Others have speculated that in the pagan societies surrounding Israel, having multiple wives was a way kings showed their power. He gave them Solomon, whose name means "Peace.". Heart-touching stories of lives impacted by the ministry. Davids passages of confession and repentance are some of the most-read and most encouraging Psalms in Scripture. Bad decisions have lasting consequences. https://www.learnreligions.com/bathsheba-king-davids-most-famous-wife-117306 (accessed May 2, 2023). As Old Testament characters go, King David is probably the most famous. When David couldn't get Uriah to sleep with his wife Bathsheba (and therefore conceal David's adultery), he . When hes not writing stories and defending biblical truth, Joel is committed to helping young men find purpose in Christ and become fearless disciples and bold leaders in their homes, in the church, and in the world. If you ever find yourself as a victim or a victimizer, please remember that Gods love is everlasting, and he is full of grace and mercy. This article is part of our People from the Bible Series featuring the most well-known historical names and figures from Scripture. Absalom Absalom, David's third son, or at least the third in line, was handsome, cunning, ambitious, and hot-tempered. We learn more about Michal, Abigail, and Bathsheba, but not much about how David related to them over time. Sadly, that judgment included the death of David and Bathsheba's infant son (verse 14). Sue has a BA in Creative Writing and a Masters in Theology and Culture. 2 Samuel 5 says "David married more wives in Jerusalem.". You can choose not to excuse or normalize your behavior. Ithream, whose mother was Eglah, yet another wife of David. As mentioned earlier, Adonijah then used the almost concubine status of Abishag to try and get closer to the throne. Because of Ruths choices, David, Solomon, Joseph, and Jesus came through her line. 10 Things You Need to Know about the Number 666, 10 Books of the Bible You Should Read Again and Again, 10 Most Encouraging Bible Verses That Will Uplift Your Heart and Soul, 5 Things That Hurt Relationships with Grandkids, 30 Morning Prayers to Start Each Day with God, How to Have Joy in Your Golden Years Despite These 10 Life Losses, 4 Things You Should Know about Big George Foreman, 8 Ways You Are Belittling Your Husband and What God Says about It, Maybe Money Can Buy Happiness, but Not Joy. 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. That child died shortly after birth as a consequence of David's sin, which the prophet Nathan warned of (2 Samuel 12:14-23). Amazing Facts 24/7 television station featuring the best in Bible study streamed lived and on-demand. Davids history suggests that he used many women to balance out his faults (lust, violence, and ego). Once he found out Bathsheba's identity, he knew that she was married and he had sent her husband off to war. Click here to read it. Amnon, whose mother was Ahinoam of Jezreel, one of David's first wives (1 Samuel 25:43).2. (2 Samuel 11:2-4) "David didn't invite Bathsheba. While reading through Davids life, it is evident he did not always make good decisions. will be automatically deleted and the invitation to participate revoked. When David danced before the Ark of the Covenant as it entered Jerusalem, Michal rebuked him for his undignified behavior. The source for everything happening at Amazing Facts. This site is a proud member of the Salem Web Network, a subsidiary of, Copyright 2023, Crosswalk.com. Psalm 32 relays how Davids sin and restoration affected him physically, psychologically, and spiritually. This story shows that God can redeem us even after we have wandered far off the path. So David sends Uriah back to the front with a note for Joab, the general, to put Uriah in an exposed position where hell be killedto make sure by pulling the other troops back and leaving him stranded. Does 2 Samuel 12:8 mean God approved of David's polygamy? Learn Religions, Sep. 10, 2021, learnreligions.com/bathsheba-king-davids-most-famous-wife-117306. Paul Carter, in his TGC article 'Did King David Rape Bathsheba? But one killing in particular "displeased the Lord" (2 Samuel 11:27). California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. This doesn't count the concubines he had (2 Samuel 5:13). Listen to all of Amazing Facts audio programming whenever and wherever you go. They watched his lust, self-indulgence, cover-ups, and sexual liaisons. Michals husband Paltiel trails behind her, weeping (2 Samuel 3:13-17). Regardless of which one is correct, the fact remains David made a mistake having so many wives. He need only give 100 Philistine foreskins as dowry. The David and Bathsheba story involved the ironic and subtle juxtapositions comparing Uriah who was supremely faithful to his king and comrades to David who is not faithful to either but allowed his lust to blind him to his sin. 