bathsheba, the woman

Have you ever wondered what is the story behind the story? Scripture is so full of the stories of lives of men and women, so diverse, so complex. But, for obvious reasons, so many of the stories are brief, with only the main story line. I can forget that these were living, breathing people with feelings, thoughts, and emotions. Sometimes, allowing ourselves to go deeper into the story may bring out the humanity of the person we are reading about. It may help us identify with him or her. What we consider may or may not be true to their lives but it does allow us to imagine what the circumstances may have been.

I was reading a book by Jan Richardson and she asked this question: “Since the text talks so little about Bathsheba’s thoughts and feeling s what might they have been?” Here are some of the questions I asked about Bathsheba.

How long had Uriah been fighting in the army? How long had he been away from home?

What was their marriage like? Did she love him? Did they have a good marriage?

How did she feel when she was summoned by the king? Was she scared? Did she enjoy her time with David or did she resist…cry…regret? Was it love or was it rape?

Did she panic when she missed her period? Did she envision telling Uriah what had happened? How did she feel telling David?

Did she know about David’s plans? Did they discuss it together? Was she anxiously awaiting Uriah visit home? Did she plan on telling him the truth or was she going to be part of the lie? How did she feel when he refused to come to their home?

Did she confide in anyone? Did David discuss his plans with her to put Uriah in harm’s way? Did she agree to the plan or plead with him not to have Uriah killed?

How did she feel when news came of his death? Grief stricken? Guilt? Anger? Relief?

What was it like to move into the palace? Was she anticipating it? Dreading it?
Did she love David or tolerate him? Did she blame him for their baby’s death or take the blame as her own?

How did her family feel? How did David's family feel? How did Uriah’s family feel? Did anyone else know the truth?

What was their relationship like? Did they truly love each other or realize later that it was only lust that brought them together?

Just asking these questions made me feel compassion for Bathsheba. What kind of friend would I have been to her? Who in my life reminds me of her? How am I interacting with or loving them?

Just something to consider as you spend time in Scripture. Real people, real problems.

Grace and peace,
Deb
Artwork by Ruth Powers
http://www.innovationsquilts.com