Uriah, Your Servant, Is Dead

2 Samuel 11-12 by Dr. Rob Debelak

Iam Uriah. My name means, “The Lord is my light!” I am a Hittite but hold unyielding devotion for the God of Israel. In life, I knew my wife’s love, the joy of the Promised Land, serving in Israel’s defense, and humbly worshipping before God’s throne. Few know me. Most, instead, know of my beautiful wife, Bathsheba, and the scandal precipitated by David.

Our military forces engaged the city of Rabbah (2 Sam 11:1). Joab was in command, our King oddly absent. Distracted, David’s clandestine recon (vv 2-3) and covert operations tragically destroy my family. My beloved Bathsheba became pregnant by David (v 5).

Orders arrived, returning me to Jerusalem; I was not told why (v 6). My king asked for a battle report (v 7)—information any officer could relay. He directed me home to rest, furnishing a generous ration of food (v 8)! My honor, though, would not let me enjoy these comforts, so I slept on the doorstep (v 9). Summoned again, David demanded an account of my actions. From a deep sense of allegiance, I explained it was inconsistent with my convictions to be at ease while the Ark of God’s presence and my brothers in arms are deployed (v 11). I could not relish my wife’s company, my home, or savory foods while the symbol of God’s throne camped elsewhere or those of my military unit lacked similar luxury.

Unknown to me was the conviction brought upon David. He had not led us against enemy forces (v 1); he was at home, fairing sumptuously (v 8), while others fought his battles and tended his needs (v 1, 4). Remaining unstated between us was his knowledge of a child I would never meet (v 5).

David hosted a banquet on the eve of my departure (v 13), and though I did not grasp his deception, I would not compromise. Returning to the front (vv 12-14), I presented the King’s private letter to commander Joab. Unwittingly, I delivered my death sentence to those who would carry out David’s crime (vv 14-17). Joab ordered us into a fierce fight, where my fellow warriors withdrew. I fell in battle, as did others (v 17, 24). I fought and died bravely yet forsaken by King and county (v 21-24).

David is apprised: “…Uriah, your servant, is dead” (v 24) and assumes a successful coverup (v 25). The Lord, however, unravels David’s scheme with a story of truth! Through the prophet Nathan, God voices my blameless character, deep

affection, and the suffering inflicted on my family. God’s message brought justice, convicting David of conspiracy, theft, adultery, and murder (2 Sam 12: 1-14). My King repented (v 13; Psalm 51), but his reign would be troubled (vv 10-14). The expense to my family was the purity of relationship and untold agony for my wife—she lost her husband (2 Sam 11:26), an innocent son (2 Sam 12:14-23), and her integrity— branded an adulteress.

I remain largely unknown, barely a memory of antiquity. I am, though, Uriah—The Lord, indeed, is my light!

Readers long to know if Uriah’s life held a shadow of meaning and how God might create brilliant significance from this dark episode. In the fullness of time, the Almighty sends His Light to the world (John 8:12)! Though abandoned, betrayed, and unesteemed, his model loyalty to God eclipses all others. In refusing every temptation to flinch as fulfilling divine will, the selfless sacrifice of God’s servant still brings offenders to repentance.

About The Author

Dr. Rob Debelak is an Associate Professor of Bible in Lee University’s School of Religion & Online Program. He has taught at Lee University for over 27 years and is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. He and his family reside in Cleveland, Tennessee.