Some of David's children did; many did not. That is not to say it is a good thing when we sin. (2 Samuel 12:11-12) Although David fasted and prayed for a week for his baby to survive, God did not answer his request. The Rabbis are concerned with the causes and harsh consequences of David's sin, but completely disregard Bathsheba's . Nathan prophesied that Davids sin (metaphorically, the sword) would never depart from his family. If Christians are not ready, they will get blind-sided by such objections and may even suffer doubt of their own faith. Three of these wives, Michal, Abigail, and Bathsheba, are prominent in Scripture, but the other 5 are mentioned only in the verses given in the chart. He need only give 100 Philistine foreskins as dowry. David has committed adultery and murder. It is told in the book of 2 Samuel 11. Though He will not always reverse the consequences of our poor decisions, with genuine repentance we may return to Him. Given that context, David may have had so many partners because he was in an addictive cycle. A guide for walking through all of Scripture in just a yearwith catch-up days built in. The David and Bathsheba Pericope Re-Examined, The Story of David and Bathsheba: A Different Approach, The Alleged Rape of Bathsheba: Some Observations on Ambiguity in Biblical Narrative. When David died, Solomon became king after executing his rival Adonijah. Our sin nature gravitates toward selfishness and self-pleasure. Helping you get the most out of your Sabbath School quarterly every week. Bathshebawas Davids last wife (at least the last one mentioned in the Bible) and probably his most famous. We strive to approve comments the day they are made, but please allow at least 24 hours for your comment to appear. Davids culture accepted polygamy and sexual misconduct from men of power. While he walked around on the roof of his house, David spied the married woman, Bathsheba, bathing. This article is part of our People from the Bible Series featuring the most well-known historical names and figures from Scripture. Learn Religions, Sep. 10, 2021, learnreligions.com/bathsheba-king-davids-most-famous-wife-117306. David enjoys a beautiful relationship with God after his sin, writing many more Psalms of worship and thanksgiving. Before your very eyes I will take your wives and give them to one who is close to you, and he will sleep with your wives in broad daylight. The source for everything happening at Amazing Facts. The first was the baby that was the fruit of the sinful and murderous romance between him and Bathsheba. 1. As mentioned earlier, Adonijah then used the almost concubine status of Abishag to try and get closer to the throne. Following is a list of the wives of David that we know the names of, along with where they were from, and Bible verses that mention them. "Bathsheba and David: Biblical Romance and Tragedy." (1 Samuel 13:14), Beware of power. However, we don't know how many more. We have compiled these articles to help you study those whom God chose to set before us as examples in His Word. To consummate his insurrection, Absalom slept with his father's concubines in public for everyone to see (2 Samuel 16:20-23). In addition, David had an unknown number of concubines. (1 Chr 3:9)(2 Sam 5:13)(2 Sam 16:21-22)(2 Sam 20:3 tells us he had at least 10). I dont think so. Article Images Copyright , 10 Things to Know about the Story of David and Bathsheba. Bathsheba, also spelled Bethsabee, in the Hebrew Bible (2 Samuel 11, 12; 1 Kings 1, 2), wife of Uriah the Hittite; she later became one of the wives of King David and the mother of King Solomon. 3) Davids actions would be repeated in his family for generations. God never did. Next, described in 2 Samuel 12 and 13, David invited Uriah for dinner and got him drunk, figuring that intoxication will arouse Uriah's desire for Bathsheba. Stephen Baker is a graduate of Mount Union University. The Bible routinely describes polygamy in a negative light, so it may be hard to understand why David, a man after Gods own heart, (1 Samuel 13:14) had multiple wives. All in all, the Bible makes it clear that Davids polygamy created an enormous amount of pain. Ahinoam: Introduced in 1 Samuel 25:43, Ahinoam is mostly mentioned alongside Abigail, since both wives accompanied David together while He fled Saul. The slayer of giants, the hero of Israel, the man who pursued God with all his heart. In 2 Samuel 12, the prophet Nathan confronts David concerning his sin with Bathsheba and pronounces a judgment against David. And he executed plenty of criminals. 