David and Bathsheba Introduction
This timeline shows viewers how the story of David and Bathsheba has been interpreted throughout history. In short, the biblical story says that King David sees Bathsheba bathing, and he lusts after her. From there he requests she comes to his house where they sleep together and she becomes pregnant. She was married to Uriah so the situation was difficult. The King then sends Uriah to get killed in war and David takes Bathsheba as his wife. Bathsheba bears a son.
This story is significant because it touches on sensitive topics such as abuse and power. The relationship between David and Bathsheba is a story of a power struggle. David sees Bathsheba and he lusts after her and simply takes her. She has no say in the matter. She is taken. Not only taken, but taken away from her husband. This story is significant because it is a story of abuse of power and immoral actions from someone in power. In another fashion, it is significant in Christian tradition because Jesus is a descendant of David. Also, in a more traditional sense, it is a story that shows the typically triumphant King David in a bad light, and shows how he has to deal with God through his immoral action. This story revolves around abuse, power, sexual immorality, repentance, and the condition of the King's heart.
Over the years, interpretations of this story have changed. Initially, people interpreted it, strictly viewing David's actions, and his relationship with God. Throughout history, however, theologians have paid more attention to Bathsheba. At the beginning, however, not in such a good way. Bathsheba was being blamed for the King's fall. It was her fault for being too promiscuous according to some early interpretations. The most controversial piece we have in our timeline, talks about if the events between David and Bathsheba could be considered rape. In today's more feminist world, people sympathize with Bathsheba and she becomes the focal point of interpretation. Women today can sympathize with Bathsheba, because it is recognized that even in ancient Israel women were being raped and abused, notably, by men in power.
