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Portrait of BathshebaPortrait · Bathsheba

Kings & Prophets · Old Testament

Bathsheba

Queen Mother Who Secured Solomon's Future

Name meaning
Daughter of the oath or seventh daughter
Name origin
Hebrew: בַּת־שֶׁבַע (Bat-Sheva), meaning "daughter of the oath"

Quick facts

Occupation
  • Queen
  • Queen mother
Birthplace
Jerusalem (traditionally)
Modern-day location
Jerusalem; this birthplace is traditional rather than stated in Scripture.
Family
  • Daughter of Eliam
  • Wife of Uriah the Hittite, then of David
  • Mother of Solomon, Nathan and others
First mention
2 Samuel 11:2-3
Last mention
1 Kings 2:13-19; also 1 Chronicles 3:5
Key artifacts
  • Palace rooftop
  • Letter of Uriah
  • Throne advocacy for Solomon

Key verses

  • “But the thing David had done displeased the LORD.”

    2 Samuel 11:27

  • “And David comforted Bathsheba his wife, and went in unto her, and lay with her: and she bare a son, and he called his name Solomon.”

    2 Samuel 12:24

  • “My lord, thou swarest by the LORD thy God unto thine handmaid, saying, Assuredly Solomon thy son shall reign after me.”

    1 Kings 1:17

Biography

Early Life

Bathsheba lived in Jerusalem and was married to Uriah, one of David's warriors.

Defining Biblical Moments

David abused his power to take Bathsheba and arrange Uriah's death. After Nathan's rebuke and the loss of their first child, Bathsheba bore Solomon. Later, with Nathan's help, she secured Solomon's succession as David's heir.

Strengths

Bathsheba shows resilience after trauma and, in the succession narrative, political wisdom and advocacy for her son within the palace.

Weaknesses & Lessons

The narrative centers on the abuse of power against her; later tradition sometimes misplaces blame, but the text emphasizes David's guilt and its consequences.

Life Lessons for Today

God's redemptive purposes can work even after grave wrongs; wise advocacy and truth-telling remain important in places of power.

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Bathsheba appears in Women of the Bible: Profiles in Courage & Faith, alongside more profiles like this one.

Page #31 in Women of the Bible: Profiles in Courage & Faith

Women of the Bible: Profiles in Courage & Faith front cover

Women whose courage shaped Scripture

Vivid profiles of the women of the Bible whose faith, wisdom, and quiet courage carried them through extraordinary moments.

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