2. David raped Bathsheba and sent her home. It stands as a clear warning to every leader, every spouse, and every believer who loves God and feels secure in their own perspectives. In his arrogance and lust for power, Absalom eventually turned the hearts of the people against his father and later succeeded in taking the throne of Israel, plunging the nation into a civil war (2 Samuel 15). Whereas Saul lacked sufficient self-confidence to lead the nation appropriately, David was ever sure of himself [an important component of true trust in Gd] yet knew to repent in an instant and keep his teshuvah alive . However, nothing in the Bible is accidental, it is all God-breathed and useful (2 Timothy 3:16-17). 4 Things You May Not Know About Abraham in the Bible 20 Facts You May Not Know About Moses from the Bible Who Was Mary Magdalene in the Bible? God always opens pathways to repentance and freedom for us and provides escape routes for every temptation we encounter (1 Corinthians 10:13) If we ignore those, God will provide conviction when we sin (1 John 1:9). His first six sons, recorded in 2 Samuel 3:1-5 and 1 Chronicles 3:1-4, are: 1. Abitalmarried David while he was in exile, and had a son named Shephatiah. But one killing in particular "displeased the Lord" (2 Samuel 11:27). Access to our entire media library in one easy-to-use and easy-to-search location. In Davids old age, Adonijah declared himself king, and David had to quickly crown Solomon to clear matters up (1 King 1:5-52). In addition to Davids free will to stop his adulterous and murderous actions at any point, God also sent Nathan to confront David and remind him that God demanded his obedience. In the city of Jerusalem, David's eighth wife, Bathsheba, gave him four sons after the death of her first son. Paul Carter, in his TGC article 'Did King David Rape Bathsheba? Adultery is still sin. Witness to friends and family with these powerhouse resources on a wide variety of biblical topics. Did she resist, beg, or comply? The world-renowned Amazing Facts Bible school will help you know Gods Word better than ever. However, these lists only mention the wives that David had sons with, and the 1 Chronicles list ends with these were the sons of David, not including his sons born to concubines (1 Chronicles 3:9). Updated on May 07, 2019. Special insight and inspiration straight from the presidents desk. Learn Religions. The Bible doesn't mention the circumstances of David's marriage to Bathsheba, but it does mention that he had three wives before Bathsheba. Following Amnon's murder, Absalom fled Jerusalem and did not return for another three years. According to the Bible, his first wife was Michal, the daughter of King Saul. Joab does it. Absalom killed Amnon his brother, and then Absalom was killed. When David danced before the Ark of the Covenant as it entered Jerusalem, Michal rebuked him for his undignified behavior. He talks to Uriah about the battle and sends him home so hell sleep with his wife and the affair will be hidden. Amon treated Tamar as a used and unwanted outcast, a reputation she likely carried for the rest of her life. Keep in mind, he stayed on his face for seven days in genuine contrition and grief for his sinsbegging God for mercy. We dont have to look far to see that power corrupts. (Galatians 5:16-21), Biblical parenting is counter-cultural. First, 2 Samuel 11:711 describes how David tried to attribute Bathsheba's pregnancy to Uriah. After Bathsheba mourns for her deceased husband, David sends for and marries Bathsheba. David - passionate poet and in love, lyrical singer, courageous in battle and completely Gd-fearing, yet humble and willing to take responsibility and admit his mistakes. How to Have Joy in Your Golden Years Despite These 10 Life 4 Things You May Not Know About Abraham in the Bible, 20 Facts You May Not Know About Moses from the Bible, California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Sauls hopes of David falling by the hand of the Philistines is once again thwarted because David killed 200 Philistines and gave double the agreed-upon dowry. In brokering peace and power for Israel among neighboring nations, Solomon acquired 1000 women. Bathsheba mourned the death of her husband and David took her as his wife after her time of mourning. Abigail of Carmel(1 Chr 3:1)(2 Sam 3:3)(2 Sam 2:2) Answer. Bathsheba had no rights. Who Were the 12 Disciples of Jesus? Adonijah as David neared the end of his life, Adonijah, David's fourth son by his wife Haggith, exalted himself as king. Copyright JesusAlive.cc All rights reserved, (1 Sam 18:20-27)(1 Sam 19:11-17)(1 Sam 25:44)(2 Sam 3:13-14), Macaah, daughter of Talmai, king of Geshur. Although the lists of his mighty men (2 Samuel 23:8-39 & 1 Chronicles 11:10-47) are given after David has become king, many of them may have been the loyal followers who stayed with him when he was fleeing King Saul.At the very least, they