Submitted by Visitor (not verified) on Fri, 15/07/2011 – 08:43
Year A (2010-2011)
Bible Book: 2 Samuel
Chapter: 11
Verse: 1 – 27
Text: 2 Sam 11:1 – 27
At a spiritual retreat a few weeks ago we were looking at the life of David. In the process we also looked at the life of Bathsheba. It struck me for the first time what bad press she gets. I have heard her labelled as the temptress of David. However, the scriptures have nothing bad to say about Bathsheba or her actions, not one word.
In fact the more I read her story the more I see how David abused his position of power over her. I have heard preachers condemn her for bathing on the roof, surely her intent must have been to snare or tempt someone? However, houses in those days, even the houses of commanders in the army, had a distinct lack of en-suite bathing facilities – or any bathing facilities come to think of it. The roof was the domain of the women and where they bathed. The scriptures don’t even say that she was naked, most likely she wasn’t.
When David summoned Bathsheba to his palace, the option of saying “no” wasn’t part of the deal. “Sorry David, I have to stay home and wash my hair.”… An excuse wouldn’t have worked. The King had absolute authority.
His having sex with her was more likely an act of rape than seduction. Nowhere does it say Bathsheba was a willing participant. More likely she was the powerless one without a choice. Who could say “no” to a king?
When Uriah died the scriptures say she lamented him, a lament is a passionate expression of grief or sorrow – this was not just an outward show of socially acceptable mourning.
Bathsheba had all her choices stripped from her, like many men and women today. Those with power take advantage and oppress those without.
I see two parallels to HIV here. Sometimes one of the consequences of oppression and lack of choice is HIV infection, the other is the blame and shame that Bathsheba has born, often from us Church people….
God was the one who saw it correctly and chastised David.
And, as you look at the life and line of David, and the consequences of his behavior, we see that God is not in the business of ignoring the complaint of the oppressed.
To think about: Which individuals or groups still receive “bad press” in our communities?
Author: (Unknown)
Language: English