Did Uriah Lose?
Your servant Uriah the Hittite is dead.” - 2 Samuel 11:24
Uriah (2 Samuel 11) was an Old Testament character who was incredibly loyal to God, King David, God’s people, and the soldiers who served with him. He was one of David’s “Mighty Men” and a military leader with complete integrity. He embodied the qualities that Jesus would later exemplify.
David, full of sin and pride, murdered him after David raped his wife, and she became pregnant. Uriah’s unwavering integrity prevented David from achieving an easy cover-up and so David killed him. So, how do we find comfort when looking at Uriah or Bathsheba (Uriah’s wife)?
This type of story inflames my emotions to the point where I end up fixating on David and not Uriah. David’s crime was so heinous that it is difficult for me to get past it. But if we focus on Uriah, we might find hope.
Uriah’s story urges us to consider life and death the way the Bible does. We are not confined to this brief physical existence but are here to testify to God’s goodness and depend on him in life or in death. Those without hope will often see this life as all there is. We might look at Uriah the same way we look at Stephen (Acts 6-7), who was killed due to his loyalty to Jesus. Did Stephen lose?
If we put the final emphasis on this earthly life, both Uriah and Stephen lost. It then also begs the question, did Jesus die a pointless death too? Of course not. Uriah, Stephen, and Jesus all died in faith and moved to life eternal in the presence of God. Of course, Jesus’ death transcends the other two in every way, but death is not the end and it opens the door to eternal reward.
Uriah’s death shines brightly three thousand years later. He is a means through which the Holy Spirit shows us what Jesus is like – faithful to the end and a model of how to live and die. Uriah did not lose but rather was a victor.
Jesus, you are worth more than anything we can give. Thank you for the testimony of Uriah, Stephen, and so many others who were faithful because you were faithful. Please cause me to see you more clearly.
Song: Blessed Be Your Name