Son of my vows

We are all aware that Solomon built the magnificent temple in Jerusalem which was later destroyed by the Romans in 70AD. Solomon asked God for wisdom; he requested 'an understanding heart to discern between good and evil'. 1Kings 3:9. God answered his prayer and Solomon became the wisest man who ever lived. He wrote the book of Proverbs and in his famous discourse about the virtuous woman, we find mention of his mother, Bathsheba. She called him the son of her vows. Prov 31:2. Solomon described an 'excellent wife' in quite some detail. She had abundant insight and courage and demonstrated great initiative in her family and community. The heart of her husband safely trusted in her, and her children blessed her. Prov 31:11, 28. As Solomon was married to foreign women who turned his heart away from the Lord, we can only assume that the inspiration for the 'virtuous woman' or 'excellent wife' was his mother. 1 Kings 11:4.

As we consider the life of Bathsheba, we find a life marred by sin, abuse and devastating personal loss. She was seduced by King David when she was already married to Uriah the Hittite. Her husband was a loyal and trusted soldier in David's army, having abandoned his own country and culture. To cover his sin, David conspired to have Uriah killed at the battlefront. 2 Sam 11:15. He subsequently married Bathsheba but their baby son died soon after birth as a discipline for David's transgression. Bathsheba's marriage was founded on adultery and murder and yet Solomon became the son of her vows. How was she able to make meaningful vows to David after his terrible breach of her trust? He was the king, the shepherd of Israel; he was supposed to lead and protect his people. Instead, David violated a young married woman at a time when he should have been away at war leading his men. 2 Sam 11:1. Despite all this, Bathsheba became a committed and trusted marriage partner. We know David greatly esteemed his wife because he heeded her request for Solomon to succeed him when there were other worthy contenders. 1Kings 1:30. We can imagine Bathsheba being fully supportive of David's generous contribution toward the building of the temple, just as wives today enable their husbands' offerings.

Bathsheba recovered from her sin and pain to become the virtuous woman described in Proverbs 31. We can assume she was the source or at least the inspiration for Solomon's account of a godly woman, but we don't often think of her in this way. We may have considered her to be a helpless victim or perhaps a foolish or immoral person. However she may have begun, Bathsheba made an amazing recovery. Her story is an inspiration and encouragement to all who have suffered. She was able to support her husband and train her son. She offered wise counsel regarding his conduct as king and instructed him to find an excellent wife. Bathsheba identified the attributes of a virtuous woman to Solomon through word and example.

Sue Falk

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Feature Articles
May 2009

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Son of my vows