So Bathsheba went to see the aged king in his room, where Abishag the Shunammite was attending him. Bathsheba bowed down, prostrating herself before the king. “What is it you want?” the king asked. She said to him, “My lord, you yourself swore to me your servant by the Lord your God: ‘Solomon your son shall be king after me, and he will sit on my throne.’”

1 Kings 1:15-17

 Then King David said, “Call in Bathsheba.” So she came into the king’s presence and stood before him. The king then took an oath: “As surely as the Lord lives, who has delivered me out of every trouble, I will surely carry out this very day what I swore to you by the Lord, the God of Israel: Solomon your son shall be king after me, and he will sit on my throne in my place.”

1 Kings 1:28-30

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December 19, 2025 

If there was ever anyone who knew what it felt like to be helpless, it was Bathsheba. Her entire life was upended by a powerful ruler who took full advantage of her vulnerability. The parable Nathan the Prophet told in 2 Samuel 12:1-6 to confront David with his sin portrays Bathsheba as a helpless baby lamb who was stolen, slaughtered, and eaten by an unscrupulous rich man.

I can’t help but wonder if that was how she felt: voiceless, helpless, and used. Scripture doesn’t record her feelings and thoughts. The only time her words are recorded during this time is when she sent a message to the king informing him of her pregnancy. I don’t think it’s a stretch to imagine that in this season of her life she felt powerless, unvalued, and defeated.

But this is not the Bathsheba we see later on in the Bible. 1 Kings records the pivotal role Bathsheba played in setting her son Solomon on the throne of Israel. When one of David’s sons tried to stage a coup, this once helpless woman used her voice to hold the king to his promises and set her son on the throne. What changed in the intervening years to bring about this transformation?

When no one else seemed to see or care about Bathsheba, God did. He called David out on his sin and held him responsible for his actions. He blessed her with a son, one He promised would “build a house for my Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever” 2 Samuel 7:13). This promise would find its ultimate fulfillment in the coming Messiah, in whose lineage she has the privilege of being named.

No matter what we might have suffered or how others might treat us, God sees and affirms our value. This is why He sent Christ to be born in Bethlehem all those years ago. The Father loves us so much that He sent His only Son so that through Him, He might redeem our brokenness and give us glorious purpose.

Questions for reflection and discussion:

  • Have you ever felt unvalued, uncared for, or helpless?
  • What made you feel that way?
  • How does knowing that God loves you so much that He sent His Son to rescue you remind you that you are cherished and cared for by Him?

Church Reading Plan: 

  • Today, December 19: 2 Chronicles 22-23; Revelation 10
  • Saturday, December 20: 2 Chronicles 24; Revelation 11
  • Sunday, December 21: 2 Chronicles 25; Revelation 12