Topical Bible: Wife: Bath-Sheba

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Introduction:
Bath-Sheba, a prominent figure in the Hebrew Bible, is best known 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. Bath-Sheba's narrative is significant in the biblical account, illustrating themes of sin, repentance, and divine providence.

Background:
Bath-Sheba was the daughter of Eliam (2 Samuel 11:3) and the wife of Uriah the Hittite, one of David's mighty men (2 Samuel 23:39). Her name, Bath-Sheba, means "daughter of the oath" or "daughter of abundance." She was a woman of notable beauty, which played a crucial role in her initial encounter with King David.

Encounter with David:
The account of Bath-Sheba begins in 2 Samuel 11 when King David, from the roof of his palace, saw her bathing. Captivated by her beauty, David sent messengers to bring her to him, and he lay with her, resulting in her pregnancy (2 Samuel 11:2-5). This act of adultery led David to orchestrate the death of her husband, Uriah, by placing him in the front lines of battle (2 Samuel 11:14-17).

Marriage to David:
After Uriah's death, Bath-Sheba mourned for her husband. Following the period of mourning, David took her as his wife, and she bore him a son (2 Samuel 11:26-27). However, the Lord was displeased with David's actions, and the child born to Bath-Sheba fell ill and died as a consequence of David's sin (2 Samuel 12:15-18).

Mother of Solomon:
Despite the tragic beginning, Bath-Sheba's role in the biblical narrative continued to be significant. She later gave birth to Solomon, whom the Lord loved (2 Samuel 12:24). Bath-Sheba played a crucial role in securing Solomon's succession to the throne. When David was old and bedridden, Bath-Sheba, with the help of the prophet Nathan, reminded David of his promise that Solomon would be king (1 Kings 1:11-31). David then declared Solomon as his successor, ensuring Bath-Sheba's son would reign over Israel.

Influence and Legacy:
Bath-Sheba's influence extended into Solomon's reign. She is depicted as a queen mother, a position of considerable authority and respect in the royal court. In 1 Kings 2:19, Solomon honored her by providing a throne for her at his right hand, signifying her esteemed status.

Bath-Sheba is also 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), highlighting her place in the messianic lineage.

Conclusion:
Bath-Sheba's account is a complex narrative of sin, redemption, and divine purpose. Her life illustrates the profound impact of personal choices and the overarching sovereignty of God in the unfolding of His redemptive plan.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Samuel 11:2-5
And it came to pass in an evening, that David arose from off his bed, and walked on the roof of the king's house: and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman was very beautiful to look on.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

How David Fell in Love with Bathsheba, and Slew Her Husband Uriah ...
... He then went in unto Bathsheba his wife, and she conceived and bare a son; and
by the command of Nathan the prophet called his name Solomon. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 7 how david fell.htm

A Rich Man who was a Thief
... And David sent to ask about the woman; and some one said, "Is not this Bathsheba,
the wife of Uriah the Hittite?" Then David sent messengers to bring her; and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/a rich man who was.htm

David's Sin.
... After her mourning was ended, Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah, became the
wife of David, but the Lord was displeased with David. He ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxiv davids sin.htm

That David Made Great Preparations for the House of God; and That ...
... was a beautiful young man, and tall, born to him of Haggith his wife. ... This matter
was told by Nathan the prophet to Bathsheba, Solomon's mother, that Adonijah ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 14 that david made.htm

The Reign of David.
... These sins reached a climax in his trespass with Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah. ... in
the following incidents: (1) The death of his child born to Bath-sheba. ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter xi the reign of.htm

Of Matrimony.
... Do these men pretend not to know that David, a most holy man, married Bathsheba
the wife of Uriah, though both these crimes had been committed; that is, though ...
/.../luther/first principles of the reformation/of matrimony.htm

The History of David
... And after this Bathsheba, that had been Uriah's wife, brought forth another son
named Solomon, which was well-beloved of God, and after David, Solomon was king ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the history of david.htm

Letter cxxii. To Rusticus.
... of a sinner is exhibited to us in the fifty-first [3165] psalm written by David
after he had gone in unto Bathsheba the wife of Uriah the Hittite, [3166] and ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cxxii to rusticus.htm

Genealogy of Jesus According to Matthew.
... as one of the kings; and thus make up the full number of the second fourteen] begat
Solomon of her that had been the wife [the adulteress Bathsheba] of Uriah ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/iii genealogy of jesus according.htm

The First Kings.
... She proved to be Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah, an officer of Canaanitish origin,
then absent with the army besieging Rabbah, the capital of Ammon. ...
/.../headley/half hours in bible lands volume 2/the first kings.htm