| FACTS...
Name: Bathsheba |  |
BACKGROUND...
Bathsheba catches the eye of King David. He brings her to the palace and "he lay with her". When she becomes pregnant, King David tries to make the child appear to belong to Uriah, Bathsheba's husband by bringing him home from the wars. When Uriah refuses to go home out of duty to his King and his comrades, King David sends him to certain death at the front.
When Uriah is dead, King David marries Bathsheva and she bears a son. As punishment for his evil deed, the King's new son dies. Bathsheba bears another son, Solomon and it is Solomon that succeeds his father to the throne.
IN BATHSHEBA'S OWN WORDS...
I don't know what to do! My husband, Uriah is dead and I am pregnant with the King's child. Everyone will think that Uriah is the father but how will I live with myself?
The King has called me back to the palace after my period of mourning is over. I'm not sure whether I should go or not. I must obey the King yet I have heard the rumour that the King sent Uriah to his death.
I'm afraid of going to the palace and living among all of the King's women. My mother tells me to go to the King but I can't help thinking that God will surely punish us for this evil.
written by: Mary Jean