In reading about King David recently I have been struck by Uriah’s story. Here is a guy who just did the right thing was faithful and was killed because of it. From a cursory view this is offensive and repulsive. My mind reacts with “what a waste of an upright man!” Allow for a review of the story.
David sins, calls Uriah back from the front to cover up the sin, Uriah walks uprightly and honorably before the Lord and King David, Uriah refuses to become accomplice to the King’s plans simply by doing what is right (ie being faithful), David sends Uriah back to the front with a death decree, Uriah dies, David marries, child is born, Nathan confronts David, David repents/ child dies, Solomon is born… Obviously this very abbreviated overview, and yes, I am aware there were some negative consequences to David’s actions which I am not going to touch on as I look at Uriah’s life.
Uriah was faithful before the Lord and before David yet it didn’t seem to profit him much – read the story; because he was faithful he was killed. As the frustration hit me I was sure there must be something more to this story than I was seeing. I began to picture Uriah returning from the front lines and being called before the King. He answers some questions about the war and is told to go home and enjoy himself, to spend some time relaxing. Uriah refuses and, without a shred of self promotion, entitlement, scorn or pride, “[sleeps] at the door of the king’s house with all the servants of his lord.”
David then attempts to understand why this solder isn’t complying by questioning him “Why did you not go down to your house” it almost seems an affront to the hospitality of the king who has called this select man from the front, fed him and given him leave – the question of “why do you not enjoy my kindness” lingers in the air. Uriah’s response cuts:

“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 lie with my wife? As you live, and as your soul lives, I will not do this thing” 2 Samuel 11:11 (emphasis added)

Uriah brought a stern rebuke to the king simply by speaking truth. The irony is that everything he mentions is his personal right to partake of, especially as his king has granted permision. Yet, he knows what he is to be about, knows that what is ‘permissible’ isn’t always right and, knowing or unknowing, just dropped a plumline before David. That plum line struck like an arrow into David’s heart yet David had set himself to cover this sin, even at the expense of another’s righteousness. He immediately makes plans to manipulate Uriah into breaking his vow. If Uriah is going to carry out the standard which David has forsaken then Uriah must be brought down to the same level.

On a personal note – this principle is true for today as well. If you are gong to live a life of faithfulness remeber Jesus’ warning in John 15-16 to be prepared so as not to stumble.

I’ll finish up these thoughts later this week.