It’s time we cleared Bathsheba’s name.
Bathsheba did not seduce David. The Bible clearly tells us Bathsheba was cleansing herself after her menstrual cycle. This required that she bathed in a Mikveh. A Mikveh is not a portable structure that Bathsheba could strategically place in front of David, rather it was built into the roof of the building. Reading the account of the story, we clearly see:
1. David was not where he was suppose to be (at war).
2. David was napping in the middle of the day when men were out conducting business.
3. David saw. David desired. David took what was not his.
This was not some great love affair. This was a man who abused his position and power to take advantage of a woman who had neither power nor position. So let us call it what it is, David raped Bathsheba.
Now, I know this is hard to hear. David is our hero! Every man wants to be like David and every woman wants a man like David – strong, handsome, powerful, who writes poetry and doesn’t mind dancing.
But ultimately, this story is not about David. It’s not about Bathsheba. It’s about the grace of God. It’s about God’s redemption, His restoration, His forgiveness. The story will forever serve as a reminder that no one is ever beyond God’s redemption and that God can take the most tragic, the most horrific situation and bring beauty. Think about it. God chose to bring His Son through the lineage of this hot mess of a union.
If you have been sexually abused, know that it was not your fault. It wasn’t because you were in the wrong place or because you were inappropriately dressed. It was because someone with power saw, desired and took what was not theirs. It was because someone sinned against you and God. But as you read this story remember God can redeem and restore the depth of your pain. Like Bathsheba, He wants to sit you in a place of honor. Like Bathsheba, His son dwells within you. Allow God to redeem and restore your hurt and your pain. Allow him to give you beauty for ashes, joy for your mourning. He did it for Bathsheba; He wants to do it for you.
“Then David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the LORD.” Nathan replied, “The LORD has taken away your sin. You are not going to die.”
2 Samuel 12:13 NIV
http://bible.com/111/2sa.12.13.niv