As a result, Bathsheba became pregnant with their illegitimate child and told David he was the father. How many wives did King David have in the Bible? - JesusAlive.cc This is often seen as the cop-out answer anytime the question of why God allows evil in the world comes up. 1), ***Note: Some believe that David was also married to Merab based upon (1 Sam 17:25), however (1 Sam 18:17-19)(2 Sam 21:8) appears to disprove this. Saul then promised David the eldest son . After a mourning period, Bathsheba was brought to the palace to become the latest of King David's wives, thus assuring the legitimacy of their child. Answer. What happened in the lives of David's children is mostly unknown; however, several of his sons, and one daughter, in particular, grew up to play a major role in David's later years and the future of Israel. Article copyright 2006 by Richard M. Davidson. Michal(1 Sam 18:20-27)(1 Sam 19:11-17)(1 Sam 25:44)(2 Sam 3:13-14) Its the false assumption Scripture condones all behavior recorded in the historical narratives of the Bible, especially if Gods disapproval is not explicitly expressed in the immediate context of the behaviors in question. Helping you get the most out of your Sabbath School quarterly every week. 2) The baby born from Davids sin would die; the death would show unbelieving nations that God did not approve of Davids sin. As the Apostle Paul says, the Law served to reveal our sin and shut all people up under sin (Galatians 3:19-22). Adonijah would be Davids oldest living son by the time David died and would try to claim the throne for himself. 5. We are told the names of some of his wives in the verses below,however, it says in (2 Sam 5:13) that when David got to Jerusalem he took more wives. We are not given the names of these women. Among other things, the fact David chose to have multiple wives proves he was a sinner. Amnom would create much grief for David and the rest of the family when he molested his half-sister Tamar (2 Samuel 13). We could refer to this rape as 'power rape,' meaning Bathsheba was not in a position to say no (even if she wanted to) when the king called for her and collected her with guards. As he took note of her beauty, David abused his authority as King and forced her to lie with him. God sends Nathan the prophet to tell David a story about injustice, and David takes the bait. Answer. This doesn't count the concubines he had (2 Samuel 5:13). After she was taken away from him, he married Ahinoam, Abigail, Maacah, Haggith, Abital, and Eglah. (1 Samuel 13:14), Beware of power. Although Nathan is the third son raised by David and Bathsheba, he is the fourth born to Bathsheba. Comments containing URLs outside the family of Amazing Facts websites will not be approved. Many theologians believe that the Proverbs 31 woman, whom Solomon wrote about, was Davids great-grandmother Ruth (Ruth 4:21-22). They are as follows: Michal:She is the first of Davids wives. The biblical text implies that this ritual purification was the bath that David saw Bathsheba taking. The earlier we can identify and address problematic habits and behavior in our children, the better. So David sends Uriah back to the front with a note for Joab, the general, to put Uriah in an exposed position where hell be killedto make sure by pulling the other troops back and leaving him stranded. To that total we would add all the unnamed sons of his concubines. How many of them learned these bad habits from their father? Our sins always affect future generations. Did David rape Bathsheba? | GotQuestions.org California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. No matter how active we are in our children's lives, our children grow up and must one day choose for themselves whether they will serve the Lord or go their own way. The fact that Saul and David both had wives named Ahinoam is also is used to reach this conclusion. (Ephesians 6:10-18). His many wives resulted in many children with rivalries and unhealthy relationships with each other. Nathan prophesied that Davids sin (metaphorically, the sword) would never depart from his family. Three of these wives, Michal, Abigail, and Bathsheba, are prominent in Scripture, but the other 5 are mentioned only in the verses given in the chart. The source for everything happening at Amazing Facts. Bathsheba is the wife most people associate with David . Does it mean you cannot be forgiven or saved? Maacah, whose father Talmai was king of Geshur, married David while he was in exile and her children included a son named Absalom and a daughter named Tamar. Comments that include name-calling, profanity, harassment, ridicule, etc. 2 Samuel 5 says "David married more wives in Jerusalem.". https://www.learnreligions.com/bathsheba-king-davids-most-famous-wife-117306 (accessed May 2, 2023). God restored David to intimate spiritual fellowship. In 2 Samuel 12, the prophet Nathan confronts David concerning his sin with Bathsheba and pronounces a judgment against David. (2 Samuel 11:2-4) "David didn't invite Bathsheba. After Abigail told her husband that she saved him, Nabal had a heart attack and died. Still, we dont know if David named Solomon his successor because he favored Bathsheba, because God favored Solomon, or to compensate for everything Bathsheba had suffered. This is astonishing evidence of Gods grace and forgiveness. Her future child(ren) would be raised within a context of sexual misconduct, manipulation, competition, cover-up, and violence just as Nathan predicted. ***Note: Based upon (2 Sam 12:8), some believe that after Saul died, David married his wives. Haggithmarried David while he was in exile, and had a son named Adonijah. (2021, September 10). Who Were King David's Wives in the Bible - Names and Importance If God remained faithful to David in spite of his failings, we can rest assured He will remain faithful to us despite ours. will be automatically deleted and the invitation to participate revoked. Christianity.com is a member of the Salem Web Network of sites including: Copyright 2023, Christianity.com. God