Topical Encyclopedia Introduction: Uriah, often referred to as Uriah the Hittite, is a significant figure in the Old Testament, particularly in the narrative surrounding King David. His account is primarily found in the books of 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles. Uriah is remembered for his loyalty, integrity, and the tragic circumstances of his death, which played a pivotal role in the moral and spiritual lessons derived from the life of King David. 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 one of King David's mighty warriors, a testament to his valor and skill in battle. His name, meaning "Yahweh is my light," suggests that he was a worshiper of the God of Israel, further indicating his assimilation into the Israelite community. Marriage to Bathsheba: Uriah was married to Bathsheba, a woman of notable beauty. The Bible introduces Bathsheba in the context of King David's sin, which begins with David's adulterous affair with her while Uriah was away at war. This event is a critical turning point in David's reign and is recorded in 2 Samuel 11. David's Sin and Uriah's Death: While Uriah was engaged in battle against the Ammonites, King David remained in Jerusalem. During this time, David saw Bathsheba bathing and, overcome by desire, summoned her to the palace, resulting in her pregnancy. In an attempt to conceal his sin, David called Uriah back from the battlefield, hoping he would spend time with Bathsheba and thus attribute the pregnancy to him. However, Uriah's loyalty to his fellow soldiers and his sense of duty prevented him from enjoying the comforts of home while the Ark and Israel's army were in tents. As recorded in 2 Samuel 11:11 , Uriah said to David, "The ark and Israel and Judah are dwelling in tents, and my master Joab and the servants of my lord are camped in the open field. How could 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!" Frustrated by Uriah's integrity, David resorted to a more sinister plan. 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 succeeded, and Uriah was killed in battle, as detailed in 2 Samuel 11:15-17. Aftermath and Legacy: Following Uriah's death, David took Bathsheba as his wife, and she bore him a son. However, the prophet Nathan confronted David about his sin, leading to David's repentance and the pronouncement of divine judgment upon his household (2 Samuel 12). Uriah's death and the events surrounding it serve as a profound moral lesson on the consequences of sin, the abuse of power, and the importance of repentance. Uriah's account is a testament to his unwavering loyalty and righteousness, contrasting sharply with David's moral failure. His inclusion in the biblical narrative underscores the themes of justice, integrity, and the far-reaching impact of sin. Uriah's legacy is preserved in the annals of biblical history as a man of honor, whose life and death continue to offer valuable lessons for believers. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia URIAH; URUAHu-ri'-a, u-ri'-ja ('uriyah, in Jeremiah 26:20 'uriyahu, "flame of Yahweh" or "my light is Yahweh"; the Septuagint and the New Testament Our(e)ias, with variants; the King James Version has Urijah in 2 Kings 16:10-16 Nehemiah 3:4, 21; Nehemiah 8:4 Jeremiah 26:20): Thesaurus Uruah... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia URIAH; URUAH. u-ri'-a, u-ri'-ja ('uriyah, in Jeremiah 26:20 'uriyahu, "flame of Yahweh" or "my light ... /u/uruah.htm - 10k Us (15692 Occurrences) Urn (1 Occurrence) Uriah (33 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |