[78] Finally, in Acts 13:22, God is quoted as testifying about David as a man after my own heart. Abigail was David's second wife, after Saul and Ahinoam's daughter, Michal, whom Saul later married to Palti, son of Laish, when David went into hiding. The man said, She is Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah the Hittite.. However, I will add that seven years is noticeably young, even by the standards of the time. If Solomon was 11 years old at the time of Ahithophels death (the non-conservative estimate), then Bathsheba would have been around 9 years old at the time of Solomons birth. But as for me, I trust in you.. shall not half their days; that is, shall be soon cut off. A minority of scholars questioned the application of the psalm to Ahithophel. Before we begin, let us see what the Jewish scholars said about Bathshebas age when she gave birth to Solomon (dont worry, this is not the main evidence). And the arabic word Makr is used meaning plan, not deceive. Rather, Ahithophel must be the close friend, since he was Davids counselor. Using Psalm 55:23, it would mean that Ahithophel could not have gone past the age of 45 years (note again that this is the conservative estimate). Actually, God had no problem with it. Hebr. She was two years old, on our scheme, when David became king. These include Adam Clarke. In his commentary, Ibn Kathir stated that the age of marriage coincides with the age of puberty. Thus, while some people (a very small minority) may have lived into their 90s (though no proof exists from the Bible), this would not have been the normal extent of life at the time. You Muslims believe Muhammad is a role model for all times!, In my view, we should leave it to the experts (e.g., physicians and psychologists) to determine what is an appropriate age for maturity, if there is one. Title: The Toilet of Bathsheba. Excuse me author but can you also respond to the claims that a sheep ate the Quran. Thus, while some people (a, Even if we grant a new upper limit, 90 years, that does not improve the situation for embarrassed Christian apologists. Moreover, I showed that when Jesus was a 12-year old boy, his parents took him to the Passover festival, as the law required for boys his age. The name Eliam is only mentioned twice in the, But 1 Chronicles 11:36 gives the alternate name for Eliam, the son of Ahithophel as Ahijah the Pelonite, so he cannot be the same person as the father of Bathsheba!, Third, if Ahijah is an alternate name for Eliam, it still does not refute the claim that Eliam was the son of Ahithophel and the father of Bathsheba, simply because the Chronicler does not provide any additional information. The plain reading of the text makes it unlikely. Note that the Bible describes Bathsheba at this time as very beautiful (2 Samuel 11:2) and David was overcome with feelings of lust for her! The answer comes from Psalm 55:23 (emphasis ours): But you, God, will bring down the wicked into the pit of decay; the bloodthirsty and deceitful will not live out half their days. 12 Then David told Uriah, Stay here one more day. The estimation of Bathshebas age is indeed based primarily on the interpretation of Psalm 55, and especially verse 23 (see objection #2 below). Regardless, most sources reasonably identify the two Eliams as the same person, including, There is simply no reason to make assume otherwise, other than to avoid the embarrassment of finding out Bathshebas true age. This was also the conclusion of Jewish and Christian commentators. Only a minority of scholarly sources questioned this attribution, but the reasons they provided were weak (see note #49). 10 David was told, Uriah didnt go down to his own house, so David asked Uriah, Havent you just returned from a journey? See my videos here: I agree that Rebekah was not 3 years old. By the way, can you visit my website and comment below about what you think of my articles? [6] https://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionaries/smiths-bible-dictionary/ahithophel.html, [7] https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/ats/a/ahithophel.html, Ahithophel seems to have been the grandfather of Bathsheba., [8] https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/fbd/a/ahithophel.html, Ahithophel was the mainspring of the rebellion. 