Uriah & Bathsheba: Til Death Do Us Part

She was very beautiful. Her monthly period had just ended and she was taking the time to cleanse herself. Her husband was away fighting in a war so she may have lingered at this task because there were no pressing chores to do.

Did she know that someone was watching? Did she feel his eyes on her? We have no way of knowing. What we do know is that he called and she went.

Did she feel nervous? Was she willing? Was she flattered because David was king? Did she feel shame after the fact? Nobody knows. All of her emotions and thoughts are lost to us. All we have left is this statement:

“Then David sent messengers to get her; and when she came to the palace, he slept with her. She had just completed the purification rites after having her menstrual period. Then she returned home.” 2 Samuel 11:4 NLT)

Which brings us to the lesson:

Bathsheba’s Message to Us

We don’t know whether Bathsheba was being modest or not. What we do know is that her story gives a very powerful reason for us to act appropriately at all times.

In other words: act married. If we’re married, courting, in a committed relationship, our behavior needs to reflect that. It’s not okay for us to flirt and be seductive or coy with persons who are not our partners (it’s not okay at any time for us God-girls and God-guys), but it’s especially distasteful when we are in a committed relationship.

People should be able to tell at least two things from our interactions with others:

1. That we belong to God
2. That we belong to/are committed to another person

Modesty speaks to the way we act, the way we speak (including the things we talk about) and how we dress. In this world where everyone is trying to dress “as bare as they dare” and to say whatever is on their minds, it’s hard to stand on principles.

However, if we are to be good ambassadors of our Heavenly Father the King of kings, being modest is a small thing to do.

It begins in our minds. We have to think clean, pure thoughts if we are to act and live modestly. Thinking clean becomes easier the more we spend time in God’s word. The more we spend time alone with Him, the more we meditate on pure things.

Let’s Pray

Lord, help me to be modest in the way I dress, think, speak and act. I understand that my actions are seen as a testimony of my relationship with You. Help me to be a faithful ambassador. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Let’s Chat

What does it mean to “act married” for you? Share practical tips for acting married.