A Man Named Uriah

This Bible study, facilitated by Rev. Lettie Carr, is part of a series exploring "the Bad Boys of the Bible and some good". The focus is on Uriah the Hittite, whom the facilitator calls a "Good Boy of the Bible" and a "great man indeed". The study of Uriah was a direct prompt from the Holy Spirit, aiming to "herald Uriah" and focus on him as a "man of God", ensuring he isn't lost in David's story, as often happens to those who "do the right thing" but are overshadowed by "ungodly people".

Uriah is listed among David's "mighty men" in 1 Chronicles 11. This group was dedicated to serving God and serving David, fighting with him and being held in "high esteem". Uriah was a man who "loved God," "served God," and "fought for the things of God". His life modeled Christ through consistency in following God's things.

The context is from 2 Samuel 11, where David remained in Jerusalem "at the time when kings go out to battle," being "out of order with his focus". David saw and "took" Bathsheba, Uriah's wife, emphasizing her lack of power in the situation. When Bathsheba conceived, David attempted a cover-up by sending for Uriah.

Upon returning, Uriah refused to go home, sleeping at the king's door. His powerful response highlighted his commitment: "The ark and Israel and Judah are dwelling in tents and my lord Joab and the servants of my Lord are encamped in the open fields. Shall I then go to my house to eat and drink and to love with my wife? As you live and as your soul lives, I will not do this thing". Uriah wanted to be where "the word of God is moving," active in "the move of God," denying himself. He was committed to the "cause of God" and felt it inappropriate to "relax and chill" while God's people were battling.

Even when David "made him drink," getting him drunk, Uriah still slept with the king's servants and did not go home. This shows "self-discipline" and "great integrity and discipline," refusing to compromise his standard.

David's final, wicked act was to send Uriah to Joab with a letter instructing Joab to place Uriah in the "forefront of the hottest battle" and retreat, leading to Uriah's death. Uriah unknowingly carried his own "execution decree". He was killed because he "did the right thing".

God was not pleased with David's actions and defended Uriah, holding David accountable. God remembered Uriah; in the genealogy of Jesus, Bathsheba is referred to as "her who had been the wife of Uriah," highlighting that "God will honor his word" and Uriah was "precious in his sight".

Uriah serves as an example. Key lessons include: obeying God, being where you should be, being committed to God's cause, cultivating self-discipline, and trusting that God will honor faithfulness and is your avenger. His life encourages a disciplined lifestyle, which brings favor.