Uriah was a Hittite soldier in David's army, the husband of Bathsheba, who was killed in battle as part of David's plan to cover up his adultery with Bathsheba.
Uriah, often referred to as Uriah the Hittite, was a soldier in King David's army (2Samuel 11; 12:9-10, 15; 23:39; 1Ki.15.5; 1Ch.11.41; Mat.1.6). He was married to Bathsheba, with whom David committed adultery while Uriah was away fighting in battle. When Bathsheba became pregnant, David attempted to cover up his sin by summoning Uriah back from the battle and encouraging him to sleep with his wife. However, Uriah's loyalty and sense of duty prevented him from enjoying the comforts of home while his fellow soldiers were in battle. David then sent Uriah back to the front lines with a letter instructing the commander, Joab, to place Uriah in the fiercest part of the battle and then withdraw, ensuring his death. After Uriah's death, David took Bathsheba as his wife, but the Lord was displeased with David's actions. The prophet Nathan confronted David about his sin, and David faced severe consequences, including the death of the child conceived through adultery. Uriah's loyalty and righteousness stand in stark contrast to David's abuse of power and moral failure, serving as a reminder of the importance of integrity and the consequences of sin.
David, Bathsheba, Uriah and Nathan
RoleStated in the textDavid took Bathsheba, wife of Uriah the Hittite, and arranged Uriah's death by placing him in the front line. Nathan confronted David with a parable; David confessed, and the child died. Bathsheba later bore Solomon.
Sources: 2 Sam 11:2-5 · 2 Sam 11:14-17 · 2 Sam 12:1-14 · 2 Sam 12:24
David's mighty men: Uriah, Benaiah and Joab's brothers
WorkStated in the textThe list of "the thirty" ends with Uriah the Hittite, a foreigner in David's elite ranks, placing his murder in context. Other named members include Abishai, Benaiah son of Jehoiada, Asahel, and Eleazar son of Dodo; Benaiah rose to command Solomon's army.
Sources: 2 Sam 23:8-12 · 2 Sam 23:20-23 · 2 Sam 23:24 · 2 Sam 23:39
22 verses in 4 books · English text: BSB (change it from the menu at the top) · Strong’s H0223