Sermon Central
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Character Study Of Bathsheba Series
Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Mar 22, 2025 (message contributor)
Summary: Bathsheba’s story is one of tragedy, redemption, and influence. Though her life was marked by scandal, she became the mother of Solomon and played a key role in Israel’s history. Her life teaches us that God’s grace can transform even the most difficult circumstances for His glory.
CHARACTER STUDY OF BATHSHEBA – WIFE OF URIAH, LATER WIFE OF DAVID
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: 2 Samuel 11:4
"Then David sent messengers, and took her; and she came to him, and he lay with her, for she was cleansed from her impurity; and she returned to her house."
Supporting Texts:
2 Samuel 11-12, 1 Kings 1-2, Matthew 1:6
BACKGROUND OF BATHSHEBA
Bathsheba was the wife of Uriah, a Hittite soldier in David’s army. Her life took a dramatic turn when King David committed adultery with her, leading to Uriah’s murder and a major scandal in Israel. She later became David’s wife and the mother of King Solomon. Despite the controversy surrounding her early story, she played a significant role in the royal lineage of Jesus Christ.
Her story highlights the consequences of sin, God’s mercy, and the role of divine providence in human affairs.
1. BATHSHEBA AND HER ENCOUNTER WITH DAVID
Her life changed dramatically due to King David’s actions.
a) She was the wife of Uriah, a loyal soldier (2 Samuel 11:3)
Uriah was one of David’s mighty men, a faithful warrior.
b) She was bathing when David saw her (2 Samuel 11:2)
The king’s desire for her led to a tragic chain of events.
c) David summoned her and committed adultery with her (2 Samuel 11:4)
As a subject in the kingdom, she had little power to resist.
d) She became pregnant by David (2 Samuel 11:5)
This forced David to plot against Uriah to cover up the sin.
2. URIAH’S DEATH AND BATHSHEBA’S LOSS
David's attempt to cover his sin led to a tragic outcome.
a) David tried to manipulate Uriah (2 Samuel 11:8-9)
He wanted Uriah to sleep with Bathsheba to make the child appear his.
b) Uriah refused to go home while Israel was at war (2 Samuel 11:11)
His integrity exposed David’s guilt.
c) David arranged for Uriah’s death in battle (2 Samuel 11:14-15)
He instructed Joab to place Uriah where the battle was fiercest.
d) Bathsheba mourned her husband’s death (2 Samuel 11:26)
She was now a widow because of David’s actions.
e) Biblical Example: Jezebel also used deception to arrange a man’s death (Naboth) (1 Kings 21:7-14)
3. BATHSHEBA BECOMES DAVID’S WIFE
Her marriage to David came with divine judgment and restoration.
a) After Uriah’s death, David married her (2 Samuel 11:27)
This was seen as a political move to cover the scandal.
b) God was displeased with David’s actions (2 Samuel 11:27)
The Lord sent the prophet Nathan to rebuke him.
c) The child from the adultery died (2 Samuel 12:14-18)
This was part of God’s judgment.
d) Bathsheba later gave birth to Solomon (2 Samuel 12:24)
God showed mercy by making Solomon the heir.
e) Biblical Example: Rahab’s past did not stop her from being in Jesus’ lineage (Matthew 1:5)
4. BATHSHEBA’S ROLE IN SOLOMON’S SUCCESSION
She became influential in Israel’s history.
a) She reminded David of his promise to Solomon (1 Kings 1:15-17)
Adonijah had tried to take the throne instead.
b) She worked with Nathan the prophet (1 Kings 1:11-14)
She was part of the divine plan to establish Solomon.
c) Solomon honoured her as queen mother (1 Kings 2:19)
He gave her a throne beside his own.
d) She requested a favour for Adonijah (1 Kings 2:21)
This led to Adonijah’s downfall.
e) Biblical Example: Esther used her influence to save her people (Esther 7:3-6)
5. LESSONS FROM BATHSHEBA’S LIFE
Her story teaches us about sin, grace, and divine purpose.
a) God can bring redemption from past mistakes (Romans 8:28)
b) Sin has consequences, but repentance brings restoration (2 Samuel 12:13)
c) God’s mercy is greater than human failure (Psalm 103:8)
d) Influence should be used wisely for God’s purposes (Proverbs 31:8-9)
e) God includes imperfect people in His divine plan (Matthew 1:6)
CONCLUSION:
Bathsheba’s story is one of tragedy, redemption, and influence. Though her life was marked by scandal, she became the mother of Solomon and played a key role in Israel’s history. Her life teaches us that God’s grace can transform even the most difficult circumstances for His glory.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, help me to trust in Your redemption plan for my life.
2. Father, give me wisdom to use my influence for Your purpose.
3. Every hidden sin in my life, Lord, cleanse me and restore me.
4. May my life fulfil Your divine purpose despite my past mistakes.
5. Lord, let Your mercy speak over my life.
