Uriah the Hittite is a notable figure in the Old Testament, recognized as one of King David's mighty men. His account is intricately tied to a significant moral and spiritual crisis in David's life, as recorded in the books of 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles.

Background and Role

Uriah was a Hittite by descent, yet he was fully integrated into the Israelite community and served as a loyal soldier in King David's army. He is listed among the elite warriors known as David's "mighty men" (2 Samuel 23:39; 1 Chronicles 11:41), a testament to his valor and skill in battle. These men were renowned for their bravery and dedication, playing crucial roles in securing David's kingdom.

David's Adultery with Bathsheba

The most significant episode involving Uriah is the account of David's adultery with Bathsheba, Uriah's wife. This narrative is found in 2 Samuel 11. While Uriah was away fighting the Ammonites, David saw Bathsheba bathing and was captivated by her beauty. Despite knowing she was married to Uriah, David summoned her and committed adultery with her, resulting in her pregnancy.

David's Attempt to Conceal His Sin

In an effort to conceal his sin, David recalled Uriah from the battlefield, hoping he would spend time with Bathsheba and thus provide a cover for the pregnancy. However, Uriah, demonstrating his loyalty and integrity, refused to enjoy the comforts of home while his fellow soldiers were encamped in the open field. He slept at the entrance of the king's house with the servants, saying, "The ark and Israel and Judah are dwelling in tents, and my master Joab and my lord’s men are camped in the open field. How can I go to my house to eat and drink and lie with my wife? As surely as you live and as your soul lives, I will not do such a thing!" (2 Samuel 11:11).

The Conspiracy and Uriah's Death

Frustrated by Uriah's unwavering loyalty, David resorted to a more sinister plan. He sent Uriah back to the battlefield carrying a letter to Joab, the commander of the army. The letter instructed Joab to place Uriah at the forefront of the fiercest battle and then withdraw from him, ensuring his death. Joab followed the king's orders, and Uriah was killed in battle (2 Samuel 11:14-17).

Aftermath and Divine Judgment

Following Uriah's death, David took Bathsheba as his wife, and she bore him a son. However, the Lord was displeased with David's actions. The prophet Nathan confronted David, delivering a parable that revealed the gravity of his sin. Nathan declared, "You are the man!" and pronounced God's judgment upon David's house (2 Samuel 12:7). Although David repented, the consequences of his sin were severe, affecting his family and reign.

Legacy

Uriah's account is a poignant reminder of the destructive power of sin and the importance of integrity and loyalty. Despite being a foreigner, Uriah's faithfulness to God, his king, and his fellow soldiers stands in stark contrast to David's moral failure. His inclusion among David's mighty men underscores his valor and the respect he commanded among his peers.2 Samuel 11:2-5
And it came to pass in an evening, that David arose from off his bed, and walked on the roof of the king's house: and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman was very beautiful to look on.
Nave's Topical Index

1 Kings 15:5
Because David did that which was right in the eyes of the LORD, and turned not aside from any thing that he commanded him all the days of his life, save only in the matter of Uriah the Hittite.
Nave's Topical Index

The Wordless Book
... men, you will find at the end the name of Uriah the Hittite; he had been with David
when he ... we have the record of a worse sin committed by one who yet ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 57 1911/the wordless book.htm

The Reign of David.
... in his trespass with Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah. ... collection early became known
as the Psalms of David. ... to a great task does not guarantee one against falling ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter xi the reign of.htm

Tit. 2:06 Thoughts for Young Men
... If David had not given occasion to the devil ... would probably never have seen Bathsheba,
nor murdered Uriah. This, too, is one great reason why worldly amusements ...
/.../chapter xix tit 2 6 thoughts.htm

Discussion of the Subject of Permission
... who had adulterously polluted the wife of Uriah; as a ... to spare, would be injured,
but no one but the ... David, being freed from his enemies, and having conquered ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 3/discussion of the subject of.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... are described at length in the duel between David and Goliath (1 ... even when a truce
was made at one locality, the ... deliver us out of the hand of these mighty gods ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Prov. 22:06 the Duties of Parents
... Idleness had much to do with David's awful sin with the wife of Uriah."I see in
2 Sam ... In one word, He honoured his sons above God ... See, too, the case of David. ...
/.../the upper room being a few truths for the times/chapter xvi prov 22 6 the.htm

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
... "He is a mighty God, a ... from the Word of God; but, on the other side, David saith,
"Concerning ... to do things in a fear of God, when they act one towards another ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a treatise of the fear.htm

The Acceptable Sacrifice;
... sin, in defiling of Bathsheba, and slaying Uriah her husband ... 'Trouble and anguish,'
saith David, 'have taken ... Hence the pains of one that has a broken heart are ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the acceptable sacrifice.htm

A Traveler's Note-Book
... of Bethlehem; the story of Bathsheba and Uriah"lust, treachery ... It was by one of the
strange growths of the advancing popular thought that David, the valiant ...
/.../merriam/the chief end of man/iii a travelers note-book.htm

On the Interpretation of Scripture
... have been eagerly appealed to and made (in one sense) too ... in the Epistle to the fifth
monarchy men of those ... princes; the fact of the house of David, the Lord's ...
/.../on the interpretation of scripture.htm

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