, as well as kings which followed (including his son Solomon who had 700 wives and 300 concubines: 1 Kin 11:3 ), disobeyed . Whereas Saul lacked sufficient self-confidence to lead the nation appropriately, David was ever sure of himself [an important component of true trust in Gd] yet knew to repent in an instant and keep his teshuvah alive . Answer. (Galatians 5:16-21), Biblical parenting is counter-cultural. He began making poor decisions in areas of his life where he didnt think it mattered. More importantly, God's mercy and promise to David remained true. After this, the Lord struck Nabal and took his life. God removes Davids guilt and shame, but God does not remove the natural consequences that Davids sinful patterns produced. A wife not covered in either list, Davids first wife, is mentioned in several stories about Davids exploit. Understanding the latest news through a biblical lens. As the last of Jesses eight sons, Jesse thought David was unimportant, and his brothers thought he was an annoying pest (1 Samuel 16-17). Adonijah, whose mother was Haggith, David's fifth wife.5. ***Note: Based upon (2 Sam 12:8), some believe that after Saul died, David married his wives. 6. We could refer to this rape as 'power rape,' meaning Bathsheba was not in a position to say no (even if she wanted to) when the king called for her and collected her with guards. When David danced before the Ark of the Covenant as it entered Jerusalem, Michal rebuked him for his undignified behavior. [1] He was a younger brother of Shammuah (sometimes referred to as Shammua or Shimea), Shobab, and Solomon. If you have a Bible question for Pastor Doug Batchelor or the Amazing Facts Bible answer team, please submit it by clicking here. All rights reserved. David refused to discipline Amnon, so Tamars brother Absalom killed Amnon in revenge and fled to escape punishment (2 Samuel 13). Is it any wonder that Amnon, Absalom, and even Solomon would also be caught in sexual sin later in life? Maacah, Haggith, Abital, and Eglah:Scripture does not give much detail about these four wives other than the fact they all bore sons to David while he dwelt in Hebron. All rights reserved. Stephen Baker is a graduate of Mount Union University. After Bathsheba mourns for her deceased husband, David sends for and marries Bathsheba. Instead of owning up to the liaison and making restitution, David took an even more sinful approach to the crisis. David and Solomon would have grown up hearing the stories of Gods redemption of their family line through Boaz, the kinsman-redeemer. David clearly struggled with this many times. In addition, David had an unknown number of concubines. (1 Chr 3:9)(2 Sam 5:13)(2 Sam 16:21-22)(2 Sam 20:3 tells us he had at least 10). Also, we find hope. Absolutely not! 'ChristianityToday.com, 'Why It's Easier to Accept David as a Murderer Than a Rapist'. Eventually, Joab killed Absalom. Free Will. Comments that include name-calling, profanity, harassment, ridicule, etc. But who were David's children exactly, who did they grow up to be, and how were their lives shaped by their complicated and sometimes troubled relationship with their famous father? The Bible tells us that Amnon lured his sister to his chambers one night under false pretenses and proceeded to rape her. In his old age, David could no longer stay warm in bed, so his advisors found a young virgin named Abishag to sleep in the same bed with David and provide warmth. He cant sleep (maybe because hes not fulfilling his purpose? Not exactly romantic. David had four wives whose names we knowAhinoam, Abigail (2 Samuel 2:2), Eglah (2 Samuel 3:5), and Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11:27)and possibly others such as Absalom's mother Maakah. This was done in accordance with the Mosaic law which gave instruction on how soldiers were to keep themselves pure during the time of war. God plainly told the Israelites when they selected a king, he was not to have multiple wives (Deuteronomy 17:17). God explicitly prohibited polygamy. Even in light of Davids polygamy, we can trust God worked through all things for His glory. Learning about Davids poor choices, and the results of those choices help us to understand he was more than the heroic figure we discover in Sunday School. David - passionate poet and in love, lyrical singer, courageous in battle and completely Gd-fearing, yet humble and willing to take responsibility and admit his mistakes. Davids children repeated his sins. Paul Carter, in his TGC article 'Did King David Rape Bathsheba? Many theologians believe that the Proverbs 31 woman, whom Solomon wrote about, was Davids great-grandmother Ruth (Ruth 4:21-22). The complex family David created was the source of much sorrow and strife. Our flagship program features the most informative and inspiring messages from Pastor Doug and more. David repents and worships. Number, names and stories. (2 Samuel 12:11-12) Although David fasted and prayed for a week for his baby to survive, God did not answer his request. Amnon David's oldest son grew up to be a selfish, licentious young man who was consumed with lust for his virgin half-sister Tamar. These were born to David in Hebron" (2 Samuel 3:2-5 and 1 Chronicles 3:1-3). Amon treated Tamar as a used and unwanted outcast, a reputation she likely carried for the rest of her life. There is a dangerous assumption which accompanies many Bible readers and serves as the root of numerous stumbling blocks. Discover all the informative and inspiring books from the speaker and president of Amazing Facts. Eventually, Absalom was ousted and killed (2 Samuel 18), but the troubles continued. David already had three wives before he married Bathsheba. Dig into the Word and become a Bible expert with Amazing Facts line of study Bibles and more. Much like his son Solomon, David had lots of wives, but it created trouble and strife. The fact that an innocent child diesinstead of the guilty pairis troubling in light of what we know of God's . But after his sin, David thoroughly repented. Psalm 32 and 51 detail Davids journey to repentance. The womens pagan backgrounds wooed Solomon away from truth and introduced Israel to idolatry. David was married to Ahinoam, Abigail, Maacha, Haggith, Abital, and Eglah during the 7-1/2 years he reigned in Hebron as king of Judah. Updated on May 07, 2019. In other words, she was not truly willing to sleep with him, but he was the king. Enraged by his brother's actions, Absalom, the son of Maacah and full brother of Tamar, murdered his half-brother Amnon in revenge (2 Samuel 13). David was an insignificant shepherd when God chose him. He won King Sauls daughter Michal for killing 400 Philistines and cutting off their foreskins. (2 Samuel 11:2-4) "David didn't invite Bathsheba. But Nathans prophecies still come true. After she was taken away from him, he married Ahinoam, Abigail, Maacah, Haggith, Abital, and Eglah. David was a fallible human being who made poor choices as well as good ones and had to face those actions consequences. To establish his authority as the new king, Absalom took ten of his fathers concubines and slept with them in public (2 Samuel 16:15-23). Joel Ryanis an author, writing professor, and contributing writer for Salem Web Network and Lifeway. David's mighty men were a group of his best thirty-seven fighters (later expanded to around eighty). This article is part of our People from the Bible Series featuring the most well-known historical names and figures from Scripture. Early intervention, discipline, and instruction could mean the difference between life and death later on. A Case Study in Narrative Theology in Journal of the Adventist Theological Society, 17/2 (Autumn 2006): 8195. is thomas's battersea a good school, the code requires that realtors advertising clearly identify,
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