2 Samuel 11:3

KJV

And David sent and enquired after the woman. And [one] said, [Is] not this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?

KJV (with Strong's)

And David {H1732} sent {H7971} and enquired {H1875} after the woman {H802}. And one said {H559}, Is not this Bathsheba {H1339}, the daughter {H1323} of Eliam {H463}, the wife {H802} of Uriah {H223} the Hittite {H2850}?

Complete Jewish Bible

David made inquiries about the woman and was told that she was Bat-Sheva the daughter of Eli'am, the wife of Uriyah the Hitti.

Berean Standard Bible

So David sent and inquired about the woman, and he was told, “This is Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah the Hittite.”

American Standard Version

And David sent and inquired after the woman. And one said, Is not this Bath-sheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This pivotal verse marks David's deliberate step from temptation to sin, as he actively seeks the identity of the woman he observed, Bathsheba. Despite receiving clear information that she is married to Uriah the Hittite, one of his loyal soldiers and "mighty men," David proceeds with his lustful intent. The inquiry and the precise identification underscore the conscious nature of David's transgression, revealing a profound moral failure at the peak of his reign.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** [2 Samuel 11:3](/2_samuel/11-3) immediately follows David's initial observation of Bathsheba bathing from his rooftop in [2 Samuel 11:2](/2_samuel/11-2). This scene is a stark contrast to the preceding narrative of David's military successes and the establishment of his kingdom, as detailed in [2 Samuel 8](/2_samuel/8) through [2 Samuel 10](/2_samuel/10). While his army is engaged in battle, David remains in Jerusalem, a decision that sets the stage for his moral lapse. The inquiry in [2 Samuel 11:3](/2_samuel/11-3) is not a casual question but an active pursuit, signaling David's transition from passive desire to intentional action. It directly precedes his command to bring her to him in [2 Samuel 11:4](/2_samuel/11-4), initiating a chain of events that will bring severe judgment upon his house.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** During David's reign, kings held immense power, and the temptation to abuse that power was ever-present. Polygamy was practiced, but adultery, especially with a married woman, was a grave offense punishable by death under Mosaic Law ([Leviticus 20:10](/leviticus/20-10)). Uriah the Hittite's presence as one of David's "mighty men" ([2 Samuel 23:39](/2_samuel/23-39)) highlights the integration of foreigners into David's loyal military service. Hittites were a prominent people in the ancient Near East, and Uriah's loyalty, despite his foreign origin, stands in stark contrast to David's betrayal. The setting in Jerusalem, the capital, underscores the public nature of David's position and the potential for scandal to ripple through the kingdom.