fought side by side with him. David also had a son with Bathsheba before she bore Solomon. Bathsheba was a victim who suffered from multiple life-changing traumas in the same year. (Proverbs 11:14), Lean into God for forgiveness, comfort, and direction. He gave them Solomon, whose name means Peace. He not only became the next king, but he was also blessed as an ancestor of the Messiah. At this point David was desperate. Most of the sons mentioned from these womencaused much strife and grief in Davids family. The infamous account of how she became Davids wife is found in 2 Samuel 11. He didn't trick her. After David moved his capital to Jerusalem, he married Bathsheba. But Uriah didn't go home; he stayed within the palace barracks. See how your gifts made a lasting difference recently. This plan failed as Uriah faithfully refused to even go home, lest he sleep with his wife. Sources:TheGospelCoalition.org, 'Did King David Rape Bathsheba? Thus, it also means that he was between 44-48 years old when he first encountered Bathsheba, who was 7-9 years old. He didn't woo her. Repentance didnt reverse the effects of Davids sin. Please reach out to a trusted pastor, counselor, therapist, or friend and share your struggles. As described in 1 Samuel 25, she was first married to a wealthy man named Nabal who treated David cheaply. David and Solomon would have grown up hearing the stories of Gods redemption of their family line through Boaz, the kinsman-redeemer. A:We cannot not know for certain how many wives David had. Solomon as David's life on earth came to an end, God chose Solomon, Bathsheba's fourth son, to succeed David as king of Israel. At first, David called Bathshebas husband, Uriah, away from the battle to give him a report of the army. God makes the ultimate mockery of sin by taking our wicked decisions and using them for His good purposes (Genesis 50:20; Romans 8:28). According to 1 Kings 1:11, the prophet Nathan urged Bathsheba to tell David that Adonijah was preparing to take the throne by force. Spread the Word using these free digital resources from the ministry, including plug-ins, banners, and more. Consequently, Bathsheba and David had sex at one of the best possible moments for her to conceivewhich she did, with tragic results. To that total we would add all the unnamed sons of his concubines. While we talk a lot about his heroic might, we dont talk much about Davids wives. Other wives gave birth to nine more sons. Absalom was later killed by David's commander Joab, against David's wishes (2 Samuel 18). Here are the eight wives: Michalwas Davids original wife, Sauls daughter whom David won by killing 100 Philistines (1 Samuel 18:24-27). Nathan ( Hebrew: , Modern: Natan, Tiberian: Nn) was the third of four sons born to King David and Bathsheba in Jerusalem. There is a dangerous assumption which accompanies many Bible readers and serves as the root of numerous stumbling blocks. But David was foiled again; drunk though he was, honorable Uriah returned to the barracks and not to his wife. 9. He didn't lure her. 12. In his old age, David could no longer stay warm in bed, so his advisors found a young virgin named Abishag to sleep in the same bed with David and provide warmth. However, God's mercies are proven to be far more powerful than any sin or parental mistake(Deuteronomy 5:9-10). When it came time to be paid, Nabal instead refused to pay David and his men. Shortly after Davids affair with Bathsheba, Davids oldest son Amnon raped his half-sister Tamar. Even though the Bible doesnt describe God or prophets outright condemning David for polygamy, it doesnt praise him for it either. This son died seven days after his birth (2 Samuel 12:16-23), and it is possible that he is not included in this list. David was married to Ahinoam, Abigail, Maacha, Haggith, Abital, and Eglah during the 7-1/2 years he reigned in Hebron as king of Judah. Nathan little is known about Nathan, David's third son by Bathsheba; however, he is worth mentioning for his inclusion in Luke's account of the genealogy of Jesus as one of Jesus' ancestors via the line of David (Luke 3:31). Heres the plot summary, and its spicy enough for any Netflix series: King David stays home when hes supposed to go to war. Joel Ryanis an author, writing professor, and contributing writer for Salem Web Network and Lifeway. It is likely David had even more sons and daughters that the Bible does not record since we know he had several more unnamed wives and perhaps even more concubines through which he fathered children (1 Chronicles 3:9). As a result, Bathsheba became pregnant with their illegitimate child and told David he was the father. URGENT! The Bible does not say the rape was an act of violence (violent rape elsewhere in