Biblical Perspectives, Vol. 32 No. 1, 2024.
Original scientific paper
Did King David Rape Bathsheba? A Case Study in Narrative Theology
Richard M. Davidson
; Professor Andrews University
Abstract
This article analyzes the biblical narrative of David and Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11–12) through the lens of narrative theology, with particular emphasis on themes of power, responsibility and victimhood. In contrast to common (mostly male-authored) interpretations that suggest Bathsheba's complicity or sexual provocation, the author presents eighteen lines of evidence—including historical context, topography of Jerusalem, textual structure, linguistic nuances, theological emphases, and intertextual connections with other Old Testament narratives and laws—to demonstrate that the biblical narrator portrays Bathsheba as an innocent victim of power rape committed by King David. By placing full responsibility for the sexual transgression on David, 2 Samuel 11–12 emerges as one of the strongest biblical indictments against the abuse of power for the purpose of sexually exploiting the subordinate and vulnerable.
Keywords
Bathsheba; David; power rape; narrative; Uriah; murder
Hrčak ID:
331461
URI
Publication date:
30.5.2025.
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