Bathsheba

Bethsabée, by Jean-Léon Gérôme

David begehrt Batseba 17Jh

William Blake - Bathsheba at the Bath

Jan Massys - David and Bathsheba

Artemisia Gentileschi - Bathsheba - WGA08558

Bathsheba is a figure prominently featured in the Hebrew Bible and the Christian Old Testament, known for her story with King David, which is detailed in the Second Book of Samuel. Bathsheba was the wife of Uriah the Hittite, a soldier in King David's army. Her narrative is one of the most compelling and complex within biblical texts, touching on themes of power, desire, and redemption.

Biblical Account

The story of Bathsheba is primarily found in 2 Samuel 11-12. It begins with King David seeing Bathsheba bathing on a rooftop. Struck by her beauty, David inquires about her and discovers she is the wife of Uriah, one of his loyal soldiers. Despite this, David summons her to his palace and sleeps with her, leading to Bathsheba becoming pregnant. In an attempt to conceal the affair, David calls Uriah back from the battlefront, hoping he will sleep with Bathsheba and believe the child to be his. However, Uriah's loyalty to his fellow soldiers prevents him from doing so. David then orders Uriah to be placed on the front lines where he is killed in battle.

After Uriah's death, Bathsheba becomes David's wife, and she bears him a son. However, the prophet Nathan confronts David, exposing his sin and prophesying the consequences that would befall David's house because of his actions. The child born to David and Bathsheba falls ill and dies, which is seen as divine punishment. Despite this tragedy, Bathsheba later gives birth to Solomon, who succeeds David as king, indicating a form of redemption and continuation of the Davidic line.

Interpretations and Legacy

Bathsheba's story has been interpreted in various ways throughout history. In Jewish tradition, Bathsheba is seen as a complex character, sometimes criticized for her role in the affair with David but also venerated as the mother of Solomon. In Christian interpretations, her story is often viewed through the lens of sin and redemption, highlighting David's repentance and God's forgiveness.

Bathsheba's narrative has also been the subject of numerous artistic representations, including paintings, sculptures, and literature, often focusing on the moment of her bathing that caught David's eye. These works explore themes of voyeurism, power, and innocence, contributing to the enduring fascination with her story.

In Popular Culture

Bathsheba continues to be a figure of interest in modern times, appearing in novels, films, and other media. Her story raises questions about power dynamics, consent, and morality that resonate with contemporary audiences.

See Also

• David
• Uriah the Hittite
• Solomon
• Book of Samuel