Mothers of Bible: Bathsheba, Heartache to Queen Mother
We all know the story of David and Bathsheba, but have you thought of how her
relationship with David affected her role as a mother?
Bathsheba is the wife of Uriah the Hittite. Uriah is off at battle, when King David sees her bathing on the rooftop. He summons Bathsheba to him, where they are intimate. When she becomes pregnant, David tries to hide his deeds. When Uriah remains faithful to David and does not go into his wife, David sends him into the frontline of battle. For this Uriah is killed.
We do not know how innocence or complacent Bathsheba is in her affair with David. Most
likely she is given no choice.
The prophet Nathan reproves King David for what he has done. Nathan tells David, “the child also that is born unto thee shall surely die.” {2 Samuel 12:14}
The child becomes sick and David begins beseeching God. However, the child died. David’s lament is explained in detail. The only thing we know of his wife is that, “David comforted Bath-sheba his wife, and went in unto her, and lay with her and she bare a son, and he called his name Solomon.” {2 Samuel 12:24}
Bathsheba was probably anguished over the loss of the first son. More than likely she was angry with him for a while.
The Women of Faith study guide says, “the Bible does not mention her relationship with God. That she ultimately forgave David and bonded to him shows a grace on her part that suggests personal experience with the God of all grace.”
But, she had another son named, Solomon. “And Jehovah loved him.” {2 Samuel 12:24}
Our devotional goes on to says the following about Bathsheba, “she was able to not only
forgive David but to discern his positive qualities…sensed God’s grace despite her violation…example of how God’s grace can heal the severely wounded …models the courage and grace needed after the loss of a child …blessed with 4 other children.”
Bathsheba is not mentioned again until the end of King David’s life. Her role here is not as wife, but as mother.
“ And Bath-sheba went in unto the king into the chamber: and the king was very old; and Abishag the Shunammite was ministering unto the king. And Bath-sheba bowed, and did obeisance unto the king. And the king said, What wouldest thou? And she said unto him, My lord, thou swarest by Jehovah thy God unto thy handmaid, saying, Assuredly Solomon thy son shall reign after me, and he shall sit upon my throne.” {1 Kings 1:15-17}
Bathsheba was clearly on a strong advocate for her son, Solomon. Our study guide says, “clearly Bathsheba had a closer relationship with Solomon than with any of her other sons and that the perception within the royal court was that Solomon was close to his mother and likely to grant her any request.”
David calls for Bathsheba and said “verily as I sware unto thee by Jehovah, the God of Israel, saying, Assuredly Solomon thy son shall reign after me, and he shall sit upon my throne in my stead; verily so will I do this day.” {1 Kings 1:30}
Over the years that have passed, Bathsheba has clearly built a lasting relationship with
David. Although, David had other wives, it is Bathsheba that is mentioned at the end of his life. While this is to show who would be the successor, it also shows the strength of their relationship. They were clearly able to redeem the tragedy that began at the beginning of their relationship.
Our study guide says, “one has to admire Bathsheba for her strength and grace she showed in building a lasting relationship with David… unless those who wrong us accept responsibility for their actions, as David did, no reconciliation is possible.”
David has barely died and Solomon become king when Adonijah, the son of Haggith, approaches Bathsheba. Adonijah wants to marry Abishag.
Bathsheba goes in to Solomon, who “rose up to meet her, and bowed himself unto her, and sat down on his throne, and caused a throne to be set for the king’s mother; and she sat on his right hand.” {1 King 2:19} Solomon clearly thought highly of his mother to rise to greet her and have a throne for her set beside him.
Our study guide says, “Adonijah clearly felt that his best chance was to gain Solomon’s agreement was to approach him through his mother.” That plan does not work and Adonijah is sentenced to death.
Bathsheba is not mentioned again, but it is believed that she was the basis for the woman Solomon wrote about in Proverbs 31. This alone shows what a high prestige and honor he holds his mother.
Our devotional says, “though Bathsheba may not have understood the reasons for her suffering, God gave her favor with King David, making her both a powerful queen and the mother of David’s successor, Solomon, who became famous for his great wisdom.”
Bathsheba started out with heartache, but her relationship with David was eventually redeemed. She was greatly loved and respected by her son, who listened to her.
Bathsheba is believed to be the inspiration for the Proverbs 31 woman, an example many women have strived to emulate for centuries.
How has God redeemed your pain? How do your children revere you?
Proverbs 31 Woman
A worthy woman who can find?
For her price is far above rubies.
11 The heart of her husband trusteth in her,
And he shall have no lack of [h]gain.
12 She doeth him good and not evil
All the days of her life.
13 She seeketh wool and flax,
And worketh [i]willingly with her hands.
14 She is like the merchant-ships;
She bringeth her bread from afar.
15 She riseth also while it is yet night,
And giveth food to her household,
And their [j]task to her maidens.
16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it;
With the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
17 She girdeth her loins with strength,
And maketh strong her arms.
18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is profitable;
Her lamp goeth not out by night.
19 She layeth her hands to the distaff,
And her [k]hands hold the spindle.
20 She stretcheth out her [l]hand to the poor;
Yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household;
For all her household are clothed with scarlet.
22 She maketh for herself [m]carpets of tapestry;
Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is known in the gates,
When he sitteth among the elders of the land.
24 She maketh linen garments and selleth them,
And delivereth girdles unto the [n]merchant.
25 Strength and dignity are her clothing;
And she laugheth at the time to come.
26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom;
And the [o]law of kindness is on her tongue.
27 She looketh well to the ways of her household,
And eateth not the bread of idleness.
28 Her children rise up, and call her blessed;
Her husband also, and he praiseth her, saying:
29 Many daughters have done worthily,
But thou excellest them all.
30 Grace is deceitful, and beauty is vain;
But a woman that feareth Jehovah, she shall be praised.
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands;
And let her works praise her in the gates.
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