how many wives did david have before bathsheba

Consequently, Bathsheba and David had sex at one of the best possible moments for her to conceivewhich she did, with tragic results. Davids children repeated his sins. (Because Michal was childless [2 Sam 6:23], it appears that she helped raise her sister Merabs 5 sons [2 Sam 21:8 see KJV translation].). How many wives did David have before Bathsheba? We only know that David could do whatever he wanted to do. 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? Sue is a top-contributor to Salem Web Network radio ministry and Crosswalk.com. Adultery is still sin. What Makes Makoto Fujimura a Great Christian Artist? First, 2 Samuel 11:711 describes how David tried to attribute Bathsheba's pregnancy to Uriah. Available atLifeAudio.com. When God gave Moses the Law, He established the moral and societal parameters within which He expected the nation of Israel to live. Repentance didnt reverse the effects of Davids sin. She and her husband Shane are launching a podcast called Stress Test: the heartbeat of healthy leadership in late April, 2023. Absalom was later killed by David's commander Joab, against David's wishes (2 Samuel 18). 1 Chronicles 3:1-4 states that King David's first seven wives gave him six children, while they lived in Hebron. David - passionate poet and in love, lyrical singer, courageous in battle and completely Gd-fearing, yet humble and willing to take responsibility and admit his mistakes. She later helped David escape before her father could kill him (1 Samuel 19:11-18) and was married off to a man named Palti. These were born to David at Hebron. Learn how your faithful giving helped thousands know Christ this last year. 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 1005-965 BCE). Nathan predicts the babys death and that violence and abuse will continue in Davids family. Adonijah was later executed by his brother Solomon for his insurrection and failed attempts to steal the throne (1 Kings 1-2). Thus, although Abishag was not Davids wife or concubine, her intimate connection with the king resulted in people using her as a pawn. David took her back after he became king of Judah (2 Samuel 3:12-6). David's mighty men were a group of his best thirty-seven fighters (later expanded to around eighty). As a result, Bathsheba became pregnant with their illegitimate child and told David he was the father. You can lean into Gods calling for your life and let him use your circumstances to create good. His many wives resulted in many children with rivalries and unhealthy relationships with each other. 2) The baby born from Davids sin would die; the death would show unbelieving nations that God did not approve of Davids sin. (Galatians 5:16-21), Biblical parenting is counter-cultural. As the last of Jesses eight sons, Jesse thought David was unimportant, and his brothers thought he was an annoying pest (1 Samuel 16-17). You read that correctly, God recorded Davids polygamous lifestyle for our instruction and encouragement. Even knowing she was another man's wife, David . Ahinoam married David while he was in exile from Saul, and had Davids firstborn son, Amnon. 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. Access to our entire media library in one easy-to-use and easy-to-search location. This site is a proud member of the Salem Web Network, a subsidiary of, Copyright 2023, Crosswalk.com. Number, names and stories. If Christians are not ready, they will get blind-sided by such objections and may even suffer doubt of their own faith. Though David was both a good and bad father at times, he was never meant to be the perfect example to follow. Maacah, Haggith, Abital, and Eglah:Scripture does not give much detail about these four wives other than the fact they all bore sons to David while he dwelt in Hebron. After Amnon raped Tamar, Absalom killed him (2 Samuel 13:23-38). Family disputes can cause rifts that take years to mend. Listen to our episode on David right now: G. Connor Salter is a writer and editor, with a Bachelor of Science in Professional Writing from Taylor University. 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? They are: -Japhia-Elishama-Eliada-Eliphelet-Tamar, the only daughter named amongst David's children. Among other things, the fact David chose to have multiple wives proves he was a sinner. 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. Learn Religions, Sep. 10, 2021, learnreligions.com/bathsheba-king-davids-most-famous-wife-117306. 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. Is it any wonder that Amnon, Absalom, and even Solomon would also be caught in sexual sin later in life? We know that David's first children were born in Hebron, where David was made king following the death of Saul (2 Samuel 2:1-4, 1 Chronicles 3:4). When it comes to Gods children, Scripture places much emphasis on the importance of making good decisions (Joshua 24:14-15; 1 Corinthians 10:13). Bathsheba, also spelled Bethsabee, in the Hebrew Bible (2 Samuel 11, 12; 1 Kings 1, 2), wife of Uriah the Hittite; she later became one of the wives of King David and the mother of King Solomon. While we talk a lot about his heroic might, we dont talk much about Davids wives. When notified, Abigail hurried to intercede on behalf of her husband. She has authored a number of books on faith and religion. David was an insignificant shepherd when God chose him. All rights reserved. This is done to give Uriah the opportunity to go home and sleep with his wife so that he can pass as the father of Bathshebas child. On-demand Amazing Facts audio featuring a wealth of spiritual guidance and inspiration. The story of Bathsheba and David has proved so enduring that religious commentators still debate the quality of the sin involvedand its plot has been borrowed for countless romance novels, movies, and daytime dramas. Get yours before supplies run out. 