Uriah the Hittite is a notable figure in the Old Testament, recognized as one of King David's mighty men. His account is primarily found in the books of 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles. Uriah's life and character are often examined for their themes of loyalty, integrity, and the tragic consequences of sin.

Background and Identity

Uriah was a Hittite, a member of a group of people who lived in the region of Canaan. Despite his foreign origin, Uriah was fully integrated into Israelite society and served as a distinguished warrior in King David's army. His inclusion among David's mighty men, a group of elite warriors, underscores his valor and skill in battle. The list of David's mighty men in 2 Samuel 23:39 mentions Uriah, highlighting his esteemed position: "and Uriah the Hittite. There were thirty-seven in all."

Marriage to Bathsheba

Uriah was married to Bathsheba, a woman of notable beauty. The narrative of Uriah and Bathsheba is central to understanding the moral and spiritual challenges faced by King David. While Uriah was away fighting the Ammonites, David saw Bathsheba bathing and was overcome with desire for her. This led to an adulterous affair, resulting in Bathsheba's pregnancy (2 Samuel 11:2-5).

Loyalty and Integrity

Uriah's loyalty to his king and fellow soldiers is evident when David summoned him back to Jerusalem under the pretense of inquiring about the war. David attempted to cover up his sin by encouraging Uriah to go home to his wife, hoping that the child would be presumed to be Uriah's. However, Uriah's sense of duty and solidarity with his fellow soldiers prevented him from enjoying the comforts of home while the Ark and Israel's army were encamped in the open field. Uriah stated, "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).

Tragic Death

David's attempts to conceal his sin ultimately led to a grievous decision. He instructed Joab, the commander of the army, to place Uriah at the forefront of the fiercest battle and then withdraw, leaving him exposed to the enemy. This plan resulted in Uriah's death (2 Samuel 11:14-17). Uriah's demise was a direct consequence of David's sin, and it brought severe repercussions upon David's household and reign.

Legacy

Uriah's account is a poignant reminder of the destructive power of sin and the importance of integrity. His loyalty and righteousness stand in stark contrast to David's actions during this period. Despite his tragic end, Uriah's legacy is preserved in the biblical narrative as a man of honor and courage. His life serves as a testament to the virtues of faithfulness and the high cost of moral failure.2 Samuel 23:39
Uriah the Hittite: thirty and seven in all.
Nave's Topical Index

1 Chronicles 11:41
Uriah the Hittite, Zabad the son of Ahlai,
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 Sins of the Men of Old Time, which Incurred the Displeasure of ...
... him to take Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah, the Scripture ... with the Lord, as was the
heart of David his father ... drunkard, or an extortioner, with such an one go not ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxviithe sins of the.htm

David's Cry for Pardon
... transgressions'"'that thing that I did about Uriah, that thing ... us to as trustful
a penitence as David had, to ... And so one of the old prophets, with profound ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/davids cry for pardon.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

The Second Book
... the divine voice: "Thou hast killed Uriah the Hittite ... add to this the spectacle of
David's actual flight ... former state, exiled from himself, almost, one might say ...
//christianbookshelf.org/salvian/on the government of god/the second book.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

Matt. xii. 33
... this, let us again in the instance of David himself try the ... At least, when he had
wronged Uriah, his position was ... And the one being a king, and alive, could do ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xlii matt xii 33.htm

The First Kings.
... unscrupulous general; and when David heard that Uriah was dead ... His monument is one
of the highest in the ... The Scriptures describe David as "a man after God's own ...
/.../headley/half hours in bible lands volume 2/the first kings.htm

The Historical Books.
... also his grievous sin in the matter of Uriah, with the ... books of Samuel were composed
shortly after David's death, the author may well have been one of the ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xx the historical books.htm

Christ's Priestly Office
... No sooner did the messengers say, Uriah is dead,' but ... Of what a bloody colour was
David's sin; yet it did ... There is but one will between Christ and his Father. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/4 christs priestly office.htm

Who was Uriah the Hittite? | GotQuestions.org

What is the story of David and Bathsheba? | GotQuestions.org

Who was David in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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