Lauren Murtidjaja tackles the passage of 2 Samuel 11:1-15 — a passage we’re almost too familiar with. Yet scripture is living, moving, breathing — so Lauren jumps in to share observations from her encounter with the text. She asks what hasn’t been said about this story? To start with, why is David even here, rather than at battle with his troops as a King should be?

Next, David catches sight of Bathsheba bathing, purifying herself so that she is ready to enter the temple — a ritual bath. She is in her proper place.

The story goes on to the actions of David: he inquires about her, he sends for her, he takes her, he lays with her. Does Bathsheba have a choice? She must obey the dictates of the King. David is abusing his power — and this is rape.

So why has she been looked at as a seductress historically? Nathan’s challenge is to the actions of David.

Hear more as Lauren in the audio below.