2 Samuel 11:26-27
Verse 26 When Uriah’s wife heard that her husband was dead, she mourned for him.
While David is breathing a sigh of relief that he has gotten away with murder, Bathsheba is sent through other emotions. Yes, she felt safe in her sin never being found out publicly saving her from possible stoning as was the law, but she had played a part in a very sinful situation.
When news comes of her husband’s death she mourns him. She would have been surrounded by family who would be consoling her on the death of her husband not knowing she was pregnant with the child of another man. Her grief was in a way a betrayal as those comforting her didn’t know the depth of the pain she was facing. She had betrayed her husband as he was out to war, she had not been an honoring wife and in some regards didn’t deserve their sympathy.
She may have heard some of the details regarding her husband’s death and knew that it wasn’t just a military death. Remember, her grandfather was also one of the king’s fighting men and such an act on the battlefield would have caused some to raise their eyebrows. Whether she knew the details of her husband’s death or not, she would have been feeling guilty. She had never had the chance to confess to her husband what had happened.
David was patiently waiting for her time of mourning to end so he could take her as his wife as soon as possible so that there would be fewer questions regarding the coming baby. She would have mourned the customary week not wanting to mourn longer as that could have made it was obvious the baby she was carrying wasn’t her husband’s.
Knowing he had a view from his terrace David could have watched to see when her time of mourning was over and when he sees the signs she is done mourning his man of war, David sends for her to come to him. Echoing his calling her to the palace the first time this time he makes her his wife. The method may not have been much different than the first time except this time he didn’t keep it a secret and she didn’t go home. Months later a son was born and while there may have been great rejoicing at his birth there was still the knowledge for David and his new wife this child was conceived in sin. And God was greatly displeased with them.
Making It Personal
Have you ever had a time when you knew people shouldn’t feel as sad or happy for you as they do? How do you deal with those feelings of upset in your conscience? Do you ever confess to them they shouldn’t feel as they do about you?
Making It Personal Kids
Has someone ever been proud of you when you knew that you had cheated to achieve what you did? Does others not finding out the truth make it ok that you got away with it? Who should you tell the truth to?
Closing Prayer
Father, it is so easy for us to think we got away with something just because others don’t know the truth. Help us remember that their knowing isn’t what matters, You always know and that should make us want to live upright lives in every area. In Jesus’ name, amen.