(Cont’d. )
To kill Uriah? David’s conscience screamed at him!
Well, Uriah asked for it, he left him with no choice – David justified what he was about to do. He had to protect Bathsheba and at the same time protect himself and cover his tracks. He was desperate.
But what would happen to Bathsheba if her husband was killed? Who would take care of her? She would be alone with the child, or marry another man who would raise the child as his.
No, he couldn’t allow that to happen for two reasons. One, the child in her womb was his, and two, how could he allow another man to marry her – that beautiful woman? No, not after knowing her! He must have her. That way, he would have both the woman he liked and his baby in her womb.
He made up his mind, Uriah must die! If he didn’t, David would lose both the woman and child. He must have them, he didn’t care whose ox was gored, he was the king! Besides, no one would suspect anything. Everything would be fine.
What about Joab? He thought.
If he had to, he would give Joab an excuse for killing Uriah when he returned. He would also make sure he was well rewarded to seal his lips.
Now, who would take the letter to Joab?
He thought of who to send. Why not Uriah himself? If the letter was sealed and he gave him strict instructions, he would deliver it to Joab intact. To send his death warrant through him? What if he opened it? David thought about it for a while before shaking his head. He doubted that Uriah would open it. He would give the letter to him.
With that decided he sat down and began to write a letter to Joab.
Put Uriah out in front where the fighting is fiercest. Then withdraw from him so he will be struck down and die.
When he finished, he sealed the letter and summoned Uriah.
When he came, David said to him, “I learnt you still did not go to your house to sleep.”
“No, my lord.”
David smiled a little. “But I can’t understand it. Don’t you miss your wife?”
“I do but she will be there. She will wait until I return with the other men. I cannot do such a thing at this time.”
David nodded in agreement. “Good, good. You’re truly a soldier.” Then he held the letter out to him. “I want you to give this to Joab.”
“Yes, my lord.” Uriah said, taking it from him.
David talked with him some more, and then Uriah left.
Not knowing whether to be happy or sad at what he had just done, David sighed.
He wouldn’t have done it if Uriah had cooperated with him. He caused it. And a man’s got to do what a man’s got to do – he told himself.
(To be continued)
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