Bathsheba's Beauty ~ A Message of Modesty

Bathsheba Mourns Her Husband by James Tissot

"And it came to pass in an eveningtide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king's house: and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman was very beautiful to look upon. And David sent and enquired after the woman. And one said, Is not this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite? And David sent messengers, and took her; and she came in unto him, and he lay with her; for she was purified from her uncleanness: and she returned unto her house. And the woman conceived, and sent and told David, and said, I am with child." 

~ 2 Samuel 11:2-5

What description does the Scriptures give to Bathsheba other than that she was "very beautiful to look upon"?  There is no inclination that she was an "intentionally" evil woman but her name is always associated with scandal.

Oh, beautiful Bathsheba! Had she known the cost of her indiscretion, would she have walked in those same steps?  Just a few moments off guard brought sin and sorrow into her life! The death of her husband and future son… (We know that sin lies also with King David but we will let the men discuss his dastardly deeds.)

Scripture doesn't portray her a wicked women as it does Jezebel or Delilah so it seems like she simply fell into folly through her careless act of exposing her womanly flesh. That is indeed what started it all. What we consider to be a minor display of skin can be a major stumbling block to our brothers in Christ.

We know that the lust of the flesh is also a huge battle in the world today! Sadly, there is so much promiscuity out there that it is not only affecting the men of the world but also the brothers in the church. We must do our part as godly women and not add to the temptation by displaying our bodies for admiration. Scriptures says that if they even think on these things, men are sinning:

"But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart." ~ Matthew 5:28

Wearing revealing clothing is the same style of sin as offering an ex-drunk, a taste of alcohal or one fighting an addiction to drugs, some heroine. You surely would not do that! So why would you offer a portion of yourself for viewing through immodest dress? We must tread delicately with our wardrobes as Scripture prescribes:

"In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works." ~ 1 Timothy 2:9-10

Had Bathsheba kept her beauty to herself and confined it to her "marriage bed" (Hebrews 13:4), many hardships and evils would have been removed from history. Of course, she may have not noticed she had an audience but a view from his side almost implies that if she was a cautious woman, she would have noticed prior to disrobing what could be seen from her side.  We wouldn't get undressed with our curtain or shades up, would we? 

Simply said, revealing the beauty of our bodies is a stumbling block for men and God is very careful to warn us about this.

"So then each of us shall give account of himself to God. Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way." ~ Romans 14:12-14

Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak." ~ 1 Corinithians 8:9 

If eating meat was going to be a stumbling block for people (1 Corinthians 8:13), then Apostle Paul would have given it up less the weaker vessel stumble! Our love for our brothers in Christ can surely show through the giving up of low-cut, clingy shirts, tight fitting, and revealing clothing!

I hear many women put the blame on the men themselves saying that "they shouldn't be looking anyway", but why wear such clothes if that isn't exactly what you want them to do? (My intention is not to be harsh but to question the motivation behind dressing in an alluring way.)

Married Maidens

I have read a lot from the married sisters claiming that they dress as they do to please their husband (and it can sound like a godly concept) however, have they ever considered that they may be pleasing someone else's husband as well? Dress to please God!

Single Sisters

It is probably very enticing to dress to attract a spouse, however, the same situations applies to you. Are you not a "woman professing good works"? Of course, you want to present yourself in a feminine and fresh way but there is a difference between a pretty, Christian maiden dressing properly for God and a vixen who is using her wiles as a tool to attract admiration. The physical beauty of your flesh will one day grow old and you want to be bound with a man who is attracted to your pious character. You don't want to blind them with eye candy when you have so much more to offer.  Yes, I realize "chemistry" is a huge factor in finding a mate, but a sweet smile and sparkling eyes are very attractive features to display without compromising the word of God.

Bathsheba's Beauty

So, being beautiful wasn't truly Bathsheba's problem, it was the fact that she revealed it in front of another man who did not belong to her. Yes, she was on her own property, but boundaries of modesty are not given (except in the case of the "marriage bed" between a husband and wife of course!).

Dear sisters in Christ,

I pray you consider the word of God and choose to serve Him each day by dressing and conducting yourself like a "woman professing good works" for...

"Strength and honour are her clothing;

and she shall rejoice in time to come."

~ Proverbs 31:25

This post may be shared with some or all of the following link-ups: The Art of Home-Making Mondays, Modest Mom Monday's, Monday's Musings, Titus 2sdays, Titus 2 Tuesdays, Teach Me Tuesday, Raising Homemakers, Make Bake Create, Wise Woman Link Up, Christian Homemaking, So Much at Home, Homemaking Thursdays, Hearts for Home Thursdays, and Growing in Grace Thursdays. Thank you lovely ladies for hosting these.