* **Key Themes:** This verse is central to the unfolding themes of sin and its consequences, abuse of power, and the nature of divine justice within the Davidic narrative. David's actions here represent a significant departure from his earlier characterization as "a man after God's own heart" ([1 Samuel 13:14](/1_samuel/13-14)). The narrative explores the destructive progression of sin, from lustful gaze to deliberate inquiry, then to adultery and murder. It also introduces the theme of covenant infidelity, as David, the covenant king, violates God's commands. The subsequent chapters, particularly [2 Samuel 12](/2_samuel/12), will detail the severe repercussions of David's actions, illustrating that even kings are accountable to God's law and that sin has far-reaching effects on individuals, families, and nations.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Enquired (Hebrew, _darash'_):** This verb signifies a deliberate act of seeking, investigating, or inquiring, often with a specific purpose or intention. It is not a casual glance or a fleeting thought but an active pursuit of information. In this context, David's "enquiring" about Bathsheba's identity reveals his conscious decision to move beyond mere observation and to initiate contact, thereby crossing a critical moral boundary. It implies a focused, determined effort to satisfy his desire.
* **Bathsheba (Hebrew, _Bat-Sheva'_):** Meaning "daughter of an oath" or "daughter of seven," her name is significant in light of the covenant themes running through the book of [2 Samuel](/2_samuel "The Second Book of Samuel"). Her identification as "the daughter of Eliam" is crucial, as Eliam is listed as one of David's "mighty men" in [2 Samuel 23:34](/2_samuel/23-34), and is widely understood to be the son of Ahithophel, David's trusted counselor ([2 Samuel 15:12](/2_samuel/15-12)). This familial connection adds a layer of betrayal and political complexity to David's sin, as he is not merely violating a general law but betraying the trust of a loyal servant and potentially a key advisor.
* **Uriah the Hittite (Hebrew, _Uriyah ha-Chitti'_):** Uriah's name, meaning "Yahweh is my light" or "Yahweh is my flame," is ironically poignant given David's actions. His ethnic designation as a "Hittite" emphasizes his foreign origin, yet he is unequivocally identified as "the wife of Uriah the Hittite," a man renowned for his unwavering loyalty and dedication to David, even being listed among David's elite "mighty men" in [2 Samuel 23:39](/2_samuel/23-39). This clear identification of Bathsheba as a married woman, and specifically to such a faithful soldier, removes any possibility of ignorance on David's part and magnifies the deliberate nature of his sin.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And David sent and enquired after the woman."**: This clause highlights David's initiative and active role in pursuing his lust. His sending of messengers demonstrates a calculated and deliberate action, moving beyond mere observation to a direct investigation of the woman's identity. This is not an accidental encounter but a king's command, leveraging his authority to satisfy a personal desire.
* **"And [one] said, [Is] not this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam,"**: The response to David's inquiry is immediate and precise. The rhetorical question "Is not this...?" implies that Bathsheba's identity was well-known, suggesting that David either knew or should have known who she was, or that the information was readily available. Her lineage, linking her to Eliam (likely the son of Ahithophel, one of David's trusted counselors), adds a significant dimension of personal and political betrayal to David's impending sin.
* **"the wife of Uriah the Hittite?"**: This final piece of information is the most damning. It explicitly states that Bathsheba is a married woman, and her husband is Uriah, a loyal and esteemed soldier in David's army, one of his "mighty men." This detail leaves no room for ambiguity regarding Bathsheba's marital status. David is fully informed that the woman he desires is another man's wife, and not just any man, but a faithful subject who is currently risking his life in battle for David's kingdom.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative in [2 Samuel 11:3](/2_samuel/11-3) masterfully employs several literary devices to heighten the drama and underscore David's culpability. **Irony** is prominent, as David, the righteous king and "man after God's own heart," is shown actively pursuing adultery, while Uriah, a foreigner, embodies unwavering loyalty and integrity. The rhetorical question, "**Is not this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?**" serves as a form of **dramatic irony**, as the audience is fully aware of the implications of this knowledge, while David, despite receiving the crucial information, proceeds with his sin. This question also functions as a subtle **foreshadowing**, hinting at the severe consequences that will inevitably follow David's disregard for the law and his abuse of power. The swift, precise identification of Bathsheba, contrasting with David's initial ignorance (or feigned ignorance), also creates a sense of **contrast** between David's moral blindness and the clear moral boundaries that are being transgressed.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[2 Samuel 11:3](/2_samuel/11-3) serves as a critical juncture, illustrating the progression of sin from a lustful gaze to a deliberate act of inquiry, setting the stage for adultery and murder. The theological implications are profound, highlighting the universal human susceptibility to temptation, even for those in positions of great spiritual authority. David's actions demonstrate a severe abuse of his royal power, using his authority not for justice or protection, but for personal gratification at the expense of another's marriage and life. This narrative powerfully underscores the principle that sin, once conceived, actively seeks fulfillment, and that knowledge of wrongdoing does not always deter the determined sinner. It sets the stage for the themes of divine judgment and the painful consequences of sin, which will plague David's house for generations, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to justice, even for His chosen ones.