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. We know Abigail was unusually wise, and nothing about how she related to David later in life. His son Solomon expanded the empire that David built. Consumed with lust for power, Saul sought to destroy David because Gods favor rested on him, and David was deemed a contender for the throne (1 Samuel 18:12-16). Click here to read it. Before David took the throne, he used his power to serve others, perhaps most notably the defenseless cities of Keilah and Ziklag (1 Samuel 23:1-14; 30:1-31), but with Bathsheba he abused his power first to serve his lust, and then to preserve his reputation. The first is that everything in the Bible is worth learning on some level. The Bible records at least twenty named children born to David and his many wives, though it is possible he had even more than those listed. The names of the eight wives of King David were: Michal, Ahinoam, Abigail, Maacha, Haggith, Abital, Egla and Bathsheba . Davids solution to cover up the scandal was to send Uriah to the front lines of battle and have all other troops draw back from Uriahs position to ensure the enemy killed him. David already had three wives before he married Bathsheba. Wives Of David, Where FromVerses David flew into a rage, demanding to know who the man was so that he could exact judgment on him. Also, we find hope. How Can I Recognize and Understand the Holy Spirit Better? The second is that their stories show us a side of David we often forget. In addition, David had an unknown number of concubines. (1 Chr 3:9)(2 Sam 5:13)(2 Sam 16:21-22)(2 Sam 20:3 tells us he had at least 10). "Bathsheba and David: Biblical Romance and Tragedy." Bad decisions have lasting consequences. Again, with sinister motives, Saul told David he could still become his son-in-law by marrying Michal. According to Jewish purity laws, a woman must wait seven days after her menses end before purifying herself ritually in a mikvah, a special immersion pool, so that she and her husband may resume sexual relations. What Makes Twila Paris a Great Christian Musician? He has contributed over 1,200 articles to various publications, including interviews for Christian Communicator and book reviews for The Evangelical Church Library Association. 1 Kings 1:4 says Abishag looked after the king and took care of him. Then Nathan reveals that the story is about Davids sin against Bathsheba and Uriah. 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). Although Nathan is the third son raised by David and Bathsheba, he is the fourth born to Bathsheba. However, after Solomon became king, Adonijah used Bathsheba to ask Solomon a favor: he wanted Abishags hand in marriage (1 Kings 2:13-23). Shortly after Davids affair with Bathsheba, Davids oldest son Amnon raped his half-sister Tamar. The account is given for our instruction and encouragement. Thus, it also means that he was between 44-48 years old when he first encountered Bathsheba, who was 7-9 years old. 3. This article is part of our People from the Bible Series featuring the most well-known historical names and figures from Scripture. But God blessed Bathsheba with her son Solomon who would become king after his father. There are several key places in the Bible that describe Davids wives. Absolutely not! Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. (Actually, Saul promised David his older daughter Merab, hoping the Philistines would kill David. David has committed adultery and murder. They are all mentioned in 2 Samuel 3:2-5 and 1 Chronicles 3:1-3. He gave them Solomon, whose name means Peace. He not only became the next king, but he was also blessed as an ancestor of the Messiah. She was originally the wife of Uriah the Hittite, a trusted soldier in David's army. Did she resist, beg, or comply? Special insight and inspiration straight from the presidents desk. Comments containing URLs outside the family of Amazing Facts websites will not be approved. It doesnt matter how hard we try to thwart Gods plans; He will always accomplish exactly what He intends. We have compiled these articles to help you study those whom God chose to set before us as examples in His Word. We must all be actively aware of the battle for our hearts (1 Peter 5:8-10) and respond accordingly, with the power of the Holy Spirit. It may be shocking to suggest King David had sexual issues, but its not out of the question. Lets take a look at what the Bible tells us about them. The baby has been born and at least nine months have passed, but David has not repented. 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). Bathsheba had no rights. Integrity guards your heart, mind, emotions, and actions. Saul also had other concubines that are not included in this list. So, they were at least on speaking terms later in life. The Bible doesnt outright say which of Davids wives he favored the most, nor does it give us enough information to guess. The heart can fool any of us and destroy the best of us (Jeremiah 17:9). Cynthia B. Astle is an award-winning journalist who covered religion for 25 years. 