Alternative Views of Bathsheba in the David and Bathsheba Story

Review of the previous post

The previous post, post number 20 of 23, discussed the thought that both David and Bathsheba were victims.

Preview of this post

This post, post number 21 of 23, discusses how both David and Bathsheba paid a price for the transgression.

VII. Both participants pay a price

Under any view of the episode, the fact remains that David and Bathsheba committed adultery. David did so because he was king and believed that his position allowed him to do such acts (“might makes right”). Bathsheba did so to either save herself or advance her position – in either case, she committed adultery when there were other, honorable, options available.

As such, both parties transgressed and had to repent. David’s repentance is fully discussed in the essay “Forgiveness,” and Bathsheba’s repentance included punishment of losing the child she and David made together.

Preview of the next post

The next post, post number 22 of 23, discusses how Bathsheba’s proactive participation in this event as well as later events changed the course of history.