Even though God favored his second son with Bathsheba, this doesnt mean that God wanted their relationship to happen. David was married to Ahinoam, Abigail, Maacha, Haggith, Abital, and Eglah during the 7-1/2 years he reigned in Hebron as king of Judah. Don't forget to listen to Bible Answers Live onSirius XM Family Talk 131this Sunday at 10:00pm ET/7:00pm PT.Find more ways to listen here! The womens pagan backgrounds wooed Solomon away from truth and introduced Israel to idolatry. Davids character influenced his childrens character. Are they more prone to sexual sin than regular people? Abital(1 Chr 3:3)(2 Sam 3:4) The Bible does not say the rape was an act of violence (violent rape elsewhere in the Bible uses a different Hebrew word), it also does not say the sex was mutual, and it also does not say whether Bathsheba has any choice in the matter. He had a daughter named Michal, who King Saul had given him in exchange for killing 400 Philistines. This trend continued through the succession of Israel's kings. The stories and names of some of them have transcended more in history, while others have simply been mentioned without specifying the origin. The Bible doesnt outright say which of Davids wives he favored the most, nor does it give us enough information to guess. 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 1005965 BCE). This story shows that God can redeem us even after we have wandered far off the path. David already had three wives before he married Bathsheba. It doesnt matter how hard we try to thwart Gods plans; He will always accomplish exactly what He intends. Bible Answer: 2 Samuel 12:8 does not record God's approval of polygamy but God's gift of the possessions that He gave David. He gave them Solomon, whose name means "Peace.". A beautiful woman, she became pregnant after David saw her bathing on a rooftop and had her brought to him. This site is a proud member of the Salem Web Network, a subsidiary of, Copyright 2023, Crosswalk.com. The Brown commentary states "In this conduct David transgressed an express law, which forbade the king of Israel to multiply . Even Solomon was not exempt from Davids sin. God removes Davids guilt and shame, but God does not remove the natural consequences that Davids sinful patterns produced. Davids greatest attribute was being called a man after Gods own heart. While he pursued relationship with God, he at times neglected to guard it from his own sinful nature. Stephen Baker is a graduate of Mount Union University. This site is a proud member of the Salem Web Network, a subsidiary of, Copyright 2023, Crosswalk.com. Then when David ascends to the throne of Israel, David orders Michal to be taken from her new husband and children and brought back to the palace, apparently out of spite. But one killing in particular "displeased the Lord" (2 Samuel 11:27). Then God gave the kingdom and all of its possessions . David was a fallible human being who made poor choices as well as good ones and had to face those actions consequences. He wasnt in love with her from what the text reveals. Why did God allow David to keep Bathsheba as his wife? Unfortunately, bad habits can be learned and passed on to our children if not challenged or corrected early. Instead of owning up to the liaison and making restitution, David took an even more sinful approach to the crisis. What Makes Twila Paris a Great Christian Musician? The story of David and Bathsheba is one of the most dramatic accounts in the Old Testament. And God not only forgave them, He even blessed their marriage with another child. Saul also had other concubines that are not included in this list. While David did some great and wise things, he didnt always do the right thing. Eglah married David while he was in exile, and had a son named Ithream. God exercises His power in harmony with our free will (even our sinful decisions) to accomplish His divine purposes. When it came time to be paid, Nabal instead refused to pay . At first, David called Bathshebas husband, Uriah, away from the battle to give him a report of the army. We dont have to look far to see that power corrupts. We know Abigail was unusually wise, and nothing about how she related to David later in life. ', quotes author Richard M. Davidson: "Just as intercourse between an adult and a minor, even a 'consenting' minor, is today termed 'statutory rape,' so the intercourse between David and his subject Bathsheba (even if Bathsheba, under the psychological pressure of one in power over her, acquiesced to the intercourse) is understood in biblical law, and so presented in this narrative, to be a case of rapewhat today we call 'power rape,' and the victimizer, not the victim, is held accountable."1. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself" (Ezekiel 18:20). Michal(1 Sam 18:20-27)(1 Sam 19:11-17)(1 Sam 25:44)(2 Sam 3:13-14) And one said, "Is not this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?" So David sent messengers and took her, and she came to him, and he lay with her. Similarly, sin and bad character can set the example for our children to learn from and imitate. From these unions, the Bible names nineteen sons and one daughter, Tamar ( 1 Chronicles 3:1-9 ). Thus, it also means that he was between 44-48 years old when he first encountered Bathsheba, who was 7-9 years old. URGENT! David was many things in life. He not only became the next king, but he was also blessed as an ancestor of the Messiah. How to Have Joy in Your Golden Years Despite These 10 Life California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. He attends Faith Fellowship Church in East Rochester, OH where he has given multiple sermons and is discipled by pastor Chet Howes. 