Bathsheba

“And Jesse the father of King David. David was the father of Solomon, whose mother had been Uriah’s wife” (Matthew 1:6).

Here we have the fourth detail presented in Matthew’s genealogy regarding great grandmothers of the Messiah. The first three references specifically mention the proper names (Tamar, Rahab, and Ruth) but here we only have the identifying description, “Solomon, whose mother had been Uriah’s wife.”

Her name was Bathsheba and the story can be found in 2 Samuel 11 & 12. This woman, whom the record describes as “very beautiful” took a public bath in view of the wandering eyes of King David. The rest is classic sin and the attempt to cover-up. But David is confronted by the courageous prophet Nathan which resulted in his confession of sin and restoration.

Now prior to this David had shown much evidence of his spiritual walk and maturity in the Lord. While still a young boy he had by faith conquered Goliath and patiently waited until it was his time to ascend to the throne. Under his leadership the kingdom was doing very well. Many of the Psalms had been written by this time and he had been referred to as “a man after God’s own heart.” Yet the Bible records David’s fall into sin and Matthew reminds us that this is indeed part of the story. Not only did he collapse morally but he also engaged in criminal behavior.

What lesson is there for us today? There are many lessons regarding the nature of temptation and the progression of sin. We wrote about this in our series about David and Bathsheba last week. But I want to highlight this one today: God is still in the forgiveness and restoration business. David’s sin was not excused, but he was forgiven.

God’s nature is to forgive. Are you burdened down under a load of sin today? Have you sinned even as a believer? Of course you have. We all have. Is your sin a “big one” like David’s? I don’t read any restrictions in God’s offer to the earnestly repentant. His Word is very unambiguous: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). Why don’t you accept this gracious offer of forgiveness today?

Be encouraged today,

Stephen & Brooksyne Weber