Isn't This Bathsheba?: A Study in Characterization

by Sara M. Koenig

Bathsheba is undeniably a minor character in the biblical plotline, appearing in only four chapters in Samuel and Kings combined, and even therein saying and doing very little. Thus she is often ignored or mentioned merely parenthetically. When Bathsheba has been considered, she has been depicted in a myriad of ways on the spectrum from helpless victim to hapless seductress. In fact, with so many different interpretations of her throughout the centuries, it is easy to find oneself asking, along with the anonymous informant in 2 Sam 11:3, "Isn't this Bathsheba" This study argues that while she is a minor character, Bathsheba is complex and positive, and shows development from when she first appears in Samuel to when she fades out of the story in Kings. Koenig compares close and careful reading of Bathsheba in the Masoretic Text with the story as it appears in the versions of the Septuagint, the Peshitta, and the Targum of Jonathan. In those versions, Bathsheba's characterization as a complex, generally positive individual and as a character who shows development remains consistent with the Masoretic Text: not in spite of the changes from the Hebrew into Greek, Syriac, and Aramaic, but because of them. This study also considers how Bathsheba is portrayed in early Jewish interpretations from Josephus, the Talmud, and rabbinic Midrash. Even there, the portrayal of Bathsheba is rich and positive. Studying Bathsheba's character has implications for a broader understanding of how texts are read, how meanings are gathered, and how characters are built.

200 pages, Paperback

First published November 8, 2011

Reviews

[Carmen Imes]

Dr. Koenig offers a measured reexamination of Bathsheba, who has been variously characterized as a seductress, a simpleton, and a pious victim. Koenig offers a close reading of the two passages where Bathsheba appears (2 Sam 11-12 and 1 Kings 1-2) as well as an examination of how ancient versions add to her characterization.

This book is not agenda-driven and does not read as a radical re-interpretation. Koenig weighs in on the question of whether the incident with David should be called adultery or rape. Consent is the determining factor for adultery, but the characterization of Bathsheba is ambiguous -- we have no clear evidence of consent, but no decisive evidence against it either. She seems to be characterized positively, but as a complex character.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice digging into the complexity of Bathsheba as a minor character. Author makes case that Bathsheba, although minor, is complex, generally positively portrayed, and develops from 2 Sam to 1 Kgs. Comparative reading from MT, LXX, Midrash, Targums, and other ancient sources supports the thesis. Easy to read, extensive bibliography.