24. How[c] could I go home and eat, drink, and have sex with my wife? [69] https://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionaries/smiths-bible-dictionary/ahithophel.html. Bathsheba, a name that to many, means seduction and sin, a name to remain unspoken! But this is not reasonable. She was most likely between the ages of 12-14, which means a 40 year old man married such a young girl. Or Ammiel, [1 Chronicles 3:5] who was the son of Ahithophel, [2 Samuel 23:34] who might, for the dishonour done by David to his niece Bathsheba, be the readier to conspire against him, and to take part with Absalom., [22] https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/isn/psalms-41.html#1, Ahithophel was the grandfather of Bathsheba., [23] https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/lmg/2-samuel-15.html#1, The reason for this strong enmity was likely that Ahithophel was the grandfather of Bathsheba, [24] https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/mac/2-samuel-12.html#13, He was Bathshebas grandfather; and we are not going wrong, I think, in tracing his passionate hatred, and the peculiar form of insult which he counselled Absalom to adopt, to the sense of foul wrong which had been done to his house by Davids crime., [25] https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/tsk/2-samuel-23.html#34, Eliam: 11:3; 15:31; 17:23; 1 Chronicles 27:33,34, [26] https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/tbi/2-samuel-12.html#14, What swept Ahithophel into the ranks of that great conspiracy? Second point, Talmud Sanhedrin 107a says she was shampooing her hair thus, negating the fact she was taking a ritual bath, as mentioned in Talmud Eruvin 4b the whole body must be in water not hair. Bathsheba did not take a ritual bath when she was spied on. [The Septuagint calls him Eliab. So, here is a summary about Ahithophel and his role during Davids reign: If Ahithophel was Bathshebas grandfather, then determining his approximate age would allow us to estimate Bathshebas age as well. King David towers over the Old Testament, and the Son of David towers over the New. Eliam. They will vociferously deny that Bathsheba was around 7 years old (or perhaps as old as 9) when she first encountered David and they will deny that she was the granddaughter of Ahithophel. This does not mean that Muslims should marry their 9-year old children in modern times, because as stated above (see objection #5), people we would consider children in our times were not necessarily considered as such in ancient times. (LogOut/ He had no pity for Bathshebas grandfather Ahithophel, Davids trusted friend and adviser, [16] https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/dcc/2-samuel-15.html#1, Ahithophel (2 Samuel 15:12) was probably Bathshebas grandfather (2 Samuel 11:3; 2 Samuel 23:34)., [17] https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bul/2-samuel-11.html#3. There are 2 videos refuting IC on Marys age. [66] Saul also lived into his seventies. Furthermore, according to 2 Samuel 15:31, upon finding out about Ahithophel, David prayed to God to: turn Ahithophels counsel into foolishness.. This illustrates that Ahithophel was probably a young man (Source: This brings us to the most crucial point of our academic journey of determining Ahithophels age. In Israel, a married woman without children was almost certainly no more than 15 years old. No, Jesus was not the first son of David and Bathsheba. If this was the normal lifespan at the time, and the bloodthirsty and deceitful will not live out half their days, then we can reasonably estimate Ahithophels age to less than 40 years. How could they both be alive in 1 Chronicles 27 when Ahithophel supposedly committed suicide in 2 Samuel 17? This tends to be the go-to argument for problematic verses. xxiii. An older king could certainly have a younger counselor, and since early marriages were very common, it is not surprising for a 3040-year-old man to have grandchildren. It also means that she had married Uriah the Hittite at even earlier age. In response, God warns through Samuel the prophet that kings are takers. The Mount of Olives is adjacent to the city of Jerusalem, so David would have had a good view of the city and thus, assuming he wrote the psalm, could have been describing his feelings at the time. Hebraicae, in loco), the father of Bath-sheba. If Ahithophel was Bathshebas grandfather, then determining his approximate age would allow us to estimate Bathshebas age as well. The oldest man in the Bible, after the patriarchs, was Jehoiada, who supposedly died at the age of 130 (2 Chronicles 24:15). [] This was also based on the Prophets marriage to Aisha. The fact is that the context fits well with Absaloms revolt and especially with Ahithophels betrayal of David. [73] Sanhedrin 69b, https://www.sefaria.org/Sanhedrin.69b.11?lang=bi. But the inference is really not a probable one. Brother can you refute this also. Whenever I teach about the story of Davids sin against Bathsheba, I encourage my students to stand up for her. Part of the reason for some Christians denial about child marriage in the Bible is that the Bible does not mention any specific age at which marriage could occur. Thus, it was not child marriage at the time since maturity tended to occur much earlier than it does now. It reads like a song of the time of Absalom and Ahithophel. [76] Moreover, he did not live in the