Lexical Summary Ourias: Uriah Original Word: Οὐρίας Strong's Exhaustive Concordance UriahOf Hebrew origin ('Uwriyah); Urias (i.e. Urijah), a Hittite -- Urias. see HEBREW 'Uwriyah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof Hebrew origin Uriyyah Definition Uriah, a Hittite NASB Translation Uriah (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3774: ΟυριαςΟυριας, Ουριου (Buttmann, 17f (16) no. 8), ὁ (אוּרִיָה light of Jehovah (or, my light is Jehovah)), Uriah, the husband of Bathsheba the mother of Solomon by David: Matthew 1:6. Topical Lexicon Name and Background Uriah is introduced in the narrative of David’s reign as “Uriah the Hittite” (2 Samuel 11:3). His personal name in Hebrew combines the divine element “Yah” with a root meaning “light” or “fire,” suggesting “Yahweh is my light.” Though called a Hittite, Uriah worshiped the God of Israel and served in Israel’s army. His foreign origin juxtaposed with his covenant loyalty underscores the inclusive reach of God’s redemptive plan, later highlighted by his appearance in the genealogy of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:6). Biblical Narrative Uriah appears chiefly in 2 Samuel 11–12. While David remained in Jerusalem, “Joab and the servants with him went out and fought” (2 Samuel 11:1), placing Uriah among Israel’s elite warriors. Bathsheba’s pregnancy prompted David to recall Uriah from the front, hoping he would spend the night at home and thus cover the king’s sin. Uriah, however, rejected personal comfort: “The ark and Israel and Judah are dwelling in tents … How could I go to my house to eat and drink and lie with my wife?” (2 Samuel 11:11). David’s attempt to intoxicate him likewise failed. Ultimately, David dispatched a letter ordering Joab to set Uriah at the fiercest battle line and withdraw, “so that he may be struck down and die” (2 Samuel 11:15). Uriah’s death and David’s subsequent marriage to Bathsheba provoked divine judgment announced through Nathan (2 Samuel 12:1-14). Character Virtues 1. Covenant loyalty: Uriah’s refusal to indulge himself while the ark and the army camped in open fields exemplifies solidarity with God’s people. The Sin of David David’s adultery and orchestration of Uriah’s death stand among Scripture’s clearest portrayals of the corruption of power. The episode demonstrates that even God’s anointed king is accountable to divine law. Nathan’s parable (2 Samuel 12:1-4) equates Uriah with a poor man robbed of his sole lamb, exposing the gravity of David’s actions. The ensuing judgment—domestic turmoil, public disgrace, and the death of the child—reveals that sin carries lasting consequences even when forgiven (2 Samuel 12:10-14). Consequences and Divine Justice Uriah’s blood cried out for justice, and the Lord answered. Yet divine justice was tempered by mercy toward David, who confessed, “I have sinned against the LORD” (2 Samuel 12:13). Uriah thus becomes a silent witness to both the severity of God’s holiness and the overflow of His grace—grace ultimately manifested in the Messiah descended from the very union that followed his death. Place in the Lineage of the Messiah Matthew purposefully notes, “David was the father of Solomon by Uriah’s wife” (Matthew 1:6). By naming the wronged husband rather than Bathsheba, the Gospel writer etches Uriah into salvation history. His inclusion highlights: Prophetic and Theological Implications Uriah’s account anticipates themes fulfilled in Christ: Lessons for Ministry 1. Accountability: Leaders must guard against isolation and the misuse of authority. Historical and Extrabiblical Considerations Archaeological records confirm Hittite presence in Canaan during and after the Late Bronze Age, making Uriah’s ethnicity historically plausible. Military lists and political alliances in the Ancient Near East reveal that foreign mercenaries often served Israelite kings, aligning with the depiction of Uriah as a trusted warrior. Summary Uriah’s lone New Testament mention (Matthew 1:6) and his Old Testament narrative together serve as a sobering testimony to the cost of sin, the depth of covenant loyalty, and the redemptive sovereignty of God. His life and death continue to teach believers about integrity, justice, repentance, and the marvelous grace that brings the Savior into the world through imperfect human history. Forms and Transliterations ούριον Ουριου Οὐρίου ούρον Ouriou OuríouLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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