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. When you post, you agree to the terms and conditions of our comments policy. Bathsheba, Mother of Solomon, Wife of King David, David and Goliath Bible Story Study Guide, Battle of Jericho Bible Story Study Guide, Meet Absalom, Rebellious Son of King David, Was It Rape? 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). 5. What Can Galileo Teach Us about Science and Faith? 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). David is an important figure in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. David's history suggests that he used many women to balance out his faults (lust, violence, and ego). However, we don't know how many more. We could refer to this rape as 'power rape,' meaning Bathsheba was not in a position to say no (even if she wanted to) when the king called for her and collected her with guards. By now David was old and feeble, and his oldest surviving son, Adonijah, attempted to usurp the throne before his father died. Bathsheba: Midrash and Aggadah | Jewish Women's Archive The plan worked. (Actually, Saul promised David his older daughter Merab, hoping the Philistines would kill David. 10 Things You Need to Know about the Number 666, 10 Books of the Bible You Should Read Again and Again, 10 Most Encouraging Bible Verses That Will Uplift Your Heart and Soul, 5 Things That Hurt Relationships with Grandkids, 30 Morning Prayers to Start Each Day with God, How to Have Joy in Your Golden Years Despite These 10 Life Losses, 4 Things You Should Know about Big George Foreman, 8 Ways You Are Belittling Your Husband and What God Says about It, Maybe Money Can Buy Happiness, but Not Joy. David and Bathsheba Bible Story and 10 Important Lessons Also, we find hope. And God not only forgave them, He even blessed their marriage with another child. Nathan prophesied that Davids sin (metaphorically, the sword) would never depart from his family. Later she and David had a second son, Solomon, who God favored (2 Samuel 12:25). Bathsheba, however, would go on to have three additional sons with David. Wives of King David How many wives did King David have? David offered his services to a man named Nabal, Abigail's husband before David. We know Michal was devoted to David, enough to hide him from her own father. Sources:TheGospelCoalition.org, 'Did King David Rape Bathsheba? It would have been a cruel act for David to put away Bathsheba after the death of her husband and baby through his influence. Some of David's children did; many did not. In (Deut 17:17), God forbid kings from taking multiple wives. She was originally the wife of Uriah the Hittite, a trusted soldier in David's army. 10. And David sent and inquired about the woman. Not exactly romantic. The Bible is clear that what David did was wrong and the Lord condemned him for his actions. Solomon wrote in the Proverbs to "start a youth out on his way; even when he grows old he will not depart from it," and for God-seeking parents, this is always the goal (Proverbs 22:6). The story of David and Bathsheba is not a love story or at least it didn't start that way. God calls us to holiness, not convenience. Abigail wisely entreated David not to kill Nabal, and he had mercy. Hes angry hearing the story. Uriah still wont go home. David already had three wives before he married Bathsheba. Worship with Pastor Dougs church each week, featuring beautiful music and life-changing Bible study. Next, David acquires Ahinoam as his wife, followed by Abigail, who impresses him with her wisdom and intelligence. With malintent, Saul initially tried to give his first daughter, Merab, to David in marriage to put David in peril by the hand of the Philistines. Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. How many wives did David have before Bathsheba? The infamous account of how she became Davids wife is found in 2 Samuel 11. Saul had no choice but to give Michal to David as his wife (1 Samuel 18:20-27). It's our job as parents to build a biblical foundation for our children, teaching them to know God and stand firm in the truth of God's Word early. And later David lost yet another son, Adonijah. (2 Samuel 12:11-12) Although David fasted and prayed for a week for his baby to survive, God did not answer his request. A Case Study in Narrative Theology in Journal of the Adventist Theological Society, 17/2 (Autumn 2006): 8195. The slayer of giants, the hero of Israel, the man who pursued God with all his heart. David repents and worships. He didn't lure her. That example would come through his descendent, Jesus Christ, in whom David's broken, imperfect family would be redeemed, and all people could be forgiven, restored, and redeemed. This is astonishing evidence of Gods grace and forgiveness. Later, Saul takes Michal away from David and marries her to another man, Paltiel. Bathsheba in the Bible - character, marriage, and life lessons After Abigail told her husband that she saved him, Nabal had a heart attack and died. We only know that David could do whatever he wanted to do. All rights reserved. He sees a beautiful woman bathing in the next house. The stories and names of some of them have transcended more in history, while others have simply been mentioned without specifying the origin. 