After Amnon raped Tamar, Absalom killed him (2 Samuel 13:23-38). 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. Like most of us, David must have grown tired of fighting spiritual and physical enemies. Ahinoam: Introduced in 1 Samuel 25:43, Ahinoam is mostly mentioned alongside Abigail, since both wives accompanied David together while He fled Saul. Article Images Copyright , 10 Things to Know about the Story of David and Bathsheba. Amnon David's oldest son grew up to be a selfish, licentious young man who was consumed with lust for his virgin half-sister Tamar. Unfortunately for Adonijah, God had already chosen Solomon, Bathsheba's son, as David's successor. Nathan predicts the babys death and that violence and abuse will continue in Davids family. We don't know if David dealt with Amnon's sin following Tamar's rape, but there's not much evidence in the Bible to confirm that he did much of anything. Gods providence. Adonijah as David neared the end of his life, Adonijah, David's fourth son by his wife Haggith, exalted himself as king. Learn Religions, Sep. 10, 2021, learnreligions.com/bathsheba-king-davids-most-famous-wife-117306. Astle, Cynthia. Cynthia B. Astle is an award-winning journalist who covered religion for 25 years. Saul reneged and gave him Michal instead because she was infatuated with David and Saul thought he could use her to get to David (1 Samuel 18:17-20). How many wives did King David have in the Bible? - JesusAlive.cc 1 Chronicles 3:1-4 states that King David's first seven wives gave him six children, while they lived in Hebron. David retorted that he was celebrating before God, and that story concludes by saying Michael remained childless throughout her entire life (2 Sam 6:23). Gods Word is perfect, but if we dont take the time to understand what it actually means, the world will propagate its false understandings and leave us speechless. He didn't lure her. 7 Bibliography. 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. You did it in secret, but I will do this thing in broad daylight before all Israel. will be automatically deleted and the invitation to participate revoked. Who Were the 12 Disciples of Jesus? He killed a lot of prisoners after battles. Astle, Cynthia. On-demand Amazing Facts audio featuring a wealth of spiritual guidance and inspiration. Macaah, daughter of Talmai, king of Geshur(1 Chr 3:2)(2 Sam 3:3) Like many things in life, we are all impacted by the choices and behavior of our parents. Heres the plot summary, and its spicy enough for any Netflix series: King David stays home when hes supposed to go to war. Hes angry hearing the story. Bathsheba(2 Sam ch.11 ch.12)(1 Kin ch. However, no matter how faithful or righteous David may have been, David's children and descendants were responsible for their actions and accountable to God for their choices, not David's (Deuteronomy 24:16). Enraged by his brother's actions, Absalom, the son of Maacah and full brother of Tamar, murdered his half-brother Amnon in revenge (2 Samuel 13). One night in Jerusalem, King David was walking upon his rooftop when he spotted a beautiful woman bathing nearby ( 2 Samuel 11:2 ). Though several of David's most loyal followers, including Joab and Abiathar, threw their support behind Adonijah, David turned to Nathan (the prophet), Benaiah (the mighty man), and Zadok (the priest) to establish Solomon as the rightful king of Israel. And God not only forgave them, He even blessed their marriage with another child. Tamar After Amnon raped his half-sister Tamar, the Bible tells us that he "hated her with a very great hatred; for the hatred with which he hated her was greater than the love with which he had loved her now throw this woman out of my presence, and lock the door behind her" (2 Samuel 13:15,17). The sad story of David's wife Bathsheba is well-known (2 Samuel 11:1-17). Lets take a look at what the Bible tells us about them. Amazing Facts quarterly guide featuring news, articles, Bible answers, and more. Why Was David Allowed to Take so Many Wives (and Who Were They)? As described in 1 Samuel 25, she was first married to a wealthy man named Nabal who treated David cheaply. ', quotes author Richard M. Davidson: "Just as intercourse between an adult and a minor, even a 'consenting' minor, is today termed 'statutory rape,' so the intercourse between David and his subject Bathsheba (even if Bathsheba, under the psychological pressure of one in power over her, acquiesced to the intercourse) is understood in biblical law, and so presented in this narrative, to be a case of rapewhat today we call 'power rape,' and the victimizer, not the victim, is held accountable."1. How much of Absalom's arrogance and ambition was born of David's passivity and neglect in dealing with Amnon? There are a variety of reasons to learn about them, with two particularly clear ones. The account is given for our instruction and encouragement. Joel Ryanis an author, writing professor, and contributing writer for Salem Web Network and Lifeway. Comments made on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday may not be approved until the following Monday. That is not to say it is a good thing when we sin. Amon treated Tamar as a used and unwanted outcast, a reputation she likely carried for the rest of her life. 2 Samuel 12:10-12 . And he executed plenty of criminals. How Many Wives Did King David Have and What Do We Know about Them? 6. Today, its common to say that someone has fallen out of love, married the wrong person, found the right person, etc., but if either part of love affair is married to someone else, its wrong. Unfortunately, this is where David failed many of his other children. When believers sin, they bring disgrace and contempt on Gods name; therefore, God punishes believers to bring them back into fellowship and to show the world that He does not excuse or accept sin. Politicians, mega-pastors, coaches, professional athletes, corporate leaders. In 2020, Sue won a Selah Award for her nonfiction book Soulspeak: Praying Change into Unexpected Places. From that time forward, Michal despises David (2 Samuel 6:16). Bible Answer: 2 Samuel 12:8 does not record God's approval of polygamy but God's gift of the possessions that He gave David. 