* [James 1:14-15](/james/1-14 "James 1:14-15 - The Progression of Sin")
* [Proverbs 6:32](/proverbs/6-32 "Proverbs 6:32 - The Folly of Adultery")
* [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse serves as a stark warning about the insidious progression of sin. David's initial glance at Bathsheba was a temptation, but his subsequent action of "sending and enquiring" transformed it into a deliberate pursuit of sin. This reminds us that temptation itself is not sin, but yielding to it, actively seeking to fulfill a sinful desire, is where the line is crossed. For us, this means recognizing the early stages of temptation and erecting boundaries before our desires lead us to actions we will regret. It calls us to examine our hearts for any areas where we might be actively "enquiring" after something God has forbidden, rather than turning away. Furthermore, David's abuse of power, leveraging his authority to obtain what was not rightfully his, challenges us to consider how we use whatever influence or position we possess. Do we use it to serve others and honor God, or to gratify selfish desires? The narrative compels us to cultivate self-control, integrity, and a deep reverence for God's commands, understanding that true freedom and blessing comes from obedience, not from indulging every impulse.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where in my life might I be "enquiring" after something that I know is outside of God's will?**
* **How does David's abuse of power challenge me to examine my own use of influence or authority in my relationships, work, or community?**
* **What practical steps can I take to build stronger boundaries against temptation when it first arises, before it progresses to active pursuit?**
* **How does the knowledge of the consequences of David's sin inform my understanding of God's justice and His desire for my holiness?**

### FAQ
**Why is Uriah being a Hittite significant?**

Answer: Uriah's identity as a Hittite is significant for several reasons. First, it highlights his foreign origin, yet he is listed among David's most loyal and elite soldiers, his "mighty men" ([2 Samuel 23:39](/2_samuel/23-39)). This underscores his exceptional dedication and faithfulness to David and Israel, despite not being an Israelite. Second, it creates a powerful moral contrast: the foreign soldier demonstrates greater loyalty, integrity, and adherence to military duty than David, the king of Israel, who betrays him. This irony deepens David's culpability and foreshadows the tragic consequences of his actions, as he will later orchestrate Uriah's death to cover his sin ([2 Samuel 11:14-17](/2_samuel/11-14 "2 Samuel 11:14-17 - David's Plot Against Uriah")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The tragic narrative of David and Bathsheba, initiated by David's deliberate inquiry in [2 Samuel 11:3](/2_samuel/11-3), powerfully underscores the need for a greater King who would not succumb to temptation or abuse His power. David, though a man after God's own heart, failed profoundly, demonstrating the inherent brokenness of even the best human kings. In contrast, Jesus Christ stands as the perfectly righteous King, the true Son of David, who faced every temptation yet remained without sin ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our High Priest, Tempted But Sinless")). Where David used his authority for selfish gratification, Jesus exercised His divine power for redemptive purposes, ultimately laying down His life for the sake of His bride, the Church ([Ephesians 5:25](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25 - Christ's Love for the Church")). The consequences of David's sin brought judgment and sorrow upon his house; however, Christ, through His perfect obedience and atoning sacrifice, bore the judgment for our sins, offering forgiveness and new life ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Thus, the failure of David in [2 Samuel 11:3](/2_samuel/11-3) points forward to the perfect faithfulness and redemptive work of Jesus, who alone fulfills the ideal of a covenant-keeping King, establishing an everlasting kingdom founded on righteousness and grace ([Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - The Child Born for Us")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Samuel 23:39

Uriah the Hittite: thirty and seven in all.

1 Chronicles 3:5

And these were born unto him in Jerusalem; Shimea, and Shobab, and Nathan, and Solomon, four, of Bathshua the daughter of Ammiel:

Jeremiah 5:8

They were [as] fed horses in the morning: every one neighed after his neighbour's wife.

James 1:14

But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.

James 1:15

Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

Hosea 7:6

For they have made ready their heart like an oven, whiles they lie in wait: their baker sleepeth all the night; in the morning it burneth as a flaming fire.

Hosea 7:7

They are all hot as an oven, and have devoured their judges; all their kings are fallen: [there is] none among them that calleth unto me.