Week 2: The Story of Bathsheba
Read: 2 Samuel 11, 2 Samuel 12
Bathsheba was the wife of David, but not by her own choice. Married to a loyal man in David’s army, Bathsheba became a widow due to King David’s lust for her. It can be easy for the reader to assume that Bathsheba must have been a loose woman who lured David, but it’s important to note that King David was the one on the rooftop, watching her from afar. Upon looking deeper, we can see that David misused his authority as King by spying on her. This action by any other man at the time would have resulted in severe punishment, but as King, no one at that moment would question David’s actions. Acting on his lust, he sent messengers to bring her to the palace to sleep with him. What choice did she have but to obey the request of the King?
Perhaps David thought his moment of passion could be dismissed and hidden from the knowledge of others, but his lustful actions came with consequences, and Bathsheba became pregnant. He tried to send her husband home to sleep with her to cover up his sin. When his efforts failed, his sinful behavior progressed from adultery to murder.
I can’t imagine the pain and anguish Bathsheba experienced. To bear the secret and shame of that night must have been a tremendously heavy burden. Ultimately, she lost her husband and the child conceived from that act of abusive power. Despite her hardships, God redeemed Bathsheba’s shame and honored her. She would later give birth to the wisest man who ever lived, Solomon, and be included in the lineage of Jesus.
What aspect of Bathsheba’s life experience touched you?
Have you experienced shame as a result of sin done against you?
Prayer to release shame:
Dear Jesus, I bring before You this painful memory from my past. I choose to forgive those who have harmed me. Please also forgive me for how I have hurt others by my actions. Please take all of the shame I have been carrying due to this situation from my past. I receive Your healing and forgiveness today. Amen
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