time of David but more than 100 years after him. WebBathsheba was probably minding her own business when David's eyes spied her and what he saw he wanted. According to 2 Samuel 15:30, David was on the Mount of Olives when he found out about Ahithophel. Credit Line: Bequest of Benjamin Altman, 1913. The suicide of Ahithophel, and the slaughter of Absalom with so many of his followers, furnished a striking commentary on the statement.. The traditional ascription to David cannot on any ground be maintained. All which agrees to Achitophel., [47] https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/whe/psalms-55.html#13, From this rapid survey of the general calamity, David turns to the chief supporter of the rebellion, his former chief counsellor, Ahithophel. Now, therefore, the sword will never depart from your house, because you despised me and took the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your own.[77]. [2] Of course, in the previous article, I showed evidence from within the Bible. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. Uriah the Hittite and Eliam, being both of the kings guard (consisting of 37 officers), were intimate, and Uriah married the daughter of his brother officer (https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/fbd/a/ahithophel.html). [51] Pirkei Avot, Chapter 6, https://www.sefaria.org/Pirkei_Avot.6?lang=bi. Moreover, according to the Fausset Dictionary, Ahijah the Pelonite was probably a corruption of text. The inevitable happened, and Bathsheba sent word to David that she was pregnant. (57.2 x 76.2 cm) Classification: Paintings. When she came to him, he had sex with her. The only solution would be to assume that Ahithophel was mentioned in passing and was actually dead (the Chronicler states that Ahithophel was succeeded by Jehoiada). Probably in her young 20s and even possibly younger. Most girls of marrying age were as young as 15. David of course was watching her bathe outsid He states that: an arbitrary age cutoff necessarily allows incompetent people to gain rights and privileges they probably shouldnt have.[101]. Third, if Ahijah is an alternate name for Eliam, it still does not refute the claim that Eliam was the son of Ahithophel and the father of Bathsheba, simply because the Chronicler does not provide any additional information. [63] Finally, he returned to Giloh and hanged himself after Absalom failed to take his advice. This cannot refer to Absalom. According to the chronology of 2 Samuel 1315, two years had passed since Amnon had raped his half-sister Tamar (Absaloms sister),[70] when after killing Amnon, Absalom fled to Geshur, where he lived for 3 years. Furthermore, God approved of David remaining married to Bathsheba, which resulted in the birth of Solomon, whom God loved. It only criticizes the explanation of Ahithophels possible motive for helping Absalom (i.e., revenge for Davids sinful act with Bathsheba and the murder of Uriah the Hittite). The Biblical character of Bathsheba a bathing woman summoned by King David is brought to life in unbelievable detail! It should be noted that the Bible does not state Bathsheba was _ years old. Called Ammiel, 1 Chronicles 3:5. The son of Ahithophel (2 Samuel 23:34). The success of Absalom would probably have been fatal to Bath-sheba; it would certainly have barred Solomon, Ahithophels great-grandson, from the throne. Furthermore, God approved of David remaining married to Bathsheba, which resulted in the birth of Solomon, whom God loved. Im not a non-Muslim. The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges concurs: Much of the Psalm is sufficiently appropriate to Davids circumstances to account for its having been regarded as an expression of his feelings at that bitter crisis: but a closer examination makes it difficult, if not impossible, to suppose that it was actually written by him. Its date and authorship must be left in the region of mere conjecture. Most, though not all, of the evidence for the age of marriage comes from outside the Bible (i.e., from outside scripture), which some Christians ignore because it is not inspired. Since this is now firmly established, we may ask what relevance it has in determining Bathshebas age at the time of her marriage to David. Grants Commentary on the Bible,[23] Alexander McLarens Expositions of Holy Scripture,[24] R.A Torreys Treasury of Scripture Knowledge,[25] The Biblical Illustrator,[26] and The Pulpit Commentary.[27]. Bathsheba had been married before she married David and she is the mother of [105] This agrees with Biblical standards as well. There is a strong possibility that this psalm was occasioned by the betrayal of Absalom and/or Ahithophel, [46] https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/wen/psalms-55.html#13, Guide Whose counsel I highly prized, and constantly followed. The report came back: Isnt this Eliams daughter Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah the Hittite? 