the Bible uses a different Hebrew word), it also does not say the sex was mutual, and it also does not say whether Bathsheba has any choice in the matter. When presented with the polygamous lifestyle of David (or anyone else for that matter) it is essential for us to keep several overarching truths in mind. Davids passages of confession and repentance are some of the most-read and most encouraging Psalms in Scripture. She finds out shes pregnant. Remember that David did suffer terribly because of his sin with Bathsheba. Chileab (or Daniel), whose mother was Abigail, the widow of Nabal, who David married after the death her husband (1 Samuel 25).3. David thought he pulled off this caper until the prophet Nathan came to visit in 2 Samuel 12. Learning about Davids poor choices, and the results of those choices help us to understand he was more than the heroic figure we discover in Sunday School. While reading through this account, we inevitably stumble across the puzzling records of King Davids wives and concubines. By failing to provide justice for his daughter, David not only failed Tamar, but he also failed Amnon, whose sin had gone unpunished. This was done in accordance with the Mosaic law which gave instruction on how soldiers were to keep themselves pure during the time of war. You read that correctly, God recorded Davids polygamous lifestyle for our instruction and encouragement. A beautiful woman, she became pregnant after David saw her bathing on a rooftop and had her brought to him. There are a variety of reasons to learn about them, with two particularly clear ones. He wasnt in love with her from what the text reveals. She later helped David escape before her father could kill him (1 Samuel 19:11-18) and was married off to a man named Palti. When David couldn't get Uriah to sleep with his wife Bathsheba (and therefore conceal David's adultery), he . We know that David's first children were born in Hebron, where David was made king following the death of Saul (2 Samuel 2:1-4, 1 Chronicles 3:4). In (Deut 17:17), God forbid kings from taking multiple wives. Family disputes can cause rifts that take years to mend. This verse says unequivocally that when David sent messengers to fetch her, she went to David of her own free will. This article is part of our People from the Bible Series featuring the most well-known historical names and figures from Scripture. Haggith(1 Chr 3:2)(2 Sam 3:4) He had the capacity to make choices which either adhered to Gods Word or blatantly disobeyed it. All rights reserved. Solomon responded by having Adonijah killed (1 Kings 2:25). May their lives and walks with God strengthen your faith and encourage your soul. An inspiring passage from Scripture delivered to your inbox every day! Each of his first six wives bore David a son, while Bathsheba bore him four sons. When you post, you agree to the terms and conditions of our comments policy. The fact that an innocent child diesinstead of the guilty pairis troubling in light of what we know of God's . We only know that David could do whatever he wanted to do. Bathsheba was King David's most famous and controversial wife, in part because their marriage came after an illicit extramarital affair at the height of David's reign over Judah and Israel (circa 1005-965 BCE). Notes:1. Free will is a tremendous gift given to us by God because it enables our actions to have meaning and purpose; however, we can abuse it to do unspeakable things in pursuit of our selfish ambitions. Please be patient. Rather, God works through the effects of our sin to bring about His purposes, though He still abhors our sinful actions. Is it any wonder that Amnon, Absalom, and even Solomon would also be caught in sexual sin later in life? May their lives and walks with God strengthen your faith and encourage your soul. According to Jewish purity laws, a woman must wait seven days after her menses end before purifying herself ritually in a mikvah, a special immersion pool, so that she and her husband may resume sexual relations. Although feminist biblical interpretation contends that Bathsheba was a victim of David, other scholars find a clue to Bathsheba's complicity among King David's wives in 2 Samuel 4:11. Let the demise of Absalom, Amnon, and Adonijah be our warning. Ahinoam of Jezreel(1 Chr 3:1)(2 Sam 3:2)(2 Sam 2:2) God restored David to intimate spiritual fellowship. Solomon would repent and return his heart fully to God, going on to write many of the Proverbs, the Song of Solomon, and the book of Ecclesiastes. Who Were David's Wives, and Why Should We Know Their Names? Like many things in life, we are all impacted by the choices and behavior of our parents. Apart from the last point given in the previous section, Christians