| Character of a Woman: Influential |
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Bathsheba
2 Sam. 11-12, as wife
1 Kings 1-2, as mother
Right off the bath we know that she was very attractive physically. Both she and David put their selves in the wrong place and time. Bathsheba lived close to the palace and bathing on the rooftop would certainly mean someone would see her. Israel was at war and King David decided to stay at the palace: eating well, in comfort, and with his wives instead of joining in the battle (2 Sam. 11:11). After seeing Bathsheba, he sends for her and they commit adultery. She then let David know she is pregnant (2 Sam. 11:2-5). Her decision to bathe on the rooftop triggered a chain of events that were set up for destruction. That small, and at the time, insignificant decision cost her dearly:
· death of her first husband and their marriage (2 Sam. 11:26).
· her reputation as Uriah's wife and then later as the King's wife.
· death of her first son (2 Sam. 12:19-20).
She had to have to repent of her sins along with King David. Possible that as Nathan opened the King's eyes, David was then able to talk to Bathsheba regarding repentance of their sins, their consequences and the forgiveness of God (2 Sam.12:24a). She and David were then blessed with another child: Solomon (2 Sam. 12:24b).As Solomon mother, she became influential. Nathan actually used her influence to stop Adonijah's conspiracy to take his father kingdom (1 Kgs. 11-14).
Strength & Accomplishments
· Became influential in the palace alongside her son Solomon
· Was the mother of Israel's wisest king and ancestor of Jesus Christ.
Weakness & Mistake
· Committed adultery
Lesson from her life
· Love of ease: idleness gives great advantage to the tempter.
· Although we may feel caught up in the chain of events, we are still responsible for the way we act.
· A sin is like one small seed, it's harvest of consequences is beyond measure.
· Even in the worst situations, God is still able to bring about good when people truly turn to Him.
· While we must live with the natural consequences of our sins. God's forgiveness of sin is total. |
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