Wives and children

When David was in Hebron, he already had six wives. That was more than enough, yet after moving to Jerusalem, he took even more wives and concubines. This was a violation of Deuteronomy 17:17: “And he shall not acquire many wives for himself, so that his heart does not turn away; nor shall he greatly increase silver and gold for himself.” David’s sin in this matter would eventually bring a severe curse upon his household. His son Solomon would go on to commit the same sin in an even greater and more expanded form than his father. It often seems that managing success is more difficult than attaining it in the first place. Success can lead a person into pride and complacency. When you receive blessings from the Lord, how are you using them? Blessed is the one who makes loving God and glorifying God the ultimate goal of their life.

The sons of Bathsheba

The names of the sons born in Jerusalem are listed. Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, and Solomon are four sons were born to David by Bathsheba. Among them, let us especially take note of Nathan and Solomon. (1) It was Solomon who succeeded David’s throne and built the temple in Jerusalem. As his name suggests, Solomon was a “child of peace.” (2) It is generally believed that Solomon became an ancestor of the Messiah, Jesus. Indeed, Solomon appears in the genealogy of Joseph, the legal father of Jesus. However, there is no blood connection between Joseph and Jesus. Also, in Matthew 1:11, a man named Jeconiah is mentioned. Concerning him, Jeremiah prophesied a curse: “This is what the Lord says: ‘Write this man down as childless, a man who will not prosper in his days; for no man among his descendants will prosper sitting on the throne of David Or ruling again in Judah’” (Jer. 22:30). (3) It was not Solomon but Nathan who became the physical ancestor of Jesus. Nathan’s name appears in the genealogy of Mary (Luke 3:31). God’s plan surpasses all human understanding and at the same time is perfect. Let us now wholeheartedly declare our trust in the almighty God.