Bathsheba, part 2

Adapted from the study ‘She, volume 1, pp 17-18

Read: 2 Samuel 12; Ps.51

She lost her firstborn son

“…she bare a son, and he called his name Solomon…”

Oh, how I love the hope from this passage of our journey:

• Repentance makes a difference. (1 Jn 1:9)
  • “Our mistakes do not have to ruin our entire life.”
    • We can instead use the lessons we learn to encourage others to refrain from the same faults.

Bathsheba’s story, through David’s prayer of repentance in Psalm 51, confessing his sin concerning Bathsheba and Uriah, serves as a beautiful picture that God offers us true forgiveness when we repent of our sins.  “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 

1 John 1:9

• According to God’s mercy and loving kindness, He “blots out” our transgressions. The words of Isaiah confirm this in Isaiah 43:25
  • I, I am the one who blots out your rebellious deeds for my sake; your sins I do not remember.
• Bathsheba is included in Matthew’s account of the genealogy. Note: She is referenced not by her name but as being the wife of Uriah. (Matthew 1:6)
• It is said by some commentators that Bathsheba is the mother of King Lemuel, and therefore, perhaps the virtuous woman of Proverbs 31. I find joy in contemplating the very idea of this, but nowhere is this confirmed in the Scriptures. See: https://www.gotquestions.org/King-Lemuel.html

In the account of David and Bathsheba, we find many lessons. 

1. Secret sin will be found out.
2. God will forgive anyone who repents. 
3. The consequences of our sin remain even when the sin is forgiven. 
4. God can work even in difficult situations.
   1. In fact, David and Bathsheba’s next son, Solomon, became the heir to the throne. Even in bad situations, God has a plan that serves His sovereign purpose.  

“Bathsheba’s story reminds me that God has a plan, and that He can and does work even through difficult situations with imperfect people to bring about something good. Queen Bathsheba, despite the unsavory events surrounding her coming to the palace, became the mother of the wisest and most successful king ever to grace the throne.” (https://www.gotquestions.org/Bathsheba-in-the-Bible.html)   

Reflection and Application:

• How important is repentance in your life? Are you quick to confess your sins, or do you let them pile up until the end of the day, week, or month…? What is/are the benefit(s) of confessing our sins to God?
• What stood out to you in today’s journey?

I invite you to leave a reply below or at today’s Journey Through The Word post @ https://www.facebook.com/share/g/17nAoUC7AY/