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. Later, Saul takes Michal away from David and marries her to another man, Paltiel. (2 Samuel 12:11-12) Although David fasted and prayed for a week for his baby to survive, God did not answer his request. Doing the right thing, regardless of circumstances, is true righteousness. Abital(1 Chr 3:3)(2 Sam 3:4) Uriah still wont go home. Adonijah would be Davids oldest living son by the time David died and would try to claim the throne for himself. In brokering peace and power for Israel among neighboring nations, Solomon acquired 1000 women. When notified, Abigail hurried to intercede on behalf of her husband. Adonijah, whose mother was Haggith, David's fifth wife.5. David is an important figure in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Twenty-eight generations later, Jesus was born as Davids descendant. According to the Bible, his first wife was Michal, the daughter of King Saul. When David died, Solomon became king after executing his rival Adonijah. Saul then promised David the eldest son . However, we don't know how many more. Depending on the length of a woman's period, this seven-day injunction before purification virtually guarantees that a woman will most likely be ovulating, or close to ovulating when she resumes having sex. You can lean into Gods calling for your life and let him use your circumstances to create good. What Makes Makoto Fujimura a Great Christian Artist? 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. Here are the eight wives: Michalwas Davids original wife, Sauls daughter whom David won by killing 100 Philistines (1 Samuel 18:24-27). 3. Witness to friends and family with these powerhouse resources on a wide variety of biblical topics. May their lives and walks with God strengthen your faith and encourage your soul. David already had three wives before he married Bathsheba. In 2 Samuel 12, the prophet Nathan confronts David concerning his sin with Bathsheba and pronounces a judgment against David. The biblical text implies that this ritual purification was the bath that David saw Bathsheba taking. 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. The primary evidence for David's career consists of several chapters in the books 1 . Pastor and therapist Ted Roberts gives an interesting theory in his book Pure Desire and other resources: David may have been stuck in a cycle of sexual bondage. Like many men struggling with pornography or sexual issues, David had a harsh relationship with his father, who called David his youngest son, using a Hebrew word that also means unimportant. Men with sexual issues also have illicit behavior they try to hide (David hid his affair with Bathsheba), and pass on their dysfunctional behavior to their children without ever confronting the problem (Amnon rapes his half-sister, David got angry but did nothing about it). Amnon, whose mother was Ahinoam of Jezreel, one of David's first wives ( 1 Samuel 25:43 ). Number, names and stories. 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. Others have speculated that in the pagan societies surrounding Israel, having multiple wives was a way kings showed their power. 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. King David's Wives and Marriages in the Bible He only notices Bathsheba because hes home when hes supposed to be leading his troops. We dont have to look far to see that power corrupts. 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. And David sent and inquired about the woman. Does 2 Samuel 12:8 mean God approved of David's polygamy? Find out more about his work here. Before your very eyes I will take your wives and give them to one who is close to you, and he will sleep with your wives in broad daylight. Why did David need Abishag to keep him warm when he had wives and When God gave Moses the Law, He established the moral and societal parameters within which He expected the nation of Israel to live. This opened an even bigger door for Absalom to take matters into his own hands. The infamous account of how she became Davids wife is found in 2 Samuel 11. God forgave Davidand usof any and all confessed sin. (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].). Who Committed Adultery in the Bible - Missional Manifesto If so, the sons of David with his wives would total at least 20. We dont know about five of his wives other than which sons they bore. Bathsheba told her aged husband that only their son Solomon remained loyal, so the king named Solomon his co-regent. As king, his responsibility is to secure a peaceful nation. Apart from the last point given in the previous section, Christians should know the accounts given of these women to strengthen their witness for Christ. His first six sons, recorded in 2 Samuel 3:1-5 and 1 Chronicles 3:1-4, are: 1. Ithream, whose mother was Eglah, yet another wife of David. Nathan calmly told the king: "You are the man," meaning that God