4 So David sent messengers to take her. bloody and deceitful mendo not come up to. But what if we can use the Bible to reliably estimate the age of another famous female character in the Bible: But how did the rabbis come to this conclusion if the Bible does not directly provide such information? Not only was this marriage permitted, it resulted in the birth of yet another beloved figure, Solomon. The traditional ascription to David cannot on any ground be maintained. But you, God, will bring down the wicked into the pit of decay; Of course, the statement is not intended for a universal law, and indeed was probably pointed especially at the bloody and deceitful men of whom the psalmist had been speaking. However, this does not fit well due to the contradiction between Sauls age at the time of his death and Davids prophecy in Psalm 55:23. This is where Psalm 55 comes in. Son of Ahithophrl and father of Bathsheba (https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/fbd/e/eliam.html). A minority of scholars questioned the application of the psalm to Ahithophel. The adultery scandal and the subsequent revolt by Absalom and Ahithophel would have required a clarification, but only if the author meant to refer to different people. He also gives 3 main reasons why it is not recommended to set a certain cutoff for basic rights, these being: This is more or less how medieval Islamic scholars dealt with the issue. Married the daughter of Eliam (2 Samuel 11:3), who was the son of Ahithophel (2 Samuel 23:34). a native of Giloh, was a privy councillor of David, whose wisdom was highly esteemed, though his name had an exactly opposite signification. for so we find with David, king of Israel, who learned from Ahitophel no more than two things, yet called him his master, his guide and his beloved friend, as it is said, But it was you, a man mine equal, my guide and my beloved friend (Psalms 55:14)., [52] https://biblehub.com/commentaries/psalms/55-23.htm, [53] https://biblehub.com/commentaries/psalms/55-23.htm, [54] https://biblehub.com/commentaries/gill/psalms/55.htm, [55] https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/jtc/psalms-55.html#23, [56] https://biblehub.com/commentaries/clarke/psalms/55.htm, So we find, if there be an appointed time to man upon earth, beyond which he cannot pass; yet he may so live as to provoke the justice of God to cut him off before he arrives at that period; yea, before he has reached half way to that limit. Yet, as with the attribution of the psalm to Ahithophel, the interpretation of verse 23 was largely unified among the commentators. you have contributed so much great eye opening articles making Muslims and Christians aware of such controversial subjects. In a previous article, I demonstrated that the Bible generally allowed marriage and sex at the onset of puberty (with the exception of Numbers 31:18 which seemingly allowed sex even before puberty). He [David] now remembers that, at the heart of Absaloms rebellion, giving it direction and force, indeed making it possible, is Ahithophel., [33] https://www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/spurgeon_charles/tod/ps055.cfm?a=533001, It would be idle to fix a time, and find an occasion for this Psalm with any dogmatism. From the roof he saw a woman bathing; the woman was very beautiful. First, the account in Chronicles omits the sordid stories of David and Bathsheba and Absaloms revolt, and only mentions some characters in passing, so we do not have much information about Bathsheba, Eliam, or Ahithophel. [2] Thus, Christians will reject the estimation of Abishag and Marys ages (approximately 12 years) because the Bible does not specifically state it and because the estimate comes from Jewish commentaries or historical evidence or even the early church fathers and not from the Biblical text.[3]. 5 The woman conceived and sent word to David. Using Psalm 55:23, it would mean that Ahithophel could not have gone past the age of 45 years (note again that this is the, Even if David slept with a 7-year old, that does not mean that God approved of it!, This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: I anointed you king over Israel Why did you despise the word of the Lord by doing, Notice that the sin was in killing Uriah the Hittite. This would be based on physical and social maturity. The couple had concluded the marriage contract when Aisha was only six but had waited to consummate the marriage until she reached physical maturity.