Bathsheba

Scripture References:
2 Samuel 11:1-27; 12:1-24, 28-31
1 Kings 1:21; 2:13-25

Bathsheba's Early History

1. Who was Bathesheba married to and what role did he play in David's court?

Bathsheba was married to Uriah the Hittite. Daughter of Eliam
2. In the Hebrew text there are two words that are typically used to decribe personal appearance
1. yapeh: menaing rather mide and good looking
2. tob: when applied to a woman's look convery sensual appeal.
Which of these two was used to describe Bathsheba of the two was it a help to her or a betrayal and why?

yapeh: through David's life he was attracted to beautiful women. I do not feel Bathsheba was bathing in a sensual way or to look sensual. But because she could be seen from the King's Palace she could have been more discreet if that was possible. David looked upon her and summoned her on his own. He let his eyes lead him to sin.
3. After taking Bathsheba what incident happened that might have cast Bathsheba as a seductress, and caused her to be blamed for David's sin.

Well first Bathsheba could have refused the summons but she came to David and lay with him. It is interesting that the scripture tells us she was purified from her uncleanness. She went home after they lay together.
Bathsheba's Innocence -
4. From the Verses in Samuel 11:1-4 how do these scriptures show that scripturally Bathsheba was the innocent victim?

David himself sent messengers and inquired about her. David's eyes watched her as she privately bathed. She was not aware evidently of his peeping at her. Today if a man is caught doing this he can be locked in jail.
5. From the scriptures above would you say this incident was in keeping of the reality of those days in History and why?

I don't think so. I see nothing in scripture that says this was something that occurred frequently. I do feel King's took what they wanted regardless if it was sin or not.
Bathsheba's Life with David -
6. How many children were born of this union between David and Bathsheba?

1 child was born from this union-a son

Solomon
7. Their names are listed in the Bible, can you tell us where?

2 Samuel 13:1 Absalom, Tamar, Amnon, Chileab, Adonijah 2 Samuel 3:2-4
8. What happened in 2 Samuel 12:24 that impressively showed David's feelings for Bathsheba?

He comforted Bathsheba, later she became pregnant with Solomon.

9. A story is told in 1 Kings 2 and 3 showed how clearly that a relationship that began as an act of lust and the victimization of a woman by a man with power have become a loving caring marriage. From this story who was Adonijah and what was he about to do?

1 Kings 1:5 tells us Adonijah the son of Haggith had exalted himself and told others he was to become and he prepared chariots and horses and 50 men to run before him. He started building up allies to agree with him to take the throne. v.7
10. In 1 Kings 2 what prophet help in Bathsheba's deliverance?

Prophet Nathan

11. What had David promised to Bathsheba that this prophet reminded her of?

She would be blessed by another son.(Jedidiah-Beloved of the Lord) Solomon

12. What was David's response after the Prophet Nathan accused him, David, of taking another man's wife and then killing him?

David said: I have greatly sinned against the Lord.

13. What was God's response to David?

Nathan shared with David that the Lord hath put away his sin; thou shalt not die. But the child that ye shall have shall surely die.

Do you think that this was a step in reorienting his relationship with Bathsheba?How?

I would think that David would respect Bathsheba more and not use her as an instrument of pleasure for himself but love her.

14. How does Psalm 51 help in reorienting Bathsheba's feelings for David?

That God would purify the relationship and restore it completely for God's use.

Once a woman is victimized and taken as she was it is extremely rare that
any kind of good relationship would come from this.

What did he do that help her forgive him?

Took her as his wife and brought her to himself. Comforted her pain and I believe he repented.

15. Who was Bathsheba's and David's son that followed David as King?

King Solomon

In those days a King had many wives and children and surely some sort of battle for the heir would take place. Choosing a son of their marriage would indicate what?

I fill scripture taught that Solomon would reign after King David's death. God gave them Solomon and because of the repentent heart God would bless their kingdom and family. In David's case it was God's gift to him and Bathsheba. Usually it was the eldest son who would inherit or be next king.

16. Did Bathsheba's have any influence with her son, Solomon, the new King?

Bathsheba knew it was God's choice for Solomon to follow his father David. I am sure she taught Solomon about the Lord and how he had forgiven them for sinning against him alone.

What is Proverbs 31, which Solomon wrote, about?

A righteous, virtuous woman. The praise of a godly woman.

Bathsheba: An Example for today -
The Bible does not mention Bathsheba's relationship with God. That she ultimately forgave David and bonded with him showed grace on her part that does suggest personal experience with the God of all grace. Although Bathsheba was a strong woman, She endured a lot, the harshness of a rape, the loss of a child and a redeemed marriage. Without God's grace and peace she would of become very bitter and faced a fate such a Michal's could of been hers.

How does that become an example for us as Christian's today?

Our life in Jesus does not guarantee no troubles to come into our lives. But our God is able to give us wisdom, mercy, grace, knowledge, direction, love of a lifetime, forgiveness, and a new start. God can take mistakes we make and turn them into blessings if we surrender our hearts and lives to him. God is merciful and will restore what the locusts have eaten.