plainly told the Israelites when they selected a king, he was not to have multiple wives (Deuteronomy 17:17). Davids laziness in rooting out lust overlaps into a laziness of calling and purpose. Their later marriage seems to have been close ( 2 Samuel 12:24) and loyal ( 1 Kings 1:28-31 ). When it came time to be paid, Nabal instead refused to pay . He sees a beautiful woman bathing in the next house. Heart-touching stories of lives impacted by the ministry. Why Was David Allowed to Take so Many Wives (and Who Were They)? In all of Scripture, the life of David may be the most dramatic recorded. All rights reserved. Today, its common to say that someone has fallen out of love, married the wrong person, found the right person, etc., but if either part of love affair is married to someone else, its wrong. Eglah married David while he was in exile, and had a son named Ithream. Notes:1. David humbly refused and stated he was unworthy to be the kings son-in-law (1 Samuel 18:17-19). Did she resist, beg, or comply? Solomon was known for his many foreign wives, who were able to turn his heart away from God to foreign gods (1 Kings 11). 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. Please reach out to a trusted pastor, counselor, therapist, or friend and share your struggles. 8. But Uriah is a man of integrity (he doesnt want to enjoy anything his fellow-soldiers cant enjoy), so he sleeps outside the palace. 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). She begged for forgiveness and gave David a handsome number of supplies, thus staying Davids hand from taking vengeance by his own hand. However, nothing in the Bible is accidental, it is all God-breathed and useful (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Are they more prone to sexual sin than regular people? In ( Deut 17:17 ), God forbid kings from taking multiple wives. Updated on May 07, 2019. David's Rape of Bathsheba and Murder of Uriah (2 | Theology of Work David was a fallible human being who made poor choices as well as good ones and had to face those actions consequences. A Case Study in Narrative Theology in Journal of the Adventist Theological Society, 17/2 (Autumn 2006): 8195. The Holy Spirit is powerful enough to help you overcome trauma, guilt, or regret, but you might need professional help to navigate healing. At this point David was desperate. He founded the Judaean dynasty and united all the tribes of Israel under a single monarch. What is the story of David and Bathsheba? | GotQuestions.org Even a heart like Davids can be deceitful and wicked. Eventually, all of his decisions were made poorly. How Can I Recognize and Understand the Holy Spirit Better? This plan failed as Uriah faithfully refused to even go home, lest he sleep with his wife. Before your very eyes I will take your wives and give them to one who is close to you, and he will sleep with your wives in broad daylight. Ithream, whose mother was Eglah, yet another wife of David. When David asked about Bathsheba and found out she was married to one of his soldiers, he sent for her anyway, raped her, and then sent her back home. 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. This theory suggests Bathsheba did not say "no" to David, but neither did she say "yes.". If so, the sons of David with his wives would total at least 20. Learn how your faithful giving helped thousands know Christ this last year. Eventually, Joab killed Absalom. All rights reserved. Our children may inevitably adopt some of the bad habits and practices they learn from us. He lost four children. This site is a proud member of the Salem Web Network, a subsidiary of, Copyright 2023, Crosswalk.com. 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. 7 Bibliography. 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). While Uriah was away at war, David saw Bathsheba bathing in her courtyard one night; she was beautiful, and David lusted after her. Davids background influenced him. He was a man after Gods own heart, but that doesnt mean he got everything right. 1 Chronicles 3:1-4 states that King David's first seven wives gave him six children, while they lived in Hebron. These were born to David at Hebron. 2. As described in 1 Samuel 25, she was first married to a wealthy man named Nabal who treated David cheaply. In verse 15, David is described writing a letter to his general, Joab, telling him to put Uriah on the front lines where the fighting is fiercest, and then to withdraw, leaving Uriah undefended. If you ever find yourself as a victim or a victimizer, please remember that Gods love is everlasting, and he is full of grace and mercy. In fact, it was probably one of his worst; and this sin had devastating consequences that rippled throughout David's family. 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). 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. Sue Schlesmanis an award-winning author, teacher, and church leader. All of these theories have some evidence behind them and leave us with something to chew on. 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. Nathan (son of David) - Wikipedia David already had three wives before he married Bathsheba. The David and Bathsheba story involved the ironic and subtle juxtapositions comparing Uriah who was supremely faithful to his king and comrades to David who is not faithful to either but allowed his lust to blind him to his sin. It stands as a clear warning to every leader, every spouse, and every believer who loves God and feels secure in their own perspectives. ), so he goes for a walk on the roof. 2 Samuel 11:1 records that the king sent his army out to wage war, but he himself stayed behind in Jerusalem. If we count the son who died in infancy after having been conceived through David's adulterous relationship with Bathsheba ( 2 Samuel 12:16-23 ), David . With malintent, Saul initially tried to give his first daughter, Merab, to David in marriage to put David in peril by the hand of the Philistines. Unfortunately for Adonijah, God had already chosen Solomon, Bathsheba's son, as David's successor. A:We cannot not know for certain how many wives David had. He won King Saul's daughter . As told in 2 . As king, his responsibility is to secure a peaceful nation. 