Sunday 27th October
Read 2 Samuel 11:26-27
“When Uriah’s wife heard that her husband was dead, she mourned for him. 27 After the time of mourning was over, David had her brought to his house, and she became his wife and bore him a son. But the thing David had done displeased the Lord.” (NIVUK)
We no longer read of Bathsheba, we read of ‘Uriah’s wife’ (v26). There is ambiguity at the beginning of the story as to whether Bathsheba was a willing participant. She certainly did not refuse the king. We are left to question her legacy.
Again, she observes the proper rituals, just as she was when she was first espied from the rooftop. Again, she is sent for and comes. The king has changed her status and she is no longer ‘Uriah’s wife’ but David’s wife.
Or is she?
The Lord is displeased with David, and perhaps also with her. She will play a major role in the kingdom of Israel and her son Solomon will succeed David as king. Yet when Matthew records the genealogy of another of David’s descendants, Jesus, this is how he describes the succession.
“and Jesse the father of King David. David was the father of Solomon, whose mother had been Uriah’s wife.” (Matthew 1:6) (NIVUK)
It is Uriah’s name that is remembered, the innocent victim of adultery, betrayal and murder. Perhaps that gives us the answer concerning her legacy? There are five mothers listed in Jesus’ genealogy. Four of them are named. Sin casts a long shadow indeed.
