When I started doing character studies, I had no idea the impact they’d have. It’s been incredible to dig into the lives of these women—women of faith, resilience, and quiet strength. Through them, I’ve learned more about God’s character, His grace, and how He works in broken stories. Bathsheba is no different.
When I first read her story in 2 Samuel 11, it was hard to see God—or even her—in the midst of so much sin. But God is faithful. And with some prayer and study, I began to see Bathsheba’s quiet power. Just like every woman of faith we’ve studied, she was a powerhouse—not in volume, but in integrity. Here’s what I discovered:
She didn’t seek attention or power.
Growing up, I was told that Bathsheba was to blame—that she was trying to get David’s attention by bathing in the open. Honestly? That’s the biggest load of crap I’ve ever heard.
Bathsheba was a young woman in a patriarchal culture. Women in Israel had very little social or legal power. Let’s not forget: David was the king. She couldn’t say no. She had no leg to stand on. Her husband was away. She didn’t have a choice.
She was simply following Mosaic Law, finishing her ritual purification after her period. There were no private bathrooms—just courtyards (see the image below). She would’ve hauled water into a basin and bathed quietly in her own space. David, from his elevated rooftop, looked down and saw her. She wasn’t flaunting herself—he was somewhere he shouldn’t have been, looking somewhere he shouldn’t have looked.
She acted and spoke with wisdom.
After their encounter, Bathsheba doesn’t rage or plead. She sends David a simple message: “I’m pregnant.” No extra words. No emotional outburst. Just what he needed to know.
We see her wisdom again in 1 Kings 1 when she speaks to David about Solomon being named king. She doesn’t act rashly. She first speaks to Nathan the prophet—seeking counsel. Then, she approaches David calmly and truthfully. She doesn’t manipulate—she speaks with clarity and discernment.
This is the kind of wisdom we’re called to in Colossians 4:6 and Ephesians 4:29—gracious speech, seasoned with salt. It makes me wonder: if we remembered that every word is something we’ll give account for before God (Matthew 12:36–37), would we speak differently?
She didn’t demand or stir up tension.
Every time Bathsheba speaks—whether to David, Solomon, or anyone else—she is composed, respectful, and thoughtful. She makes her requests, but never with arrogance. Not when telling David she’s pregnant. Not when advocating for Solomon. Not even when bringing Adonijah’s bold marriage request to Solomon.
She didn’t escalate. She didn’t manipulate. She was dignified, not demanding.
And that makes me pause. Do I act this way? Or do I stir tension to get my way?
She didn’t live with a victim mentality.
Bathsheba had every reason to be bitter. She was used and abused by the king. She lost a child. She watched others try to steal the throne from her son. David only took action when others pushed him to.
She could’ve stayed in that place of pain. She could’ve become bitter and self-protective. But she didn’t. She maintained integrity. She chose honor.
It’s easy to justify a victim mentality. I’ve done it. I’ve been abused. I get it. But staying stuck in that place—letting it define you—is dangerous. It becomes a pit that breeds bitterness and stops healing in its tracks.
Ask God to show you where that mindset may have taken root. Let Him uproot the weeds before they choke out the good things He’s trying to grow.
She raised a king—and was honored by him.
Bathsheba knew she had influence. She raised Solomon, the wisest man to ever live. She walked through shame, loss, and royal politics—and she came through it all refined, not ruined.
In 1 Kings 2:19, we see the fruit of her life:
“When Bathsheba went to King Solomon… he rose to meet her, bowed down to her, and sat on his throne. Then he had a throne brought for the king’s mother, and she sat at his right hand.”
He honored her. He respected her. He gave her a seat of prominence.
Bathsheba in the Lineage of Christ
Like Rahab, Bathsheba is named in Jesus’ genealogy—not by name, but with deep intentionality:
“David was the father of Solomon, whose mother had been Uriah’s wife.” (Matthew 1:6)
God doesn’t erase her past—He redeems it.
From Victim to Victor
Listen, sister—you are not what happened to you.
You don’t have to stay stuck. You don’t have to let pain have the final word.
You can walk in victory. Bathsheba did and so can you!
With all my love,
Hannah
Whispers of Christ 