had revealed to the prophet the truth of David's adultery, deceit, and murder of Uriah. The Brown commentary states "In this conduct David transgressed an express law, which forbade the king of Israel to multiply . David had many wives & concubines - Diana Leagh Matthews Thus King David was relaxing on a palace balcony above the city when he spied a beautiful woman taking a bath. Given that context, David may have had so many partners because he was in an addictive cycle. Integrity guards your heart, mind, emotions, and actions. For the full story of David and Bathsheba please read 2 Samuel 11 and for the full story of Nathan confronting David and the consequences of David's actions read 2 Samuel 12. This plan failed as Uriah faithfully refused to even go home, lest he sleep with his wife. This is often seen as the cop-out answer anytime the question of why God allows evil in the world comes up. But Uriah is a man of integrity (he doesnt want to enjoy anything his fellow-soldiers cant enjoy), so he sleeps outside the palace. Sign up for your daily dose of spiritual insight and encouragement from Amazing Facts. Three of these wives, Michal, Abigail, and Bathsheba, are prominent in Scripture, but the other 5 are mentioned only in the verses given in the chart. Adonijah was later executed by his brother Solomon for his insurrection and failed attempts to steal the throne (1 Kings 1-2). She has authored a number of books on faith and religion. He didn't woo her. You can choose not to excuse or normalize your behavior. In every time and season, there is an opportunity to share hope in Christ. So, they were at least on speaking terms later in life. It was not David's best or brightest moment. This trend continued through the succession of Israel's kings. (1 Samuel 13:14), Beware of power. Ahinoam was the mother of Amnon, who raped his half-sister Tamar. Saul also had other concubines that are not included in this list. In all of Scripture, the life of David may be the most dramatic recorded. Bathsheba, married David after he famously murdered her husband Uriah (2 Samuel 11). We only know that David could do whatever he wanted to do. News reached Saul that his daughter, Michal, loved David. Had David intervened and been more active in guiding and correcting his children's sin and bad behavior early, he might have saved the lives of Amnon, Absalom, and even Adonijah, whose ambition and lust for power had gone unchecked for most of his life. A wife not covered in either list, Davids first wife, is mentioned in several stories about Davids exploit. 1), ***Note: Some believe that David was also married to Merab based upon (1 Sam 17:25), however (1 Sam 18:17-19)(2 Sam 21:8) appears to disprove this. Next, David acquires Ahinoam as his wife, followed by Abigail, who impresses him with her wisdom and intelligence. Claim: David "power raped" Bathsheba. 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. A guide for walking through all of Scripture in just a yearwith catch-up days built in. What Can Galileo Teach Us about Science and Faith? He gave them Solomon, whose name means "Peace.". For example, Bathsheba bore Solomon to David, and he was part of Jesus genealogy (Matthew 1:6-7). Then Nathan reveals that the story is about Davids sin against Bathsheba and Uriah. Access to our entire media library in one easy-to-use and easy-to-search location. As mentioned earlier, Adonijah then used the almost concubine status of Abishag to try and get closer to the throne. 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 . Family disputes can cause rifts that take years to mend. When presented with the polygamous lifestyle of David (or anyone else for that matter) it is essential for us to keep several overarching truths in mind. Nathan prophesied that Davids sin (metaphorically, the sword) would never depart from his family. 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. URGENT! Comments containing URLs outside the family of Amazing Facts websites will not be approved. 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. David refused to discipline Amnon, so Tamars brother Absalom killed Amnon in revenge and fled to escape punishment (2 Samuel 13). David, as well as kings which followed (including his son Solomon who had 700 wives and 300 concubines: 1 Kin 11:3 ), disobeyed . Wives of King David How many wives did King David have? We have compiled these articles to help you study those whom God chose to set before us as examples in His Word. 'ChristianityToday.com, 'Why It's Easier to Accept David as a Murderer Than a Rapist'. David humbly refused and stated he was unworthy to be the kings son-in-law (1 Samuel 18:17-19). While we talk a lot about his heroic might, we dont talk much about Davids wives. Shephatiah, whose mother was Abital, another of David's wives.6. He cant sleep (maybe because hes not fulfilling his purpose? Their names are not recorded. The first was the baby that was the fruit of the sinful and murderous romance between him and Bathsheba. He won King Sauls daughter Michal for killing 400 Philistines and cutting off their foreskins. David sends for Bathshebas husband to come home to try to cover up his sin. Please be patient. However, most scholars believe there were two ladies named Ahinoam. The best evidence pointing to this is that Davids wife Ahinoam is always referred to as Ahinoam of Jezreel (1 Sam 25:43) or Ahinoam the Jezreelitess (1 Sam 27:3)(1 Sam 30:5)(2 Sam 2:2)(2 Sam 3:2)(1 Chr 3:1), while Sauls wife Ahinoam is referred to as the daughter of Ahimazz (1 Sam 14:50). In fact, this would fulfill