10. A beautiful woman, she became pregnant after David saw her bathing on a rooftop and had her brought to him. This story is a classic example of a powerful man and a powerless woman. Instead of owning up to the liaison and making restitution, David took an even more sinful approach to the crisis. Eventually, Joab killed Absalom. This theory suggests Bathsheba did not say "no" to David, but neither did she say "yes.". Following Amnon's murder, Absalom fled Jerusalem and did not return for another three years. Eglah(1 Chr 3:3)(2 Sam 3:5) It is all too common for skeptics and mockers to cite such things in Scripture to devalue the moral integrity of the Bible and dismiss the possibility of Scripture being Gods Word. Amazing Facts quarterly guide featuring news, articles, Bible answers, and more. She loves traveling, reading, missions, art, and dessert. But Uriah is a man of integrity (he doesnt want to enjoy anything his fellow-soldiers cant enjoy), so he sleeps outside the palace. 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. 2 Samuel 3:2-5 (NASB) Therefore, it appears that either 1) David never married Saul's wives, 2) the wives of Saul became David's wives or concubines since 2 Samuel 5:13-16 and 1 Chronicles 3:9 tells us that David had other wives and concubines or 3) David only cared for Saul's wives since they were . Doing the right thing, regardless of circumstances, is true righteousness. Even though David had committed sins worthy of execution, said Nathan, God instead exacted judgment upon David and Bathsheba's newborn son, who subsequently died. While reading through this account, we inevitably stumble across the puzzling records of King Davids wives and concubines. Why Was David Allowed to Take so Many Wives (and Who Were They)? A:We cannot not know for certain how many wives David had. David enjoys a beautiful relationship with God after his sin, writing many more Psalms of worship and thanksgiving. David had seven wives prior to Bathsheba. Products that will appeal to the young and young at heart. David was many things in life. The first was the baby that was the fruit of the sinful and murderous romance between him and Bathsheba. Later she and David had a second son, Solomon, who God favored (2 Samuel 12:25). As described in 1 Samuel 25, she was first married to a wealthy man named Nabal who treated David cheaply. Article copyright 2006 by Richard M. Davidson. After David moved his capital to Jerusalem, he married Bathsheba. (Proverbs 11:14), Lean into God for forgiveness, comfort, and direction. The prophet Nathan rebuked David, and Bathshebas child died. While reading through this account, we inevitably stumble across the puzzling records ofKing Davids wives and concubines. Even in light of Davids polygamy, we can trust God worked through all things for His glory. David consoled Bathsheba by getting her pregnant again, this time with a son the named Solomon. He recalled Uriah from the front, supposedly to give him a report on the battle, and then told him to take some leave and visit his wife. Fast access to all of Amazing Facts English and foreign-language Bible-based websites. We know Michal was devoted to David, enough to hide him from her own father. As a result, David took up arms with 400 of his men to seek vengeance and completely wipe out Nabals family line by killing all males. Nathan reminded David that his sin had removed Gods protection and blessing from his life. Not long after Bathsheba and David committed adultery, Bathsheba sent a message to David telling him she was pregnant. In rebellion against his father, Absalom mounted a coup against David and briefly took the kingdom (2 Samuel 15-17). 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. In 2020, Sue won a Selah Award for her nonfiction book Soulspeak: Praying Change into Unexpected Places. A wife not covered in either list, Davids first wife, is mentioned in several stories about Davids exploit. In his arrogance and lust for power, Absalom eventually turned the hearts of the people against his father and later succeeded in taking the throne of Israel, plunging the nation into a civil war (2 Samuel 15). The biblical text implies that this ritual purification was the bath that David saw Bathsheba taking. While reading through Davids life, it is evident he did not always make good decisions. Depending on what Sunday School you attended, you might not know there were multiple wives. As told in 2 . An inspiring passage from Scripture delivered to your inbox every day! Their later marriage seems to have been close ( 2 Samuel 12:24) and loyal ( 1 Kings 1:28-31 ). Ahinoam was the mother of Amnon, who raped his half-sister Tamar. The earlier we can identify and address problematic habits and behavior in our children, the better. He gets distracted by power, fame, and success. At first, David called Bathshebas husband, Uriah, away from the battle to give him a report of the army. All in all, the Bible makes it clear that Davids polygamy created an enormous amount of pain. Uriah still wont go home. David, as well as kings which followed (including his son Solomon who had 700 wives and 300 concubines: 1 Kin 11:3 ), disobeyed . 