Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah the Hittite, is a significant figure in the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of her pregnancy, which is a pivotal event in the life of King David. This episode is primarily recorded in 2 Samuel 11 and 12.

Background and Context

Bathsheba was the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah, a Hittite warrior in King David's army. Her account begins when King David, during a time when kings typically went to war, remained in Jerusalem. One evening, from the roof of his palace, David saw Bathsheba bathing. Captivated by her beauty, he sent messengers to bring her to him, and he lay with her, resulting in her becoming pregnant (2 Samuel 11:2-5).

David's Sin and Attempted Cover-Up

Upon learning of Bathsheba's pregnancy, David sought to conceal his sin. He summoned Uriah from the battlefield, hoping that Uriah would go home and sleep with his wife, thus providing a cover for the pregnancy. However, Uriah, demonstrating loyalty to his fellow soldiers, refused to enjoy the comforts of home while the Ark and Israel's army were encamped in the open field (2 Samuel 11:6-11).

David then resorted to a more drastic measure. He instructed Joab, the commander of his army, to place Uriah at the front lines of the fiercest battle and then withdraw, ensuring Uriah's death. Joab complied, and Uriah was killed in battle (2 Samuel 11:14-17).

The Consequences of David's Actions

After Uriah's death, Bathsheba mourned for her husband. Once her mourning period was over, David brought her to his house, and she became his wife and bore him a son. However, "the thing David had done displeased the LORD" (2 Samuel 11:27).

The prophet Nathan was sent by God to confront David. Nathan told David a parable about a rich man who took a poor man's only lamb, stirring David's anger. Nathan then revealed that David was the man in the parable, having taken Uriah's wife and orchestrated his death. Nathan declared God's judgment: the sword would never depart from David's house, and calamity would arise from within his own family. Furthermore, the child born to David and Bathsheba would die (2 Samuel 12:1-14).

The Death of the Child

Despite David's fasting and pleading with God, the child became ill and died on the seventh day. David's servants were afraid to inform him, fearing his reaction. However, upon realizing the child's death, David accepted the outcome, worshiped the Lord, and comforted Bathsheba (2 Samuel 12:15-23).

The Birth of Solomon

Afterward, David and Bathsheba were blessed with another son, Solomon, whom the Lord loved. Nathan the prophet conveyed God's favor by giving Solomon the name Jedidiah, meaning "beloved of the Lord" (2 Samuel 12:24-25).

Bathsheba's pregnancy and the events surrounding it are a profound narrative of sin, repentance, and divine justice. It underscores the themes of human frailty, the consequences of sin, and the possibility of redemption through God's grace.