a prophecy Nathan gave when he rebuked David for his infidelity: someone in his household would rebel against him, someone who would shame David by sleeping with Davids wives in public (2 Samuel 12:11-12). After David moved his capital to Jerusalem, he married Bathsheba. Sue is a top-contributor to Salem Web Network radio ministry and Crosswalk.com. Consequently, Bathsheba and David had sex at one of the best possible moments for her to conceivewhich she did, with tragic results. Click here to read it. Similarly, sin and bad character can set the example for our children to learn from and imitate. (1 John 1:9-10), David and Bathsheba's story is a traumatic one, but also one that God redeems. Among other things, the fact David chose to have multiple wives proves he was a sinner. David had many wives and concubines. Sue is agented withKaren Neumair atCredo Communications. She finds out shes pregnant. (James 4:4-10), Reach out for help. The Bible doesn't mention the circumstances of David's marriage to Bathsheba, but it does mention that he had three wives before Bathsheba. If you have a Bible question for Pastor Doug Batchelor or the Amazing Facts Bible answer team, please submit it by clicking here. ***Note: Based upon (2 Sam 12:8), some believe that after Saul died, David married his wives. And later David lost yet another son, Adonijah. David's Wives in the Bible - Who Were They and Their Story Absalom was later killed by David's commander Joab, against David's wishes (2 Samuel 18). In his old age, David could no longer stay warm in bed, so his advisors found a young virgin named Abishag to sleep in the same bed with David and provide warmth. How many of David's sons became lustful, greedy, and ambitious like their father? David slept with Bathsheba and arranged for Uriahs death when he discovered Bathsheba was pregnant (2 Samuel 11:14-27). 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). God restored David to intimate spiritual fellowship. It stands as a clear warning to every leader, every spouse, and every believer who loves God and feels secure in their own perspectives. Amazing Facts is a 501(c)3 Non-Profit Organization, Download AF Radio App for iPhone or Android. Regardless of which one is correct, the fact remains David made a mistake having so many wives. 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). Uriah the Hittite - Wikipedia The true king of Israel, the messiah and the one who would sit on the eternal throne, would be an heir of King David (2 Samuel 7:12; Psalms 89:3-4; Psalms 132:11). While reading through Davids life, it is evident he did not always make good decisions. The source for everything happening at Amazing Facts. With malintent, Saul initially tried to give his first daughter, Merab, to David in marriage to put David in peril by the hand of the Philistines. Fast access to all of Amazing Facts English and foreign-language Bible-based websites. This story shows that God can redeem us even after we have wandered far off the path. To establish his authority as the new king, Absalom took ten of his fathers concubines and slept with them in public (2 Samuel 16:15-23). Strengthen your walk with Christ with these life-changing devotionals from your friends at Amazing Facts. The prophet Nathan rebuked David, and Bathshebas child died. Its the false assumption Scripture condones all behavior recorded in the historical narratives of the Bible, especially if Gods disapproval is not explicitly expressed in the immediate context of the behaviors in question. Although she seems passive at the beginning of her relationship with David, Bathsheba becameKing David's active support at the end of his life, as she secured David's throne for their son, Solomon, who was destined to become a wise, if flawed, ruler of Israel. (Proverbs 11:14), Lean into God for forgiveness, comfort, and direction. Amnon, whose mother was Ahinoam of Jezreel, one of David's first wives (1 Samuel 25:43).2. To consummate his insurrection, Absalom slept with his father's concubines in public for everyone to see (2 Samuel 16:20-23). In fact, it was probably one of his worst; and this sin had devastating consequences that rippled throughout David's family. Bathsheba Was King David's Most Famous Wife God removes Davids guilt and shame, but God does not remove the natural consequences that Davids sinful patterns produced. Although the lists of his mighty men (2 Samuel 23:8-39 & 1 Chronicles 11:10-47) are given after David has become king, many of them may have been the loyal followers who stayed with him when he was fleeing King Saul.At the very least, they fought side by side with him. Who Was Isaiah & Why Was He Important? 12. Many theologians believe that the Proverbs 31 woman, whom Solomon wrote about, was Davids great-grandmother Ruth (Ruth 4:21-22). When it came time to be paid, Nabal instead refused to pay David and his men. What Does the Bible Tell Us about the Prophet Daniel? A:We cannot not know for certain how many wives David had. Since David died when he was 70 years old, it means that he was 50 years old when Bathsheba (9-11 years old) gave birth to Solomon. But Uriah didn't go home; he stayed within the palace barracks. Free will is a tremendous gift given to us by God because it enables our actions to have meaning and purpose; however, we can abuse it to do unspeakable things in pursuit of our selfish ambitions. Solomon would repent and return his heart fully to God, going on to write many of the Proverbs, the Song of Solomon, and the book of Ecclesiastes.
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