4. God gave David many opportunities to resist temptation. David raped Bathsheba and sent her home. On-demand Amazing Facts audio featuring a wealth of spiritual guidance and inspiration. Whereas Saul lacked sufficient self-confidence to lead the nation appropriately, David was ever sure of himself [an important component of true trust in Gd] yet knew to repent in an instant and keep his teshuvah alive . Instead, God gave David a second son (Solomon) later onand this son becomes the next king of Israel (leap-frogging over his older brothers from other marriages). 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). The world-renowned Amazing Facts Bible school will help you know Gods Word better than ever. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your device and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Why did God punish David and Bathsheba's innocent child with death? Michals husband Paltiel trails behind her, weeping (2 Samuel 3:13-17). David had seven wives prior to Bathsheba. His first six sons, recorded in 2 Samuel 3:1-5 and 1 Chronicles 3:1-4, are: 1. But the king had no sexual relations with her. So, Abishag slept with the king, but not (if youll forgive the pun) in the Biblical sense.. David clearly struggled with this many times. Learning about Davids poor choices, and the results of those choices help us to understand he was more than the heroic figure we discover in Sunday School. Ahinoam of Jezreel(1 Chr 3:1)(2 Sam 3:2)(2 Sam 2:2) Seek humility because its a proven weapon against the sins that come with power and prestige. Again, with sinister motives, Saul told David he could still become his son-in-law by marrying Michal. We know that David married many more wives other than the seven listed by name. Not long after Bathsheba and David committed adultery, Bathsheba sent a message to David telling him she was pregnant. Bathsheba: Midrash and Aggadah | Jewish Women's Archive 3) Davids actions would be repeated in his family for generations. The David and Bathsheba Pericope Re-Examined, The Story of David and Bathsheba: A Different Approach, The Alleged Rape of Bathsheba: Some Observations on Ambiguity in Biblical Narrative. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself" (Ezekiel 18:20). Davids confession in 2 Samuel 12:13 is beautiful and simple: I have sinned against the Lord. First and foremost, our sin is always against God, so its his forgiveness we must seek first. Some scholars have suggested he married some of these women for political reasonsas noted earlier, Maacah was the daughter of a king. Solomon wrote in the Proverbs to "start a youth out on his way; even when he grows old he will not depart from it," and for God-seeking parents, this is always the goal (Proverbs 22:6). Wives Of David, Where FromVerses We have compiled these articles to help you study those whom God chose to set before us as examples in His Word. The newKing Solomonvalued his mother's help so much that he had a second throne installed for her so that she became his closest adviser until her death. Given that context, David may have had so many partners because he was in an addictive cycle. David killed a lot of people in battle. Though David had (probably) eight wives and (probably) 10 concubines, King Solomon seemed to take things up a notch in a Biblical case of "hold my beer." According to 1 Kings 11, Solomon was recorded to have at least 700 wives (though the text itself only mentions those wives "of royal birth"), and at least 300 concubines. Macaah, daughter of Talmai, king of Geshur(1 Chr 3:2)(2 Sam 3:3) As parents, sometimes we must rebuild and repair this foundation when cracks begin to form. When notified, Abigail hurried to intercede on behalf of her husband. Bathsheba is portrayed by the midrash as a modest woman who carefully observed the laws of family purity, but who found herself, without any conscious action on her part, in an adulterous affair with the king. Chileab (or Daniel), whose mother was Abigail, the widow of Nabal, who David married after the death her husband (1 Samuel 25).3. Later Absalom tried to usurp David. And David sent and inquired about the woman. But who were David's children exactly, who did they grow up to be, and how were their lives shaped by their complicated and sometimes troubled relationship with their famous father? Repentance didnt reverse the effects of Davids sin. 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). When it came time to be paid, Nabal instead refused to pay David and his men. 4 Things You May Not Know About Abraham in the Bible 20 Facts You May Not Know About Moses from the Bible Who Was Mary Magdalene in the Bible? Depending on what Sunday School you attended, you might not know there were multiple wives. God exercises His power in harmony with our free will (even our sinful decisions) to accomplish His divine purposes. Astle, Cynthia. David and Solomon would have grown up hearing the stories of Gods redemption of their family line through Boaz, the kinsman-redeemer. She gave birth to . Claim: David "power raped" Bathsheba. He only notices Bathsheba because hes home when hes supposed to be leading his troops. Wives of King David How many wives did King David have? Bathsheba in the Bible - character, marriage, and life lessons David was an insignificant shepherd when God chose him. The Bible doesnt outright say which of Davids wives he favored the most, nor does it give us enough information to guess. David sent this letter to Joab by Uriah, who had no idea that he was carrying his own death sentence. David repents and worships. Thus King David was relaxing on a palace balcony above the city when he spied a beautiful woman taking a bath. The Rabbis are concerned with the causes and harsh consequences of David's sin, but completely disregard Bathsheba's .
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