A/N Picture taken from internet search "Bathsheba from the Bible"

Bathsheba's view

As a teenager, I was feeling a multitude of emotions around the arranged marriage my Abba (father) 'Eliam' had made with 'Uriah the Hittite" who was the son of a respected Rabbi. My father told me about his friendship with Uriah and told me of his strength and integrity, despite being younger than him by a decade. They had all met whilst evading King Saul's evil plans. Uriah and my father were part of a group known as "David's Mighty Warriors". There were thirty men in this group in total, all extremely loyal to King David.

My Ee-ma (mother) expressed surprise at Abba's revelation that he had arranged a marriage with one of these thirty men. I overheard my mother and father talking.

"It had better not be one of the old men, Eliam!" Ee-ma threatened my Abba.

"No, he is not, he is pleasant looking and trustworthy!" Abba said defending his choice.

"Bathsheba will be the judge of that! I will not give my support unless she is happy with the match!" My Ee-ma decreed.

"That is fine, but I am sure that they will get along just fine," my Abba stated.

"We will see, husband," my Ee-ma agreed, "At least, he is a good person and can protect his family."

Smiling at each other my Ee-ma and Abba hugged "Trust me, they will be fine. God will care for and guide them both."

My Ee-ma rested her head on his chest and allowed the hug. Sighting me then, my Abba beckoned me and called me over, "Bathsheba!"

"Yes Abba?" I ask.

"Tomorrow you will meet the man I have arranged for you to marry. He is a fine young man in King David's army. His name is Uriah. Prepare yourself!" Abba instructed.

"Yes, Abba!" I smile courteously.

I was a little excited as I considered the young men in David's mighty warriors handsome. The handsomest was King David, but I wondered if that was because he was king or "just some fantasy of mine" because of father travelling with him in the army, sharing his stories and sending word back to us on the conditions they faced. The words were not sent very often as he did not want King Saul to endanger King David's life until it was time for him to rule. David was adamant that he was not to be king while Saul was alive.

Nevertheless, I was meeting one of the thirty tomorrow, with the prospect of being Uriah's wife! I was more than satisfied with my fathers' choice, although a little peeved as I had so little choice in the matter. I wanted to please my father and honor him so I did my best in preparations to meet my husband.

My first impression of Uriah was not that flattering. He looked so somber and serious! Yes, these things are important, but a smile at your future bride would not hurt!

Then, Uriah smiled at me and invited me by name, "Hello Bathsheba, would you like to walk around the garden with me so we might know each other a little better? Your father has said good things about you."

"Let's go," I agreed, his smile working wonders on me and I was impressed by him knowing my name.

We chatted about general things and when we returned my Abba drew me off to the side and asked me "What do you think Bathsheba? Will you be happy with him?"

"I have no objection, Abba; he seems like a nice person. I was worried when I first saw him as he seemed so serious," I stated, finally happy with my Abba's choice for me. He was pleasant young man who knew his place in the world.

So, my Abba went off to negotiate my bride price with him.

The marriage contract of me - Bathsheba [the bride] and Uriah the Hittite [the groom] began with a declaration of marriage by Uriah the Hittite to my Abba. "I came to thy house for thee to give me thy daughter, Bathsheba to wife; she is my wife and I am her husband from this day and forever."

Following this declaration of betrothal, all terms of our marriage contract was written in detail. This was where Uriah the Hittite paid Eliam, the father, five shekels, Persian standard, as a mohar for his daughter. Besides, Bathsheba received a gift of 65 1/2 shekels from Uriah the Hittite. This was a nominal payment, fulfilling the formality of our older customs.

According to the marriage contract, I had equal rights with my husband. I had my own property which I could bequeath as I pleased, and I had the right to pronounce a sentence of divorce against Uriah the Hittite, even as he had the right to pronounce it against me. All I had to do was to appear before the court of the community and declare that I had developed an aversion Uriah the Hittite. I would not dream of doing so as this was frowned upon, but I understood my father wanting to include this in it. Uriah, seemed surprised by this condition, but agreed to it anyway as being known as a Hittite was frowned upon.

My Abba said he was Jewish, but being known as a Hittite meant we were not supposed to marry. Nevertheless, I was glad for the choice although I knew that I would not need it. Uriah was surprisingly gentle and righteous, both qualities I admired.

I remained with my Abba another month before being called to my husband's house. I was considered married from the time our contract was settled in full. I had prepared my procession to be colourful and cheery, I wore the standard wedding clothes expected of me. I was nervous however, of the night to come. My mother had briefed me as best she could, teaching me the mikveh, or ritual purification needed after sex. It was the same as to what I had to do after my bleeding days. I wondered why this was the case as from what I had heard, sex was enjoyable.

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