Saturday, May 11, 2013

Bathsheba and Her Son

Wherefore Nathan spake unto Bathsheba the mother of Solomon, saying, Hast thou not heard that Adonijah the son of Haggith doth reign, and David our lord knoweth it not? 1 Kings 1:11

Is it not a pity that Bathsheba is assigned such a passive place to many? Cliche Power only gives her one role, again and again, as the object of David's lust and his motive for the murder of her husband. Yet her name is mentioned eleven times in Scripture and her statements in many cases are pivotal.

King David did not have long to live, and in his weakness, Adonijah shouldered his way into the line of succession to his throne. Solomon was to have been given the throne of his father, but another took his place. Nathan, the prophet, interceded. David had sworn that Solomon would reign after him. Yet another had taken his place. Nathan wanted to know why.

It is so easy to imagine Nathan confronting David in person. Yet instead, he went to Bathsheba to remind her of this state of affairs. He told her to go to the king and plead her case and then he would back her up. How dramatic a scene when Bathsheba goes before David with the very kingdom at stake.

The Bible tells us that she bowed to the king in submission. So much had transpired between them by this time. It started with sex, but now both had matured in their reverence towards one another. Bathsheba implores David to keep his promise and put her son on the throne. Her life and that of Solomon were in danger from this usurper.

David kept his word. He gave his throne to Solomon. Bathsheba bowed before him with her face to the ground. Why did Nathan not precede Bathsheba, but had her to plead with David first? What is more powerful and heartfelt than a mother pleading for her son?

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