should know the accounts given of these women to strengthen their witness for Christ. Davids greatest attribute was being called a man after Gods own heart. While he pursued relationship with God, he at times neglected to guard it from his own sinful nature. Regardless of which one is correct, the fact remains David made a mistake having so many wives. Not exactly romantic. Understanding the latest news through a biblical lens. Though several of David's most loyal followers, including Joab and Abiathar, threw their support behind Adonijah, David turned to Nathan (the prophet), Benaiah (the mighty man), and Zadok (the priest) to establish Solomon as the rightful king of Israel. We know that David promised Bathsheba her son Solomon would succeed him and that she warned him that Adonijah was trying to usurp the throne (1 Kings 1:17). The Bible even refers to him as a "man after God's own heart" (1 Samuel 13:14; Acts 13:22). What Makes Makoto Fujimura a Great Christian Artist? You can choose not to excuse or normalize your behavior. In his epistle to the Romans, Paul mentions the edifying nature of the entire Old Testament stating, For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scripture we might have hope (Romans 15:4). How to Have Joy in Your Golden Years Despite These 10 Life 4 Things You May Not Know About Abraham in the Bible, 20 Facts You May Not Know About Moses from the Bible, California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. He won King Sauls daughter Michal for killing 400 Philistines and cutting off their foreskins. David offered his services to a man named Nabal, Abigails husband before David. Strengthen your walk with Christ with these life-changing devotionals from your friends at Amazing Facts. David was not a perfect father, but he was still a man after God's own heart who loved God and loved his children. Find out more about his work here. Through his messengers, David learned that she was Bathsheba, wife of Uriah the Hittite, who had gone to battle for David. Then David comforted his wife Bathsheba, and he went to her and made love to her. Before David took the throne, he used his power to serve others, perhaps most notably the defenseless cities of Keilah and Ziklag (1 Samuel 23:1-14; 30:1-31), but with Bathsheba he abused his power first to serve his lust, and then to preserve his reputation. https://www.learnreligions.com/bathsheba-king-davids-most-famous-wife-117306 (accessed May 2, 2023). The Holy Spirit is powerful enough to help you overcome trauma, guilt, or regret, but you might need professional help to navigate healing. Did King David Rape Bathsheba? will be automatically deleted and the invitation to participate revoked. Sue is a top-contributor to Salem Web Network radio ministry and Crosswalk.com. The names of the eight wives of King David were: Michal, Ahinoam, Abigail, Maacha, Haggith, Abital, Egla and Bathsheba . (Deuteronomy 6:4-9), Guard your heart. This opened an even bigger door for Absalom to take matters into his own hands. One night in Jerusalem, King David was walking upon his rooftop when he spotted a beautiful woman bathing nearby ( 2 Samuel 11:2 ). God gave David many opportunities to resist temptation. But God blessed Bathsheba with her son Solomon who would become king after his father. Article copyright 2006 by Richard M. Davidson. How Can I Recognize and Understand the Holy Spirit Better? So, based on what we know, David had at least eight wives, and we learn in 2 Samuel that he had at least ten concubines. Since the Bible doesnt give us many details about Davids wives, and many of the details we get are so sad, its easy to wonder why we should study their story. Free Will. He had a daughter named Michal, who King Saul had given him in exchange for killing 400 Philistines. Though David had (probably) eight wives and (probably) 10 concubines, King Solomon seemed to take things up a notch in a Biblical case of "hold my beer." According to 1 Kings 11, Solomon was recorded to have at least 700 wives (though the text itself only mentions those wives "of royal birth"), and at least 300 concubines. All of these theories have some evidence behind them and leave us with something to chew on. And later David lost yet another son, Adonijah. No other account in the Bible so vividly captures the heart-wrenching struggle of a sinful man who earnestly sought after the Lord yet failed to measure up. David is an important figure in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. In 2020, Sue won a Selah Award for her nonfiction book Soulspeak: Praying Change into Unexpected Places. Depending on what Sunday School you attended, you might not know there were multiple wives.
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