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). 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. I dont think so. (Deuteronomy 6:4-9), Guard your heart. She and her husband Shane are launching a podcast called Stress Test: the heartbeat of healthy leadership in late April, 2023. A beautiful woman, she became pregnant after David saw her bathing on a rooftop and had her brought to him. Sue is a top-contributor to Salem Web Network radio ministry and Crosswalk.com. In Davids old age, Adonijah declared himself king, and David had to quickly crown Solomon to clear matters up (1 King 1:5-52). While reading through this account, we inevitably stumble across the puzzling records of King Davids wives and concubines. Even Solomon was not exempt from Davids sin. 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. Davids family life was by far his biggest failure. But God blessed Bathsheba with her son Solomon who would become king after his father. We dont have to look far to see that power corrupts. 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. 10 Things You Need to Know about the Number 666, 10 Books of the Bible You Should Read Again and Again, 10 Most Encouraging Bible Verses That Will Uplift Your Heart and Soul, 5 Things That Hurt Relationships with Grandkids, 30 Morning Prayers to Start Each Day with God, How to Have Joy in Your Golden Years Despite These 10 Life Losses, 4 Things You Should Know about Big George Foreman, 8 Ways You Are Belittling Your Husband and What God Says about It, Maybe Money Can Buy Happiness, but Not Joy. The implication seems to be if Adonijah married a woman whod been on intimate terms with David, it would be like marrying one of Davids wives: a claim to power and succession. Free Will. However, no matter how faithful or righteous David may have been, David's children and descendants were responsible for their actions and accountable to God for their choices, not David's (Deuteronomy 24:16). Sign up for your daily dose of spiritual insight and encouragement from Amazing Facts. Bathsheba | Description & Biblical Account | Britannica Understand Bible prophecy and more at these local events in your area. Heres the plot summary, and its spicy enough for any Netflix series: King David stays home when hes supposed to go to war. After a mourning period, Bathsheba was brought to the palace to become the latest of King David's wives, thus assuring the legitimacy of their child. The story of Bathsheba and David has proved so enduring that religious commentators still debate the quality . Women had little protection in the ancient world, although the Bible has always outlined rules for treating them justly. 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. Also, the heinous sin David committed with Bathsheba resulted in David writing Psalm 51, which has long been a staple for all believers when we have given in to sin and need to repent. Eventually, Joab killed Absalom. Sure enough, Joab put Uriah on the front lines when David's army attacksRabbathafter a long siege, although Joab didn't withdraw the army as David instructed. Our children may inevitably adopt some of the bad habits and practices they learn from us. Abigail: David's second wife, Abigail, is found in 1 Samuel 25 during the saga of David's life when he fled King Saul. A warrior, David becomes king to establish and lead Israel as a God-fearing nation, unlike the surrounding nations. See how your gifts made a lasting difference recently. But his pursuit of righteousness was a family trait. You can lean into Gods calling for your life and let him use your circumstances to create good. Nathan told the powerful king a tale of a poor shepherd whose lamb was stolen by a rich man. The Bible states he had many wives, but never adds anything like and this was accorded to him as wisdom which would imply God approved. Find out more about his work here. However, while we may see David as a legend and hero of the faith, we must also remember that he was just as much a son, a brother, a husband, and a father as he was a king or a warrior. As described in 1 Samuel 25, she was first married to a wealthy man named Nabal who treated David cheaply. He didn't trick her. Amon treated Tamar as a used and unwanted outcast, a reputation she likely carried for the rest of her life. 1), ***Note: Some believe that David was also married to Merab based upon (1 Sam 17:25), however (1 Sam 18:17-19)(2 Sam 21:8) appears to disprove this. Ahinoam married David while he was in exile from Saul, and had Davids firstborn son, Amnon. Fast access to all of Amazing Facts English and foreign-language Bible-based websites. Eglah married David while he was in exile, and had a son named Ithream. He cant sleep (maybe because hes not fulfilling his purpose? She gave birth to . God sends Nathan the prophet to tell David a story about injustice, and David takes the bait. Gods Word is perfect, but if we dont take the time to understand what it actually means, the world will propagate its false understandings and leave us speechless. David tries again the next night, this time getting Uriah drunk. Bathsheba: Theres no doubt Bathsheba is the most known among Davids wives. They are as follows: Michal:She is the first of Davids wives. Among other things, the fact David chose to have multiple wives proves he was a sinner. Nathan predicts the babys death and that violence and abuse will continue in Davids family. 