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. And he executed plenty of criminals. Despite Joab's action, Uriah and other officers were killed. The list of wives married during his exile is repeated in 2 Samuel 3:2-5. As the Apostle Paul says, the Law served to reveal our sin and shut all people up under sin (Galatians 3:19-22). Copyright JesusAlive.cc All rights reserved, (1 Sam 18:20-27)(1 Sam 19:11-17)(1 Sam 25:44)(2 Sam 3:13-14), Macaah, daughter of Talmai, king of Geshur. May their lives and walks with God strengthen your faith and encourage your soul. He sees a beautiful woman bathing in the next house. Years later, after Absalom killed his brother Amnon for what he did to Tamar, Absalom rebelled against David and forced him to flee Jerusalem. Much like his son Solomon, David had lots of wives, but it created trouble and strife. Judging from Solomon's later wisdom, which we read in the Proverbs, it seems David had succeeded in instructing and building a solid spiritual foundation for his son to stand upon (1 Kings 2). These were born to David in Hebron" (2 Samuel 3:2-5 and 1 Chronicles 3:1-3). The son shall not suffer for the iniquity of the father, nor the father suffer for the iniquity of the son. Abigail: David's second wife, Abigail, is found in 1 Samuel 25 during the saga of David's life when he fled King Saul. Later, Saul takes Michal away from David and marries her to another man, Paltiel. When hes not writing stories and defending biblical truth, Joel is committed to helping young men find purpose in Christ and become fearless disciples and bold leaders in their homes, in the church, and in the world. The story of David and Bathsheba is one of the most dramatic accounts in the Old Testament. Davids passages of confession and repentance are some of the most-read and most encouraging Psalms in Scripture. 7. Twenty-eight generations later, Jesus was born as Davids descendant. This is astonishing evidence of Gods grace and forgiveness. And later David lost yet another son, Adonijah. David then married Abigail, and she had a son named Daniel. 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. When David couldn't get Uriah to sleep with his wife Bathsheba (and therefore conceal David's adultery), he . The Bible is clear that what David did was wrong and the Lord condemned him for his actions. Later Absalom tried to usurp David. The story of David and Bathsheba is not a love story or at least it didn't start that way. What Can Galileo Teach Us about Science and Faith? Davids character influenced his childrens character. Sue is agented withKaren Neumair atCredo Communications. Even though God favored his second son with Bathsheba, this doesnt mean that God wanted their relationship to happen. In all of Scripture, the life of David may be the most dramatic recorded. It stands as a clear warning to every leader, every spouse, and every believer who loves God and feels secure in their own perspectives. Many theologians believe that the Proverbs 31 woman, whom Solomon wrote about, was Davids great-grandmother Ruth (Ruth 4:21-22). Some of David's children did; many did not. Next, described in 2 Samuel 12 and 13, David invited Uriah for dinner and got him drunk, figuring that intoxication will arouse Uriah's desire for Bathsheba. Heart-touching stories of lives impacted by the ministry. 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). Solomon responded by having Adonijah killed (1 Kings 2:25). Abitalmarried David while he was in exile, and had a son named Shephatiah. He only notices Bathsheba because hes home when hes supposed to be leading his troops. A lack of integrity in one area always seeps into a lack of integrity in other areas. (Deuteronomy 6:4-9), Guard your heart. David had many wives and concubines. After David had moved his kingdom to Jerusalem, where he ruled for thirty-three years, he had four more children with Bathsheba. The Bible does not say the rape was an act of violence (violent rape elsewhere in the Bible uses a different Hebrew word), it also does not say the sex was mutual, and it also does not say whether Bathsheba has any choice in the matter. Others have speculated that in the pagan societies surrounding Israel, having multiple wives was a way kings showed their power. Parenting is never easy, and it really doesn't get easier or cheaper by the dozen, as the saying goes. While Uriah was away at war, David saw Bathsheba bathing in her courtyard one night; she was beautiful, and David lusted after her. Adonijah as David neared the end of his life, Adonijah, David's fourth son by his wife Haggith, exalted himself as king. https://www.learnreligions.com/bathsheba-king-davids-most-famous-wife-117306 (accessed May 2, 2023). Early intervention, discipline, and instruction could mean the difference between life and death later on. Though He will not always reverse the consequences of our poor decisions, with genuine repentance we may return to Him. Hes angry hearing the story. He won King Sauls daughter Michal for killing 400 Philistines and cutting off their foreskins. However, we don't know how many more. Why did God allow David to keep Bathsheba as his wife? And David did repent before the Lord. He attends Faith Fellowship Church in East Rochester, OH where he has given multiple sermons and is discipled by pastor Chet Howes. Bathsheba: Theres no doubt Bathsheba is the most known among Davids wives. 1. Article Images Copyright . One night in Jerusalem, King David was walking upon his rooftop when he spotted a beautiful woman bathing nearby ( 2 Samuel 11:2 ). Abigail: Davids second wife, Abigail, is found in 1 Samuel 25 during the saga of Davids life when he fled King Saul. This site is a proud member of the Salem Web Network, a subsidiary of, Copyright 2023, Crosswalk.com. He didn't lure her. Davids background influenced him. Clearly, a liaison with her would violate the seventh commandment against adultery, and a king of Israel was supposed to be a religious leader as well as a political leader. Anzalduas International Bridge Wait Time, Farm Dispersal Sales North West, Driveline Throwing Program For Catchers, Underground Tunnels In Georgia, Articles H