from בַּת and שֶׁבַע (in the sense of שָׁבַע); daughter of an oath; Bath-Sheba, the mother of Solomon; Bath-sheba.
Transliteration:Bath-Shebaʻ
Pronunciation:bath-sheh'-bah
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew proper noun בַּת־שֶׁבַע (Bath-Shebaʻ, `{{H1339}}`) is a compound name derived from two elements: בַּת (`{{H1323}}`), meaning "daughter of," and שֶׁבַע (`{{H7651}}`), which can mean "seven" or "oath." The most widely accepted interpretation of Bath-Sheba is "daughter of an oath," implying one born of an oath, or perhaps one bound by an oath. This etymology connects to the verbal root שָׁבַע (`{{H7650}}`), "to swear" or "to take an oath." While "daughter of seven" is a literal possibility, perhaps denoting the seventh daughter or one born on the seventh day, the theological and narrative context strongly favors the "oath" interpretation, suggesting a person whose identity or destiny is tied to a solemn promise or covenant. As a proper noun, it exclusively refers to a specific individual in biblical history.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Bath-Sheba is a prominent figure in the Old Testament, primarily known through her association with King David. Her story is first introduced in [[2 Samuel 11:3]], where she is identified as "the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite." This initial context is crucial, as it sets the stage for David's egregious sin.
1. **[[2 Samuel 11]]**: This chapter details David's adultery with Bath-Sheba, her subsequent pregnancy, and David's elaborate, murderous scheme to cover his sin, culminating in Uriah's death. Bath-Sheba is portrayed initially as a victim of David's power, although her exact level of agency or complicity in the initial encounter is debated by scholars.
2. **[[2 Samuel 12]]**: Following Nathan's prophetic confrontation with David, Bath-Sheba gives birth to a son who dies as a consequence of David's sin. This severe judgment underscores the gravity of their actions. However, the narrative then shifts to a redemptive note with the birth of their second son, Solomon, whom the Lord loves ([[2 Samuel 12:24-25]]). This marks a turning point for Bath-Sheba, as she becomes the mother of the future king.
3. **[[1 Kings 1]]**: Bath-Sheba plays a crucial role in securing Solomon's succession to the throne. When Adonijah attempts to usurp the kingship, Bath-Sheba, with the counsel of Nathan the prophet, confronts the aging King David, reminding him of his oath to make Solomon his successor. Her decisive action and influence are instrumental in Solomon's anointing as king.
4. **[[1 Kings 2]]**: After Solomon ascends to the throne, Bath-Sheba approaches him on behalf of Adonijah, requesting Abishag the Shunammite as a wife. Solomon interprets this as a veiled attempt to challenge his kingship and executes Adonijah. This episode highlights Bath-Sheba's continued influence as Queen Mother, though it also demonstrates the ruthless politics of the royal court.
5. **[[1 Chronicles 3:5]]**: In the genealogies of David's sons, Bath-Sheba is explicitly named as the mother of Solomon, Shimea, Shobab, and Nathan. Notably, some textual traditions in Chronicles refer to her as "Bath-shua, daughter of Ammiel," which is considered a variant name for Bath-Sheba.
Throughout these narratives, Bath-Sheba evolves from a figure caught in a tragic scandal to an influential Queen Mother, demonstrating resilience and significant political acumen.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of Bath-Sheba naturally involves several interconnected terms and themes:
* **`{{H1323}}` (בַּת, *bath*)**: The Hebrew word for "daughter," forming the first part of her name, emphasizing her identity as a female descendant.
* **`{{H7651}}` (שֶׁבַע, *sheba*)**: This word, meaning "seven" or "oath," is the second component of her name and provides its dual interpretive possibilities.
* **`{{H7650}}` (שָׁבַע, *shaba*)**: The verbal root "to swear, take an oath," which underpins the "oath" meaning of her name. This connection suggests a destiny tied to divine or human promises.
* **David**: King David is inextricably linked to Bath-Sheba, as her husband and the father of her children, shaping the most significant events of her life.
* **Uriah the Hittite**: Bath-Sheba's first husband, whose tragic death is a direct consequence of David's sin, highlighting themes of justice and injustice.
* **Solomon**: Her son, who inherits the throne of Israel, making her the Queen Mother and a critical link in the Davidic lineage.
* **Nathan the Prophet**: Instrumental in rebuking David and advocating for Solomon's succession, often interacting with Bath-Sheba.
* **Themes**: The narrative surrounding Bath-Sheba encompasses profound biblical themes such as sin, repentance, divine judgment, divine grace, succession, covenant, and the complex roles of women in ancient Israelite society.
### Theological Significance
The story of Bath-Sheba carries immense theological weight, illustrating several core biblical truths:
1. **Divine Sovereignty Amidst Human Sin**: The most striking theological implication is God's ability to work His sovereign purposes even through the darkest human failures. David's sin with Bath-Sheba was grievous, yet God's covenant promise to David concerning an enduring dynasty ([[2 Samuel 7:12-16]]) was not revoked. Instead, it was through Bath-Sheba that Solomon, the builder of the Temple and a key figure in the Messianic line, was born. This demonstrates God's faithfulness to His promises despite human unfaithfulness.
2. **Consequences of Sin**: While God's plan progressed, David and Bath-Sheba experienced severe consequences for their sin, particularly the death of their first child ([[2 Samuel 12:18]]). This underscores the biblical principle that sin has real, painful repercussions, even for the forgiven.
3. **Repentance and Forgiveness**: David's profound repentance ([[Psalm 51]]) and God's subsequent forgiveness allowed for the continuation of the Davidic line through Bath-Sheba. Her restoration to a position of honor as Queen Mother also subtly points to God's capacity for redemption and healing in human lives.
4. **Messianic Lineage**: Bath-Sheba's most significant theological contribution is her place in the genealogy of Jesus Christ. She is explicitly mentioned in [[Matthew 1:6]] as "the wife of Uriah," a unique and intentional designation that highlights God's inclusive grace and the reality of human brokenness within salvation history. Her inclusion among the four women mentioned in Matthew's genealogy (Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and "the wife of Uriah") signals a divine purpose that transcends human moral perfection, emphasizing grace and the unexpected paths of God's redemptive plan.
5. **Agency and Influence of Women**: Bath-Sheba's journey from an object of David's lust to a powerful Queen Mother demonstrates the complex and sometimes surprising agency of women in the biblical narrative. Her wisdom and political astuteness in securing Solomon's throne reveal her as more than a passive figure, contributing actively to the unfolding of God's plan.
### Summary
Bath-Sheba (בַּת־שֶׁבַע, `{{H1339}}`), meaning "daughter of an oath," is a figure of profound theological significance in the Old Testament. Initially introduced in the infamous account of King David's adultery in [[2 Samuel 11]], her story quickly evolves beyond a narrative of sin and consequence. As the mother of King Solomon, she becomes a pivotal link in the Davidic dynasty and, ultimately, in the Messianic lineage of Jesus Christ. Her narrative, spanning from personal tragedy to influential Queen Mother ([[1 Kings 1]]), powerfully illustrates God's sovereign ability to fulfill His promises even amidst human failure and sin. Theologically, Bath-Sheba's life underscores the gravity of sin, the necessity of repentance, the reality of divine judgment, and the profound depth of God's grace and redemptive power, which incorporates flawed individuals into His grand plan of salvation.
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