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. Nathan (son of David) - Wikipedia Ahinoam of Jezreel(1 Chr 3:1)(2 Sam 3:2)(2 Sam 2:2) David's Rape of Bathsheba and Murder of Uriah (2 | Theology of Work Although she seems passive at the beginning of her relationship with David, Bathsheba becameKing David's active support at the end of his life, as she secured David's throne for their son, Solomon, who was destined to become a wise, if flawed, ruler of Israel. The Bible doesn't mention the circumstances of David's marriage to Bathsheba, but it does mention that he had three wives before Bathsheba. 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. We have compiled these articles to help you study those whom God chose to set before us as examples in His Word. Comments containing telephone numbers or email addresses will not be approved. 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. Astle, Cynthia. Bathsheba is the wife most people associate with David . The Shocking Truth About Bathsheba's Marriage to David in the Bible 2 Samuel 3:2-5 (NASB) Therefore, it appears that either 1) David never married Saul's wives, 2) the wives of Saul became David's wives or concubines since 2 Samuel 5:13-16 and 1 Chronicles 3:9 tells us that David had other wives and concubines or 3) David only cared for Saul's wives since they were . In fact, it was probably one of his worst; and this sin had devastating consequences that rippled throughout David's family. They are all mentioned in 2 Samuel 3:2-5 and 1 Chronicles 3:1-3. Products that will appeal to the young and young at heart. All rights reserved. After Bathsheba mourns for her deceased husband, David sends for and marries Bathsheba. David refused to discipline Amnon, so Tamars brother Absalom killed Amnon in revenge and fled to escape punishment (2 Samuel 13). The true king of Israel, the messiah and the one who would sit on the eternal throne, would be an heir of King David (2 Samuel 7:12; Psalms 89:3-4; Psalms 132:11). Given that Biblical genealogies are not always definitive (sometimes they just mention notable family members or the notable offspring), there could be wives the Bible doesnt mention. A total of nineteen sons are named here. The Holy Spirit is powerful enough to help you overcome trauma, guilt, or regret, but you might need professional help to navigate healing. David, as well as kings which followed (including his son Solomon who had 700 wives and 300 concubines: 1 Kin 11:3), disobeyed this command. At first, David called Bathshebas husband, Uriah, away from the battle to give him a report of the army. Even if Bathsheba played a part, scriptures deem David's sin in their affair to be greater for two reasons. His first six sons, recorded in 2 Samuel 3:1-5 and 1 Chronicles 3:1-4, are: 1. "The third, Absalom the son of Maakah daughter of Talmai king of Geshur; the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith; the fifth, Shephatiah the son of Abital; and the sixth, Ithream the son of David's wife Eglah. It stands as a clear warning to every leader, every spouse, and every believer who loves God and feels secure in their own perspectives. The biblical text implies that this ritual purification was the bath that David saw Bathsheba taking. News reached Saul that his daughter, Michal, loved David. Solomon was known for his many foreign wives, who were able to turn his heart away from God to foreign gods (1 Kings 11). Why did God allow David to keep Bathsheba as his wife? The latest information on all of Pastor Dougs upcoming events. Unfortunately for Adonijah, God had already chosen Solomon, Bathsheba's son, as David's successor. Doing the right thing, regardless of circumstances, is true righteousness. His son Solomon expanded the empire that David built. David was a fallible human being who made poor choices as well as good ones and had to face those actions consequences. Parenting is never easy, and it really doesn't get easier or cheaper by the dozen, as the saying goes. Helping you get the most out of your Sabbath School quarterly every week. Absalom, whose mother was Maacah (or Maakah), the daughter of Talmar, King of Geshur, and wife of David.4. Pastor Dougs worldwide radio program will help you find answers to your biggest Bible questions. 