Unexpected: Five Women in the Lineage of JesusSample

Bathsheba: On the Sidelines

By Anna Rask Emison

Jesus’ genealogy in Matthew includes King David and one of his sons, Solomon. Solomon’s mother is also mentioned, but not by name. Instead, she is called the woman “who had been Uriah’s wife.” Matthew likely wrote this to remind readers of what David did to this woman, Bathsheba, and her husband, Uriah, in 2 Samuel 11.

Up until 2 Samuel 11, readers have seen David blessed by God and as the ideal king of Israel. In 2 Samuel 11, however, readers see that even the king is not immune to sin. And yet, David’s response when confronted with his sin reveals why he is still regarded as Israel’s ideal king.

2 Samuel 11 illustrates the great theological truth that genuine repentance is met by forgiveness from God. However, forgiveness does not mean there are no consequences for sin. Still, amid consequences, God’s grace and mercy abound as He brings hope for the future and peace (the meaning of Solomon’s name) into the world through Bathsheba.

Questions:

1. David and Bathsheba’s first child dies as a consequence of David’s sin. Amid this tragedy, how does this chapter end with hope?
2. Bathsheba has been referred to as Uriah’s wife in 2 Samuel 11:3 and 12:10. How is she referred to in 2 Samuel 12:24? What does that symbolize?
3. How do you think Bathsheba felt in the midst of all the chaos, difficulty, and confusion surrounding herself and her story?