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 . Saul reneged and gave him Michal instead because she was infatuated with David and Saul thought he could use her to get to David (1 Samuel 18:17-20). Click here to read it. The Bible records at least twenty named children born to David and his many wives, though it is possible he had even more than those listed. All rights reserved. To consummate his insurrection, Absalom slept with his father's concubines in public for everyone to see (2 Samuel 16:20-23). From that time forward, Michal despises David (2 Samuel 6:16). She finds out shes pregnant. Doing the right thing, regardless of circumstances, is true righteousness. 1 Kings 1:4 says Abishag looked after the king and took care of him. Article Images Copyright . While he walked around on the roof of his house, David spied the married woman, Bathsheba, bathing. For example, Bathsheba bore Solomon to David, and he was part of Jesus genealogy (Matthew 1:6-7). God makes the ultimate mockery of sin by taking our wicked decisions and using them for His good purposes (Genesis 50:20; Romans 8:28). 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. However, the love, discipline, instruction, and example set by godly parents can make all the difference in the lives of our children, and there's a lot we can learn from David's own parental trials and failures. God plainly told the Israelites when they selected a king, he was not to have multiple wives (Deuteronomy 17:17). Now the pressure was really on the king, who might have concealed his affair with Bathsheba, but couldn't hide her pregnancy for long. Sue Schlesmanis an award-winning author, teacher, and church leader. Amnom would create much grief for David and the rest of the family when he molested his half-sister Tamar (2 Samuel 13). As described in 1 Samuel 25, she was first married to a wealthy man named Nabal who treated David cheaply. Many Christians purposefully neglect studying the Mosaic Law. We know that David promised Bathsheba her son Solomon would succeed him and that she warned him that Adonijah was trying to usurp the throne (1 Kings 1:17). This theory suggests Bathsheba did not say "no" to David, but neither did she say "yes.". Our children may inevitably adopt some of the bad habits and practices they learn from us. They watched his lust, self-indulgence, cover-ups, and sexual liaisons. As parents, sometimes we must rebuild and repair this foundation when cracks begin to form. Ahinoam was the mother of Amnon, who raped his half-sister Tamar. Obviously, David was secure enough on his throne that he no longer had a need to go to war to prove his military prowess; he could send his generals instead. Others have speculated that in the pagan societies surrounding Israel, having multiple wives was a way kings showed their power. As the prophet Ezekiel wrote, "the soul who sins shall die. When it comes to Gods children, Scripture places much emphasis on the importance of making good decisions (Joshua 24:14-15; 1 Corinthians 10:13). Integrity guards your heart, mind, emotions, and actions. Repentance didnt reverse the effects of Davids sin. A lack of integrity in one area always seeps into a lack of integrity in other areas. Davids history suggests that he used many women to balance out his faults (lust, violence, and ego). Answer. 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. ), so he goes for a walk on the roof. Chileab (or Daniel . He founded the Judaean dynasty and united all the tribes of Israel under a single monarch. Worship with Pastor Dougs church each week, featuring beautiful music and life-changing Bible study. Thus, although Abishag was not Davids wife or concubine, her intimate connection with the king resulted in people using her as a pawn. Our flagship program features the most informative and inspiring messages from Pastor Doug and more. Who Were David's Wives, and Why Should We Know Their Names? The list of wives married during his exile is repeated in 2 Samuel 3:2-5. What Can Galileo Teach Us about Science and Faith? He didn't trick her. Nathan reminded David that his sin had removed Gods protection and blessing from his life. Notes:1. When a reader has a grasp on the Law, they have the standard by which they are to discern the behavior of the people recorded. Comments containing telephone numbers or email addresses will not be approved. The slayer of giants, the hero of Israel, the man who pursued God with all his heart. Amnon, whose mother was Ahinoam of Jezreel, one of David's first wives (1 Samuel 25:43).2. Related: Listen to our FREE Bible podcast,How to Study the Bible! Solomon was known for his many foreign wives, who were able to turn his heart away from God to foreign gods (1 Kings 11). Access dozens of Amazing Facts topical Scripture books from Pastor Doug and others. Once he found out Bathsheba's identity, he knew that she was married and he had sent her husband off to war. This is one of the most glorious and mind-blowing truths Scripture reveals about our Lord. Because of King Saul's sin, which is recorded in 1 Samuel 15:10-23, Saul lost the kingdom given to him by God. Politicians, mega-pastors, coaches, professional athletes, corporate leaders. Who was King David's favorite wife? - remodelormove.com Here are the eight wives: Michalwas Davids original wife, Sauls daughter whom David won by killing 100 Philistines (1 Samuel 18:24-27). You can choose not to excuse or normalize your behavior. First, 2 Samuel 11:711 describes how David tried to attribute Bathsheba's pregnancy to Uriah. A:We cannot not know for certain how many wives David had. As told in 2 . The latest information on all of Pastor Dougs upcoming events. Not exactly romantic. A guide for walking through all of Scripture in just a yearwith catch-up days built in. He had the capacity to make choices which either adhered to Gods Word or blatantly disobeyed it. 3 Surprising Reasons to Be Like Doubting Thomas, 4 Reasons Why We Have a Hard Time Talking about Loneliness. While Uriah was away at war, David saw Bathsheba bathing in her courtyard one night; she was beautiful, and David lusted after her. Unfortunately, neglect and sins of omission