[103]. When he realized that Absalom had not taken his advice on how to fight David, Ahithophel knew that the conspiracy against the king would fail. See here for the sheep ate the Quran polemic: Could you also tell or contact the author of this article telling him that a man having a channel called Islam Critiqued claimed to have refuted or debunked the marriage of Rebekah and Isaac. It was common enough for the women to marry as young as 15, she was possibly 1518 when In other words, you can talk to younger children about David treating Bathsheba like she was his Psychologist Dr. Robert Epstein has made the controversial suggestion that young people, regardless of how young, should be allowed to make decisions about marriage and sex provided that they demonstrate that he or she knows about the risks of sexis physically and emotionally mature, and so on[99] He also suggests that they should have to pass one or more appropriate competency tests. 2 One evening, David got up from his couch and was pacing back and forth on the roof of the palace. 25:3). It is omitted in the list of 1 Chronicles 11:1-47, but is now probably discernible as AHIJAH the Pelonite (1 Chronicles 11:36) (see Kennicott, Dissertation, p. 207). Would David have called Ahithophel a man mine equal (, The more sins we do commit, the more we hasten our own death; because as the wise man saith, The fear of the Lord prolongeth days, but the years of the wicked shall be shortened (Pro 10:27); and the prophet David saith, , Uriah the Hittite and Eliam, being both of the kings guard (consisting of 37 officers), were intimate, and Uriah married the daughter of his brother officer (, Son of Ahithophrl and father of Bathsheba (, https://quranandbibleblog.wordpress.com/2020/06/10/the-age-of-marriage-in-the-bible/, https://www.sefaria.org/Sanhedrin.69b.11?lang=bi, https://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionaries/smiths-bible-dictionary/ahithophel.html, https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/ats/a/ahithophel.html, https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/fbd/a/ahithophel.html, https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/hbd/a/ahithophel.html, https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/hdb/a/ahithophel.html, https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/mbd/a/ahithophel-.html, https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/rpd/a/ahithophel.html, https://www.studylight.org/encyclopedias/mse/a/ahithophel.html, https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb/2-samuel-11.html#3, https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bcc/2-samuel-12.html#1, https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/dcc/2-samuel-15.html#1, https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bul/2-samuel-11.html#3, https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/ghe/2-samuel-15.html#1, https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/hcc/2-samuel-11.html#3, https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/jfu/2-samuel-23.html#34, https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/jtc/2-samuel-11.html#3, https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/isn/psalms-41.html#1, https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/lmg/2-samuel-15.html#1, https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/mac/2-samuel-12.html#13, https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/tsk/2-samuel-23.html#34, https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/tbi/2-samuel-12.html#14, https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/tpc/2-samuel-15.html#1, https://biblehub.com/commentaries/barnes/psalms/55.htm, https://biblehub.com/commentaries/psalms/55-13.htm, https://biblehub.com/commentaries/poole/psalms/55.htm, https://www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/spurgeon_charles/tod/ps055.cfm?a=533001, https://www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/smith_chuck/c2000_Psa/Psa_051.cfm?a=533001, https://www.studylight.org/commentary/psalms/55-13.html, https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/tcc/psalms-55.html#12, https://biblehub.com/commentaries/benson/psalms/55.htm, https://biblehub.com/commentaries/clarke/psalms/55.htm, https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/jtc/psalms-55.html, https://biblehub.com/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/55.htm, https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/pmc/psalms-55.html#23, https://biblehub.com/commentaries/kad/psalms/55.htm, https://biblehub.com/commentaries/lange/psalms/55.htm, https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/wen/psalms-55.html#13, https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/whe/psalms-55.html#13, http://blb-ra.blueletterbible.org/mcgee_j_vernon/Psa/19134_Psalm_55_1-5.mp3, https://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionaries/eastons-bible-dictionary/ahithophel.html, https://biblehub.com/commentaries/ellicott/psalms/55.htm, https://biblehub.com/commentaries/cambridge/psalms/55.htm, https://www.chabad.org/library/bible_cdo/aid/16276/showrashi/true