Bath-shu'a, also known as Bathsheba, is a significant figure in the Hebrew Bible, primarily recognized as the wife of King David and the mother of King Solomon. Her account is primarily found in the books of 2 Samuel and 1 Kings, with additional genealogical references in 1 Chronicles.

Etymology and Name Variations:

The name Bath-shu'a is a variant of Bathsheba, which means "daughter of the oath" or "daughter of abundance" in Hebrew. The name Bath-shu'a appears in 1 Chronicles 3:5, where she is listed among the wives of David and the mother of his sons.

Biblical Narrative:

Bathsheba's narrative begins in 2 Samuel 11, where she is introduced as the wife of Uriah the Hittite. King David, upon seeing her bathing, is captivated by her beauty and summons her to his palace, leading to an adulterous affair. When Bathsheba becomes pregnant, David attempts to conceal the sin by recalling Uriah from battle, hoping he will spend time with his wife. However, Uriah's loyalty to his fellow soldiers prevents him from doing so, leading David to orchestrate Uriah's death in battle.

Following Uriah's death, Bathsheba becomes David's wife and bears him a son. However, the child dies shortly after birth as a consequence of David's sin, as pronounced by the prophet Nathan (2 Samuel 12:14-18). Despite this tragedy, Bathsheba later gives birth to Solomon, who is beloved by the Lord (2 Samuel 12:24).

Role in Solomon's Ascension:

Bathsheba plays a crucial role in the succession narrative of Solomon. As David's health declines, Bathsheba, with the support of the prophet Nathan, ensures that Solomon is anointed king, thwarting Adonijah's attempt to claim the throne (1 Kings 1:11-31). Her influence and wisdom are evident as she navigates the political intricacies of the royal court to secure her son's position as king.

Legacy and Significance:

Bathsheba's legacy extends beyond her role as a queen and mother. She is one of the few women mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus Christ in the Gospel of Matthew, where she is referred to as "the wife of Uriah" (Matthew 1:6). This inclusion highlights the redemptive nature of her account and her integral part in the Davidic line leading to the Messiah.

Theological Reflections:

Bathsheba's account is often examined for its themes of sin, repentance, and divine grace. Her life illustrates the complexities of human relationships and the consequences of moral failings, yet it also underscores God's ability to bring about redemption and purpose from flawed circumstances. Her role in the establishment of Solomon's reign further emphasizes the providential unfolding of God's plan for Israel and the Davidic dynasty.

References in Scripture:

· 2 Samuel 11-12: The account of David and Bathsheba's affair and its aftermath.
· 1 Kings 1-2: Bathsheba's involvement in Solomon's accession to the throne.
· 1 Chronicles 3:5: Genealogical reference to Bath-shu'a as the mother of Solomon.
· Matthew 1:6 : Mention of Bathsheba in the genealogy of Jesus Christ.Bath-shu'a (2 Occurrences)

1 Chronicles 2:3
The sons of Judah: Er, and Onan, and Shelah; which three were born unto him of Bath-shua the Canaanitess. And Er, Judah's first-born, was wicked in the sight of the LORD; and He slew him.
(See RSV)

1 Chronicles 3:5
And these were born unto him in Jerusalem: Shimea, and Shobab, and Nathan, and Solomon, four, of Bath-shua the daughter of Ammiel;
(See RSV)

Bath-shu'a (2 Occurrences)
Bath-shu'a. Bath-shua, Bath-shu'a. Bathzacharias . Multi-Version Concordance
Bath-shu'a (2 Occurrences). 1 Chronicles 2:3 The sons ...
/b/bath-shu'a.htm - 7k

Bath-sheba (12 Occurrences)
... Daughter of the oath, or of seven, called also Bath-shu'a (1 Chronicles 3:5), was
the daughter of Eliam (2 Samuel 11:3) or Ammiel (1 Chronicles 3:5), and wife ...
/b/bath-sheba.htm - 13k

Bath-shua (3 Occurrences)
Bath-shua. Bathshua, Bath-shua. Bath-shu'a . Multi-Version Concordance
Bath-shua (3 Occurrences). ... Bathshua, Bath-shua. Bath-shu'a . Reference Bible.
/b/bath-shua.htm - 7k

Bathsheba (14 Occurrences)
... Daughter of the oath, or of seven, called also Bath-shu'a (1 Chronicles 3:5), was
the daughter of Eliam (2 Samuel 11:3) or Ammiel (1 Chronicles 3:5), and wife ...
/b/bathsheba.htm - 14k

Bathzacharias

/b/bathzacharias.htm - 6k

Bathshua (2 Occurrences)
...bath'-shu-a (bath-shua`, "the daughter of opulence" or "the daughter of Shua"; compare
BATH-SHEBA; for derivation see HPN, 67, 69, note 3): (1) In Genesis 38:2 ...
/b/bathshua.htm - 7k

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