2 Samuel 11:3

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?

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}?

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.

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.”

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

This verse marks a critical turning point in the narrative of David's sin with Bathsheba. After seeing her bathing from his rooftop (verse 2), David doesn't turn away or dismiss the image. Instead, he actively pursues his desire by sending messengers to inquire about her identity.

The response he receives is precise and carries significant weight: "Is not this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?" Each part of this identification is important:

  • Bathsheba: She is a specific person, known in the community.
  • Daughter of Eliam: This lineage may connect her to a prominent family; Eliam is possibly the son of Ahithophel, one of David's trusted counselors (2 Samuel 23:34), adding a layer of political and social complication.
  • The wife of Uriah the Hittite: This is the crucial piece of information. It explicitly states she is married and identifies her husband as Uriah, one of David's loyal soldiers, noted as a Hittite (a foreigner who served David faithfully, listed among his mighty men in 2 Samuel 23:39).

Despite receiving the clear information that the woman he desired was married to one of his most devoted subjects, David did not stop. This verse highlights the deliberate nature of David's sin – he proceeded knowing full well the woman was another man's wife. It underscores the powerful pull of temptation and the failure to erect boundaries when confronted with sinful desire.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Samuel 23:39 (6 votes)

    Uriah the Hittite: thirty and seven in all.

  • 1 Chronicles 3:5 (5 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

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

  • James 1:14 (3 votes)

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

  • James 1:15 (3 votes)

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

  • Hosea 7:6 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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.