in parenting have lasting consequences in the lives of our children, who we are called to instruct, discipline, and lovingly reprove (Ephesians 6:4). There is a dangerous assumption which accompanies many Bible readers and serves as the root of numerous stumbling blocks. Much like his son Solomon, David had lots of wives, but it created trouble and strife. However, after Solomon became king, Adonijah used Bathsheba to ask Solomon a favor: he wanted Abishags hand in marriage (1 Kings 2:13-23). Since the Bible doesnt give us many details about Davids wives, and many of the details we get are so sad, its easy to wonder why we should study their story. Because of Ruths choices, David, Solomon, Joseph, and Jesus came through her line. Also, we find hope. God explicitly prohibited polygamy. Other wives gave birth to nine more sons. Ahinoam married David while he was in exile from Saul, and had Davids firstborn son, Amnon. How Can I Recognize and Understand the Holy Spirit Better? 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. His first six sons, recorded in 2 Samuel 3:1-5 and 1 Chronicles 3:1-4, are: 1. Sign up for your daily dose of spiritual insight and encouragement from Amazing Facts. Pastor and therapist Ted Roberts gives an interesting theory in his book Pure Desire and other resources: David may have been stuck in a cycle of sexual bondage. Like many men struggling with pornography or sexual issues, David had a harsh relationship with his father, who called David his youngest son, using a Hebrew word that also means unimportant. Men with sexual issues also have illicit behavior they try to hide (David hid his affair with Bathsheba), and pass on their dysfunctional behavior to their children without ever confronting the problem (Amnon rapes his half-sister, David got angry but did nothing about it). Though He will not always reverse the consequences of our poor decisions, with genuine repentance we may return to Him. He only notices Bathsheba because hes home when hes supposed to be leading his troops. Eventually, all of his decisions were made poorly. Even though the Bible doesnt describe God or prophets outright condemning David for polygamy, it doesnt praise him for it either. Astle, Cynthia. A Case Study in Narrative Theology in Journal of the Adventist Theological Society, 17/2 (Autumn 2006): 8195. She was separated from her husband as a military wife, was taken advantage of by her king, grieved a murdered spouse, became pregnant with the king's baby, married the king becoming his fourth wife, and then lost her baby. As the Apostle Paul says, the Law served to reveal our sin and shut all people up under sin (Galatians 3:19-22). 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. Macaah, daughter of Talmai, king of Geshur(1 Chr 3:2)(2 Sam 3:3) Answer. Depending on the length of a woman's period, this seven-day injunction before purification virtually guarantees that a woman will most likely be ovulating, or close to ovulating when she resumes having sex. Though David was both a good and bad father at times, he was never meant to be the perfect example to follow. All in all, the Bible makes it clear that Davids polygamy created an enormous amount of pain. In (Deut 17:17), God forbid kings from taking multiple wives. David and Bathsheba Bible Story and 10 Important Lessons Some of David's children did; many did not. The story of Bathsheba and David has proved so enduring that religious commentators still debate the quality of the sin involvedand its plot has been borrowed for countless romance novels, movies, and daytime dramas. 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. The primary evidence for David's career consists of several chapters in the books 1 . Consumed with lust for power, Saul sought to destroy David because Gods favor rested on him, and David was deemed a contender for the throne (1 Samuel 18:12-16). When David died, Solomon became king after executing his rival Adonijah. Learn Religions. How much of Absalom's arrogance and ambition was born of David's passivity and neglect in dealing with Amnon? But Uriah is a man of integrity (he doesnt want to enjoy anything his fellow-soldiers cant enjoy), so he sleeps outside the palace. She has authored a number of books on faith and religion. She was given by the hand of her treacherous father Saul the first king of Israelwhile he lingered on the throne in his fallen state. While reading through this account, we inevitably stumble across the puzzling records of King Davids wives and concubines. Clearly, a liaison with her would violate the seventh commandment against adultery, and a king of Israel was supposed to be a religious leader as well as a political leader. Saul had no choice but to give Michal to David as his wife (1 Samuel 18:20-27). (1 Samuel 13:14), Beware of power. 2 Samuel 11:1 records that the king sent his army out to wage war, but he himself stayed behind in Jerusalem. God sends Nathan the prophet to tell David a story about injustice, and David takes the bait. 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. David flew into a rage, demanding to know who the man was so that he could exact judgment on him. The Bible tells us that Amnon lured his sister to his chambers one night under false pretenses and proceeded to rape her. Even in light of Davids polygamy, we can trust God worked through all things for His glory. In his epistle to the Romans, Paul mentions the edifying nature of the entire Old Testament stating, For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scripture we might have hope (Romans 15:4). Who are the sons of David mentioned in the Bible? If you have a Bible question for Pastor Doug Batchelor or the Amazing Facts Bible answer team, please submit it by clicking here. Whether Bathsheba is guilty or not, is less important in the Bible than the guilt of the king himself: Nathan comes to David, not Bathsheba, to point out the error of his ways.