David and Bathsheba Part 1 - Faith and Other Oddities Episode 135

In this episode we wrap up the story of David and his misplaced compassion to Hanun and then dive into one of the most important stories of David’s life - David and Bathsheba. We explain why the two stories, and the previous story of Mephibosheth we place together in the text. We talk about how the context reveals how David reached a point in his life where he could even contemplate his actions against Bathsheba. We explore whether if and how the text presents this event as rape or merely adultery. And we discuss what lessons it has to teach us about sexual violence in the church and we should address it today.

Scriptures from this Episode:

2 Samuel 10-11

Genesis 3, 6, 12, 19, 27, 34, and 39

Leviticus 19:27

Numbers 22-24

Deuteronomy 22:12

2 Samuel 2, 3, 5:2, 7, and 8

1 Chronicles 19:6

Resources from this Episode:

The Hebrew Bible: A Translation with Commentary by Robert Alter (Book)

1, 2 Samuel: An Exegetical and Theological Exposition of Holy Scripture (Volume 7) (The New American Commentary) by Robert D. Bergen

First and Second Samuel: Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching by Walter Brueggemann