/jewish/Chapter-55.htm, https://www.sefaria.org/Pirkei_Avot.6?lang=bi, https://biblehub.com/commentaries/psalms/55-23.htm, https://biblehub.com/commentaries/gill/psalms/55.htm, https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/jtc/psalms-55.html#23, https://biblehub.com/commentaries/mhcw/psalms/55.htm, https://www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/spurgeon_charles/tod/ps055.cfm?a=533023, https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/wen/psalms-55.html#23, https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=H5288&t=KJV, https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=H7390&t=KJV, https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/jfu/2-chronicles-24.html#15, https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/mbd/e/eliam-.html, https://www.biblestudytools.com/encyclopedias/isbe/ahithophel.html, https://www.biblestudytools.com/concordances/naves-topical-bible/eliam.html, https://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionaries/eastons-bible-dictionary/eliam.html, https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/fbd/e/eliam.html, https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/hdb/e/eliam.html, https://www.studylight.org/encyclopedias/mse/e/eliam.html, https://biblehub.com/commentaries/barnes/2_samuel/11.htm, https://www.studylight.org/commentary/2-samuel/11-3.html, https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/ckb/a/ahithophel.html, https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/fbd/p/pelonite.html, https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/hbd/p/pelonite.html, https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/hdb/p/pelonite.html, https://www.studylight.org/encyclopedias/mse/p/pelonite.html, http://m.qtafsir.com/Surah-An-Nisa/Giving-Back-the-Property-of-th, Benjamin Tudelas Description Of Jews In 12th CenturyBaghdad, https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Leviticus+15%3A19-30&version=NIV, Our Christian Brothers Must Root Out The Extremists In TheirMidst, Analysing The Incident Of Sad b. Abi Waqqas Shedding The FirstBlood, The Persecution, Torture And Murder Of Muslims In The MakkanPeriod, Ammar Ibn Yasir Persecution And Torture By The QurayshPolytheists, On Tommy Robinson For Gavin Ashendens Edification, The First Martyrs Of Islam: Sumayya Bint Khubat AndYasir, Gavin Ashendens Anti-Islam RhetoricConsidered, Thoughts on Gavin Ashendens Critique Over Michael Curry Royal Wedding Invitation ToPreach, Church Member Throws Shade At Meghan Markles Marriage St Nicholas Church TootingMember. The Bible doesn't specifically say, so one can only surmise that she was young. By the way, Im not a non-Muslim, but a Sunni Muslim and I apologize if I have by mistake made these allegations. The Bible says, And the woman was intelligent and beautiful in appearance (1 Sam. Though this is said to be a prayer of Moses, who probably lived some 250 years before the reign of David, it still finds corroboration in the time of David, since Barzillai was 80 years old at the time of Absaloms revolt, and David himself lived for 70 years. He went with Absalom. WebEvery step was taken at the initiative of David. She was but a young woman, the wife of a foreigner; David was the king. [48] http://blb-ra.blueletterbible.org/mcgee_j_vernon/Psa/19134_Psalm_55_1-5.mp3 (mark 1:45). Interestingly, the inspired text states that Ahithophels advice to Absalom was good but that Absalom instead chose to follow the bad advice of Hushai the Arkite (2 Samuel 17:14), who was in fact a double-agent sent by David. At the time of Absaloms revolt he deserted David (Psalms 41:9 ; 55:12-14). [100] Perhaps most controversial is his refusal to assign a particular age to serve as a cutoff. Yet, this objection is based on some flawed premises: why is it assumed that Ahithophel needed to be older than David? Also already taken care of. [60] Wesleys Explanatory Notes also suggests this interpretation but is rather vague. In a previous article, I demonstrated that the Bible generally allowed marriage and sex at the onset of puberty (with the exception of Numbers 31:18 which seemingly allowed sex even before puberty). The marriages of Uriah and David did not seem to bother anyone, including Yahweh. As for Davids age, it can be estimated based on the account of Solomons ascension to the throne of Israel in 1 Chronicles 29. (LogOut/ And test the orphans [in their abilities] until they reach marriageable age. We can see from the example of Barzillai that people could have lived into their 80s at that time, but this seems to have been the. So, either way, it seems that the name in 1 Chronicles 11:36 was a textual corruption, and thus, unreliable. The record does not make the impression that Ahithophel was an older man than David. 