Uriah the Hittite was Bathsheba’s first husband, who was murdered by King David. He is listed in record of Jesus' family line.
About Uriah
A Hittite who joined Israel, became a leader in David's army, and was listed among the king's mighty men (2 Samuel 23:39; 1 Chronicles 11:41). Uriah's wife was Bathsheba. David had an affair with her while Uriah was fighting the Ammonites. Upon learning of her pregnancy, David summoned Uriah to Jerusalem. He hoped Uriah would sleep with his wife and consider himself the father. Uriah slept in the servants' quarters. He would not enjoy home while his companions were at war. The second night David again tried to entice him to sleep with his wife. Uriah, despite a drunken stupor, would not go home. So, he spent the night at the palace. To deepen the intrigue, David sent Uriah back to the battle. He ordered Uriah to a vulnerable spot, where he was killed (2 Samuel 11; Matthew 1:6).
See also David; Genealogy of Jesus Christ.
Family Relationships
- Partner
- Bathsheba
Key References
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.”
In the letter he wrote: “Put Uriah at the front of the fiercest battle; then withdraw from him, so that he may be struck down and killed.”
and Jesse the father of David the king. Next: David was the father of Solomon by Uriah’s wife,
All Scripture References (22)
2 Samuel (19)
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.”
At this, David sent orders to Joab: “Send me Uriah the Hittite.” So Joab sent him to David.
When Uriah came to him, David asked how Joab and the troops were doing and how the war was going.
Then he said to Uriah, “Go down to your house and wash your feet.” So Uriah left the palace, and a gift from the king followed him.
But Uriah slept at the door of the palace with all his master’s servants; he did not go down to his house.
And David was told, “Uriah did not go home.” “Haven’t you just arrived from a journey?” David asked Uriah. “Why didn’t you go home?”
Uriah answered, “The ark and Israel and Judah are dwelling in tents, and my master Joab and his soldiers are camped in the open field. How can I go to my house to eat and drink and sleep with my wife? As surely as you live, and as your soul lives, I will not do such a thing!”
“Stay here one more day,” David said to Uriah, “and tomorrow I will send you back.” So Uriah stayed in Jerusalem that day and the next.
The next morning David wrote a letter to Joab and sent it with Uriah.
In the letter he wrote: “Put Uriah at the front of the fiercest battle; then withdraw from him, so that he may be struck down and killed.”
So as Joab besieged the city, he assigned Uriah to a place where he knew the strongest enemy soldiers were.
And when the men of the city came out and fought against Joab, some of David’s servants fell, and Uriah the Hittite also died.
Who struck Abimelech son of Jerubbesheth? Was it not a woman who dropped an upper millstone on him from the wall, so that he died in Thebez? Why did you get so close to the wall?’ If he asks you this, then you are to say, ‘Your servant Uriah the Hittite is dead as well.’”
Then the archers shot at your servants from the wall, and some of the king’s servants were killed. And your servant Uriah the Hittite is dead as well.”
When Uriah’s wife heard that her husband was dead, she mourned for him.
Why then have you despised the command of the LORD by doing evil in His sight? You put Uriah the Hittite to the sword and took his wife as your own. You have slain him with the sword of the Ammonites.
Now, therefore, the sword will never depart from your house, because you have despised Me and have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your own.’
After Nathan had gone home, the LORD struck the child that Uriah’s wife had borne to David, and he became ill.
and Uriah the Hittite. There were thirty-seven in all.
1 Kings (1)
For David had done what was right in the eyes of the LORD and had not turned aside from anything the LORD commanded all the days of his life, except in the matter of Uriah the Hittite.
1 Chronicles (1)
Uriah the Hittite, Zabad son of Ahlai,
Matthew (1)
and Jesse the father of David the king. Next: David was the father of Solomon by Uriah’s wife,