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Book of 2 Samuel - Chapter 11 - Verse 11

11:11
And Uriah said unto David, The ark, and Israel, and Judah, abide in tents; and my lord Joab, and the servants of my lord, are encamped in the open fields; shall I then go into mine house, to eat and to drink, and to lie with my wife? as thou livest, and as thy soul liveth, I will not do this thing.

Meaning

In this verse, Uriah, a loyal soldier in David's army, expresses his unwavering devotion to duty and honor. Despite being given the opportunity to go home, eat, drink, and be with his wife, Uriah refuses to indulge in these comforts while his fellow soldiers and the ark of the covenant are in tents and exposed in the open fields. This refusal demonstrates Uriah's deep sense of loyalty and integrity towards his comrades and his commitment to his responsibilities as a soldier. Uriah's dedication to duty and refusal to enjoy personal pleasures at a time of war serves as a powerful example of selflessness and sacrifice. His words reflect a strong moral character and a sense of duty that surpasses personal desires, highlighting the values of honor and loyalty that were esteemed in ancient Israelite society. Uriah's unwavering resolve not to abandon his post and his fellow soldiers exemplifies the noble qualities expected of a warrior in service to his king and his people. By upholding his principles despite temptation, Uriah sets an inspiring example of steadfastness and loyalty which continues to resonate with readers today.

Theological Overview

Uriah's response to David in this verse reflects a strong sense of loyalty and honor. By refusing to go home while his fellow soldiers were out in the open fields, Uriah shows his commitment to his duty and to the wellbeing of his comrades. The theological interpretation of this verse highlights the importance of integrity and moral righteousness in the face of temptation. Uriah's steadfastness in the face of David's request serves as a powerful example of putting God and duty above personal desires. This verse also demonstrates the value of self-sacrifice and the willingness to endure hardship for the greater good. Through Uriah's words, we are reminded of the importance of remaining faithful to our responsibilities and staying true to our principles even when faced with difficult choices.

American Standard Version

And Uriah said unto David, The ark, and Israel, and Judah, abide in booths; and my lord Joab, and the servants of my lord, are encamped in the open field; shall I then go into my house, to eat and to drink, and to lie with my wife? as thou livest, and as thy soul liveth, I will not do this thing.
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