1 Kings 1:4 says Abishag looked after the king and took care of him. Absalom killed Amnon his brother, and then Absalom was killed. The baby has been born and at least nine months have passed, but David has not repented. Thus King David was relaxing on a palace balcony above the city when he spied a beautiful woman taking a bath. These were born to David in Hebron" (2 Samuel 3:2-5 and 1 Chronicles 3:1-3). In verse 15, David is described writing a letter to his general, Joab, telling him to put Uriah on the front lines where the fighting is fiercest, and then to withdraw, leaving Uriah undefended. Understanding the latest news through a biblical lens. Consequently, Bathsheba and David had sex at one of the best possible moments for her to conceivewhich she did, with tragic results. He had a daughter named Michal, who King Saul had given him in exchange for killing 400 Philistines. 3. Financial missteps can impact families for generations. Answer. The Bible tells us that Amnon lured his sister to his chambers one night under false pretenses and proceeded to rape her. Bathsheba Was King David's Most Famous Wife The prophet Nathan rebuked David, and Bathshebas child died. 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. Abital(1 Chr 3:3)(2 Sam 3:4) Did she resist, beg, or comply? Some scholars have suggested he married some of these women for political reasonsas noted earlier, Maacah was the daughter of a king. She has authored a number of books on faith and religion. However, nothing in the Bible is accidental, it is all God-breathed and useful (2 Timothy 3:16-17). 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. How Can I Recognize and Understand the Holy Spirit Better? How Can I Recognize and Understand the Holy Spirit Better? Article Images Copyright . David, (flourished c. 1000 bce), second ruler of the united kingdom of ancient Israel and Judah. Why did David need Abishag to keep him warm when he had wives and If so, the sons of David with his wives would total at least 20. 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 . When God gave Moses the Law, He established the moral and societal parameters within which He expected the nation of Israel to live. Judging from Solomon's later wisdom, which we read in the Proverbs, it seems David had succeeded in instructing and building a solid spiritual foundation for his son to stand upon (1 Kings 2). The complex family David created was the source of much sorrow and strife. This site is a proud member of the Salem Web Network, a subsidiary of, Copyright 2023, Crosswalk.com. Many Christians purposefully neglect studying the Mosaic Law. David had eight named wives, others unnamed, and an unknown number of concubines. His many wives resulted in many children with rivalries and unhealthy relationships with each other. Retrieved from https://www.learnreligions.com/bathsheba-king-davids-most-famous-wife-117306. Comments containing URLs outside the family of Amazing Facts websites will not be approved. Eventually, Absalom was ousted and killed (2 Samuel 18), but the troubles continued. In the springtime, when all kings ride out to war, David neglected his responsibilities as king and sent Joab, the commander of his army, to fight in his stead. You did it in secret, but I will do this thing in broad daylight before all Israel. Still, we dont know if David named Solomon his successor because he favored Bathsheba, because God favored Solomon, or to compensate for everything Bathsheba had suffered. Joel Ryanis an author, writing professor, and contributing writer for Salem Web Network and Lifeway. David retorted that he was celebrating before God, and that story concludes by saying Michael remained childless throughout her entire life (2 Sam 6:23). Comments that include name-calling, profanity, harassment, ridicule, etc. David took her back after he became king of Judah (2 Samuel 3:12-6). Integrity guards your heart, mind, emotions, and actions. Bathsheba had no rights. How Many Wives Did King David Have and What Do We Know about Them? Absolutely not! When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Unfortunately, this is where David failed many of his other children. Bathsheba is portrayed by the midrash as a modest woman who carefully observed the laws of family purity, but who found herself, without any conscious action on her part, in an adulterous affair with the king. Given that context, David may have had so many partners because he was in an addictive cycle. As a result, Bathsheba became pregnant with their illegitimate child and told David he was the father. Even in light of Davids polygamy, we can trust God worked through all things for His glory. 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. Strengthen your walk with Christ with these life-changing devotionals from your friends at Amazing Facts. Dig into the Word and become a Bible expert with Amazing Facts line of study Bibles and more. 2. 1. Adonijah was later executed by his brother Solomon for his insurrection and failed attempts to steal the throne (1 Kings 1-2). Rather, God works through the effects of our sin to bring about His purposes, though He still abhors our sinful actions.
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