Topical Encyclopedia Urias, more commonly known as Uriah the Hittite, is a significant figure in the Old Testament, particularly in the narrative of King David's reign. His account is primarily found in the Second Book of Samuel, where he is depicted as a valiant warrior and a man of integrity.Background and Identity Uriah was a Hittite, a member of a group of people who lived in the region of Anatolia and later in parts of Canaan. Despite his foreign origin, Uriah was fully integrated into Israelite society and served as one of King David's "mighty men" (2 Samuel 23:39). His name, meaning "Yahweh is my light," suggests that he was a worshiper of the God of Israel, indicating his assimilation into the religious life of the Israelites. Role in David's Army Uriah's role as one of David's elite warriors underscores his importance and valor. He was part of a select group of soldiers who were renowned for their bravery and loyalty to the king. This position highlights Uriah's dedication and the trust that David placed in him as a soldier. The Incident with Bathsheba Uriah is most famously known for his involvement in the tragic narrative of David and Bathsheba. While Uriah was away fighting the Ammonites, King David saw Bathsheba, Uriah's wife, bathing and was overcome with desire for her. David summoned Bathsheba and committed adultery with her, resulting in her pregnancy (2 Samuel 11:2-5). In an attempt to conceal his sin, David called Uriah back from the battlefield, hoping he would sleep with his wife and thus provide a cover for the pregnancy. However, Uriah, demonstrating his loyalty and sense of duty, refused to enjoy the comforts of home while his fellow soldiers were encamped in the open field. He said to David, "The ark and Israel and Judah dwell in tents, and my master Joab and the servants of my lord are camping in the open field. How can I go to my house to eat and drink and lie with my wife? As surely as you live, I will not do such a thing!" (2 Samuel 11:11). David's Sin and Uriah's Death David's plan to cover up his sin failed due to Uriah's integrity. Consequently, David resorted to a more sinister plan. He sent Uriah back to the battlefield with a letter to Joab, the commander of the army, instructing him to place Uriah at the forefront of the fiercest battle and then withdraw from him so that he would be struck down and killed (2 Samuel 11:14-15). Joab followed David's orders, and Uriah was killed in battle (2 Samuel 11:16-17). Aftermath and Legacy After Uriah's death, David took Bathsheba as his wife, and she bore him a son. However, the Lord was displeased with David's actions, and the prophet Nathan confronted him, leading to David's repentance (2 Samuel 12:1-13). Despite David's remorse, the consequences of his sin were severe, affecting his family and reign. Uriah's account serves as a poignant reminder of the destructive nature of sin and the importance of integrity and loyalty. His character stands in stark contrast to David's actions during this episode, highlighting Uriah's righteousness and the tragic circumstances of his death. Smith's Bible Dictionary Urias
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia URIAS (1)u-ri'-as (Oureias; Codex Vaticanus (b) Ouria; Codex Alexandrinus Ouri; the King James Version Iri): URIAS (2) (Ourias): the King James Version; Greek form of "Uriah" (thus the Revised Version (British and American)). The husband of Bath-sheba (Matthew 1:6). Greek 3774. Ourias -- Uriah, a Hittite ... Uriah. Of Hebrew origin ('Uwriyah); Urias (ie Urijah), a Hittite -- Urias. see HEBREW 'Uwriyah. (ouriou) -- 1 Occurrence. 3773, 3774. Ourias. 3775 . ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3774.htm - 6k Library How the King of Babylon Took Jerusalem and Burnt the Temple and ... Whether Christ's Genealogy is Suitably Traced by the Evangelists? Matthew's Genealogy of Jesus Christ A Confirmation of what Has Been Said by a Noteworthy Comparison. Illusions of Youth, Value of Time at this Period of Life. On the Psalms. I. The Jewish Institutions and Laws of Far Higher Antiquity than the ... Of the Agreement of the Evangelists Matthew and Luke in the ... On the Righteousness and Efficacy of the Providence of God ... Thesaurus Urias (1 Occurrence)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia URIAS (1). ...URIAS (2). (Ourias): the King James Version; Greek form of "Uriah" (thus the Revised Version (British and American)). ... /u/urias.htm - 7k Uruah Uriah (33 Occurrences) Uriel (4 Occurrences) Uri'ah's (1 Occurrence) Marmoth Begat (112 Occurrences) Iri (1 Occurrence) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Urias (1 Occurrence)Matthew 1:6 Subtopics Related Terms |