Bathsheba is first mentioned in 2 Samuel 11:2. She was the wife of Uriah the Hittite, a soldier in David’s army. While her husband was away at war, David saw her bathing and, driven by desire, sent for her and committed adultery with her. When she conceived, David attempted to cover his sin by bringing Uriah home, hoping he would sleep with his wife. Uriah, however, refused to enjoy comfort while his fellow soldiers were in battle (2 Samuel 11:8–11).
David then arranged for Uriah to be placed at the front of the fiercest battle and instructed Joab to withdraw support, ensuring Uriah’s death (2 Samuel 11:14–17). After Uriah’s death, David took Bathsheba as his wife, and she bore him a son. However, the Lord was displeased with David’s actions. Through the prophet Nathan, God condemned David’s sin and pronounced judgment, stating that the child born from this union would die (2 Samuel 12:1–14). The child became ill and died after seven days (2 Samuel 12:15–19).
Later, Bathsheba bore David another son, Solomon, whom the Lord loved (2 Samuel 12:24–25). She became the queen mother when Solomon ascended the throne. Bathsheba played a role in securing Solomon’s kingship by reminding David of his promise and by appearing before him at the request of Nathan the prophet (1 Kings 1:11–31). Solomon honored her, bowing before her and setting a throne for her at his right hand (1 Kings 2:19).
Though her introduction into the biblical record is marked by sin and tragedy, Bathsheba later occupied a respected position as the mother of the king and a woman through whom the Messianic line continued (Matthew 1:6). Her life illustrates the consequences of sin, the mercy of God, and His ability to bring redemption and purpose even from grievous circumstances.