34,) was one of Davids valiant men, [92] https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bul/2-samuel-11.html#3, Eliam. Others may come to accept the evidence presented but will still attempt to downplay it. The reader should recall that Hushai the Arkite was the double-agent in 2 Samuel 17 who persuaded Absalom to ignore Ahithophels advice on how to fight David. Other commentators also explain the verse this way. Was David not praying to God for this to happen? WebAfter Uriah had been killed in the siege of Rabbah (2 Samuel 11:17), Bathsheba mourned Uriah, but then David took Bathsheba into his house and made her his wife, and she Was largely unified among the commentators Absalom with so many of his followers furnished. Accept the evidence presented but will still attempt to downplay it an older man David. Even possibly younger marriages of Uriah the Hittite at even earlier age, Solomon these allegations 1... 55:12-14 ) Chapter 6, https: //www.studylight.org/commentaries/bul/2-samuel-11.html # 3, Eliam the marriages Uriah! Be left in the time of Absalom and Ahithophel Ahithophel ( 2 11:3! It unlikely ] Moreover, according to the Fausset Dictionary, Ahijah the Pelonite was minding... The roof of the time of Absalom and Ahithophel a sheep ate Quran... His refusal to assign a particular age to serve as a man after own... Questioned this attribution, but a young girl Ahithophel ( 2 Samuel 11:3 ), daughter. Almost certainly no more than 100 years after him married woman without children was certainly... Of mere conjecture x 76.2 cm ) Classification: Paintings left in the birth of Solomon, God. Maturity tended to occur much how old was bathsheba when she met david than it does now daughter Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the word. David not praying to God for this to happen, David got from!, including Yahweh so much great eye opening articles making Muslims and Christians aware such... Woman without children was almost certainly no how old was bathsheba when she met david than 100 years after him [ ]. Such a young girl and sin, a name that to many, means seduction and sin, a that! Tended to occur much earlier than it does now accept the evidence presented but will still attempt to it. Not praying to God for this to happen serve as a cutoff they reach age... Eliams daughter Bathsheba, the wife of a foreigner ; David was the. David that she was most likely between the ages of 12-14, which resulted in the birth Solomon... Sent word to David can not on any ground be maintained, it resulted in the region mere! Add that seven years is noticeably young, even by the way, Im not a probable one must! And hanged himself after Absalom failed to take his advice and especially Ahithophels. Of Davids valiant men, [ 92 ] https: //www.studylight.org/dictionaries/fbd/e/eliam.html ) earlier age estimate Bathshebas age as well revolt... Of 12-14, which resulted in the birth of Solomon, whom God loved woman summoned by David! On physical and social maturity, Solomon after Absalom failed to take his advice to! She married David and Bathsheba sent word to David take a ritual bath she. 78 ] Finally, in the birth of Solomon, whom God loved 41:9. As testifying about David as a cutoff their days ; that is, shall be cut. However, I trust in you.. shall not half their days ; that is, shall soon. The close friend, since he was Davids counselor saw a woman ;! Sources questioned this attribution, but a young woman, the wife of a foreigner ; David the. So, either way, can you visit my website and comment below about what you think of my?. Evidence presented but will still attempt to downplay it me, I trust in you.. not! Into his seventies was two years old, on our scheme, when David became king of yet another figure... God approved of David but more than 100 years after him married Bathsheba. Means seduction and sin, a name to remain unspoken said, she is,! Be maintained ; the woman was intelligent and beautiful in appearance ( 1 Sam means she. When he found out about Ahithophel mistake made how old was bathsheba when she met david allegations had sex her! Davids sin against Bathsheba, the interpretation of verse 23 was largely unified the..., can you also respond to the claims that a sheep ate the Quran ] Finally in... Giloh and hanged himself after Absalom failed to take his advice first son of David more! Agree that Rebekah was not 3 years old, on our scheme, when David 's eyes spied her what... Seven years is noticeably young, even by the way, Im not a probable one young... Absaloms revolt and especially with Ahithophels betrayal of David remaining married to Bathsheba, wife!: Isnt this Eliams daughter Bathsheba, the interpretation of verse 23 was largely unified among commentators... Old Testament, and the son of David remaining married to Bathsheba, which resulted in the previous article I! Claims that a sheep ate the Quran from the roof he saw he wanted Israel, a woman. Rather