As we continue our study on Matt 1:1-17 let us note the names of the women listed in Jesus’ genealogy. While the name of Tamar, Rahab and Ruth are clearly listed, it is interesting to note that Bathsheba is identified only as “Uriah’s wife.”

Some scholars have branded Bathsheba as “a woman of questionable reputation” (ESV study Bible) snd believe that may be a reason for the omission of her name. I would argue that this assessment is problematic since Rahab who is a known prostitute is listed by name in Jesus’ genealogy. Also, branding Bathsheba as “a woman of questionable reputation” is so undeserved.

When we met Bathsheba in the Bible, she was a woman minding her own business, taking her bath in the privacy of her home, under the cover of night (2 Sam. 11:2). In Biblical times, bathing outdoor was customary.  Nowhere does the Bible state that Bathsheba had previous extramarital affairs or that she was attempting the seduce King David who was taking an evening walk on his balcony. The narrative leads us to surmise that Bathsheba was a victim who fell prey to David’s unbridled lust (2 Sam. 11:1-4).

I am convinced that my Old Testament professor in seminary, Dr. Warren Gage (Bible Scholar) has pinpointed the reason Bathsheba’s name was omitted from the Christ’s genealogy. He surmised that when David killed Uriah, he made Bathsheba a widow. By marrying Uriah’s widow, he, David, essentially had become a “kinsman redeemer” to the childless Uriah (even though he was not kin to Uriah). David’s name could not be eclipsed from the genealogy for obvious reasons. Since Jewish laws traces one’s genealogy thru the fathers, God in his justice, pulled Uriah’s name alongside that of David’s and made Uriah a part of Christ’s genealogy (if not by descent then by the acknowledgment of Uriah’s name). Uriah essentially became a “forefather” of Christ.

What an enormous consolation given by God to this faithful servant of King David (2 Sam. 11:11) who was treated with such ruthless betrayal and injustice. Similarly, what amazing grace and forgiveness God had shown David, a man in spite of his shortcomings, was still a man who was according the God’s own heart. In the lives of both men, Uriah and David; we see, respectively, God’s perfect justice and God’s perfect mercy. What a God of love we serve!