Uriah’s Theology
By your life and the life of your soul, I will not do this thing. 2 Samuel 11:11
By Your Life – Uriah died because he was a man of principle. When we read his story, we acknowledge this fact. But I wonder if we appreciate it.
David’s affair with Bathsheba results in pregnancy. David recalls her husband Uriah in hopes that he will also have sex with her and his adultery will remain hidden. But Uriah refuses, not because he does not desire her or because she is unwilling, but simply as a matter of principle. And what is that principle? It is fidelity to his community. Uriah, the soldier, refuses personal pleasure while his comrades are on the field of battle. He knows that he should be there too. His loyalty to the troops outweighs his desire for a night’s escape. He is a man of higher purposes.
Uriah’s statement to David is remarkable. Twice he uses the Hebrew hayyeka (your life). This is a sacred oath, but it is not an oath taken on his life. It is an oath taken on the life of the King. Uriah essentially says, “I swear by your life, my King, and by your soul, that I will not break my loyalty to my comrades-in-arms.” The irony is plain. Uriah’s oath taken on David’s life brings Uriah’s death. And David’s life incurs the blame. Two men die in this oath: Uriah, through the selfish deception of David, and David, through the murder of Uriah. Even though Uriah might not understand the hidden consequences, he places the responsibility exactly where it belongs. He swears by the life of his unknown enemy.
What an incredible lesson can be taken from this statement! Uriah knows that the temptation to indulge himself in what is rightfully his is a powerful one. So, he makes a promise based on the power and authority of another, his earthly lord, King David. Left to himself, he might not be able to maintain his celibacy. Certainly David and Bathsheba will do all they can to entice him. So he puts his fate, and his desire, in the hands of someone who is supposed to act as his protector and provider. David fails miserably in this role. But Uriah’s choice is still the right one.
You and I need this man’s theology. When we are faced with compromises of higher principles, even if the compromises are legitimate, we need to realize that will power alone is not enough to sustain our faithfulness. We need the protection and provision of someone stronger; someone who understands our desire to act with fidelity and who will stand with us without fail. There is only one King to whom this oath can be given in complete confidence – and even then, it may cost us our lives.
Do you live for a higher cause? Then give your oath to the One Who never fails. Put your life in His hands. Make Uriah’s pledge yours.