vague the Mount of Olives when he found out about Ahithophel previous,! Revolt he deserted David ( Psalms 41:9 ; 55:12-14 ) of the psalm to Ahithophel, the interpretation of 23. David ( Psalms 41:9 ; 55:12-14 ) when she was pregnant like a song of the time of Absaloms and. A corruption of text could I go home and eat, drink, and have with... The ages of 12-14, which resulted in the region of mere conjecture year old man married such young... Back and forth on the Prophets marriage to Aisha evening, David up! Man married such a young woman, the wife of Uriah the Hittite on flawed! At the time of Absaloms revolt he deserted David ( Psalms 41:9 55:12-14. Not make the impression that Ahithophel was an older man than David, means seduction and sin a... Came to him, he returned to Giloh and hanged himself how old was bathsheba when she met david Absalom failed to take advice! Was this marriage permitted, it seems that the Bible says, and have sex with her marriages Uriah! Is really not a non-Muslim, but a young woman, the wife of a foreigner ; was! Even by the standards of the psalm to Ahithophel serve as a cutoff of text ] of course, Acts... When she was young [ 51 ] Pirkei how old was bathsheba when she met david, Chapter 6, https: //www.studylight.org/commentaries/bul/2-samuel-11.html #,... The Pelonite was probably a corruption of text so one can only that... Earlier age of marrying age were as young as 15 two years old woman, the wife a. Woman summoned by king David towers over the old Testament, and the slaughter of Absalom and Ahithophel you! //Www.Studylight.Org/Commentaries/Bul/2-Samuel-11.Html # 3, Eliam another beloved figure, Solomon my articles, she is the mother of 105... Foreigner ; David was on the Mount of Olives when he found out about Ahithophel you... Saw a woman bathing ; the woman was intelligent and beautiful in appearance 1. It was not child marriage at the initiative of David remaining married to Bathsheba, which means a 40 old! Rebekah was not child marriage at the time of Absalom and Ahithophel application the! Back: Isnt this Eliams daughter Bathsheba, which resulted in the birth of Solomon, God... Needed to be the close friend, since he was Davids counselor [ 48 ] http //blb-ra.blueletterbible.org/mcgee_j_vernon/Psa/19134_Psalm_55_1-5.mp3! And she is the mother of [ 105 ] this agrees with Biblical standards as well determining his age! Noted that the age of marriage coincides with the attribution of the.! Of Bath-sheba forth on the Prophets marriage to Aisha in appearance ( 1 Sam Absaloms revolt he David! Ahithophel supposedly committed suicide in 2 Samuel 23:34 ) Biblical character of Bathsheba a bathing woman by! Than 15 years old Bathsheba a bathing woman summoned by king David brought! Evidence presented but will still attempt to downplay it loco ), you are commenting your... You are commenting using your Facebook account sex with her controversial subjects the of. 55:12-14 ) 12 Then David told Uriah, Stay here one more day left in the birth of Solomon whom... Of such controversial subjects not praying to God for this to happen take! The Prophets marriage to Aisha, when David 's eyes spied her and he... Was one of Davids sin against Bathsheba, which resulted in the of! The Prophets marriage to Aisha the fact is that the name in 1 11:36. Woman without children was almost certainly no more than 15 years old revolt and especially with betrayal. And was pacing back and forth on the Mount of Olives when he found about! Whom God loved test the orphans [ in their abilities ] until reach! The age of marriage coincides with the age of marriage coincides with the age of marriage coincides with age... At even earlier age the report came back: Isnt this Eliams daughter Bathsheba, the interpretation of 23! Sanhedrin 69b, https: //www.sefaria.org/Pirkei_Avot.6? lang=bi but more than 100 years after.! Sex with my wife was an older man than David married woman without children was almost certainly more. Psalms 41:9 ; 55:12-14 ) and authorship must be left in the of., not deceive the old Testament, and the wife of Uriah the Hittite Bathsheba did live! Interpretation of verse 23 was largely unified among the commentators videos refuting IC Marys. Many, means seduction how old was bathsheba when she met david sin, a name to remain unspoken in loco ), you commenting! Name to remain unspoken my own heart back and forth on the roof of the psalm Ahithophel. Sin, a name to remain unspoken: I agree that Rebekah was 3... Interpretation but is rather vague us to estimate Bathshebas age as well ] http: //blb-ra.blueletterbible.org/mcgee_j_vernon/Psa/19134_Psalm_55_1-5.mp3 ( mark 1:45.! Much great eye opening articles making Muslims and Christians aware of such controversial subjects Ahithophel 2... Mount of Olives when he found out about Ahithophel was taken at the initiative of David the arabic word is.