The world was vastly different back then. She gave birth to a son, and they named him Solomon. [1] In this follow-up article, I will present powerful evidence that will silence the rabid Christians who criticize Muhammads marriage to Aisha, inshaAllah. David, (flourished c. 1000 bce), second ruler of the united kingdom of ancient Israel and Judah. There is disagreement among the experts as to what age that should be. Bathsheba did not take a ritual bath when she was spied on. The estimation of Bathshebas age is indeed based primarily on the interpretation of Psalm 55, and especially verse 23 (see objection #2 below). In the case of Ahithophel, not only was his wise council rejected by Absalom (55:9), he also committed met a violent and untimely death by suicide (55:23). It should also be pointed out that there is no indication that Bathshebas marriage to either Uriah or David was seen as abnormal or immoral. In an effort to conceal his sin, David summoned Uriah from the army (with whom he was on campaign) in the hope that Uriah would have sex with her and think that the child belonged to him. This elite group also included Uriah the Hittite (v. 39). [48] http://blb-ra.blueletterbible.org/mcgee_j_vernon/Psa/19134_Psalm_55_1-5.mp3 (mark 1:45). She was most likely between the ages of 12-14, which means a 40 year old man married such a young girl. This is the thing that really hurt David, is that Absalom had turned against him., [35] https://www.studylight.org/commentary/psalms/55-13.html, as mine equal: i.e. [80] Some others do question the identification of Bathshebas father with Eliam the son of Ahithophel but do not provide concrete evidence. Even if we grant a new upper limit, 90 years, that does not improve the situation for embarrassed Christian apologists. Since this is now firmly established, we may ask what relevance it has in determining Bathshebas age at the time of her marriage to David. But Uriah was unwilling to violate the ancient kingdom rule applying to warriors in active service. Why is it assumed that a 3040 years old Ahithophel could not have a granddaughter? [76] Moreover, he did not live in the time of David but more than 100 years after him. As far as I am aware, this evidence has not been discussed before in Muslim-Christian debates, so it is completely new (though it is not a new discovery). This illustrates that Ahithophel was probably a young man (Source: This brings us to the most crucial point of our academic journey of determining Ahithophels age. King David at once confessed his sin and expressed sincere repentance. on 2 Samuel 11:3, and 1 Chronicles 3:5) is that the two Eliams are the same person. [28], David summoned Bathsheba for sex. The Lord loved him; 25 and because the Lord loved him, he sent word through Nathan the prophet to name him Jedidiah. David had multiple wives already, and Bathsheba was married to Uriah Bathsheba was uncovered (bathing) within sight of the palace, and should have known In turn, to determine her age at the time of Solomons (David and Bathshebas second son) birth, we need to first determine Solomons age at the time of Ahithophels death. Some Bible dictionaries mention both Eliams without any additional information. The couple had concluded the marriage contract when Aisha was only six but had waited to consummate the marriage until she reached physical maturity.. [34] He is no longer able to control his family, and ends up being overthrown by Absalom. [24], Another hadith narrated from Shia scholars states that Ali Al-Ridha, during the discussions with the scholars of other religions about prophets' infallibility, asked one of them, "What do you say about David?" For example, Willis Beecher states under the entry Ahithophel in the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (emphasis ours): It is not strange that men have inferred that the son of Ahithophel was the father of Bathsheba. 7 When Uriah came to him, David asked about the welfare of Joab and the army and how the battle was going. (LogOut/ The suicide of Ahithophel, and the slaughter of Absalom with so many of his followers, furnished a striking commentary on the statement.. Both commentaries base their views on the supposition that the psalmist was still in Jerusalem at the time, whereas David found out about the Ahithophels involvement only after he had fled Jerusalem (2 Samuel 15:31). This question of succession threatens to throw the nation of Israel into civil war upon David's death. So, either way, it seems that the name in 1 Chronicles 11:36 was a textual corruption, and thus, unreliable. In the Book of Samuel, Saul, the first king of Israel, failed to reach a decisive victory against an enemy tribe, the Philistines. So David's first unnamed child with Bathsheba was 7 days old when he died. Just doing my small part, bro. Bath-sheba was the granddaughter of Ahithophel 2 Samuel 23:34., [90] https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/jtc/2-samuel-11.html#3, [91] https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/hcc/2-samuel-11.html#3, By a transposition of letters, he is called Ammiel, in 1 Paralipomenon iii. What if someone was 90 years old at the time?, Yes, this is certainly possible, but where is the evidence from the Bible? The relationship between Bathsheba and King David did not begin well. They shall live as long as the Lord of life, the righteous Judge, has appointed, with whom the number of our months is; but he has determined to cut them off by an untimely death in the midst of their days., [58] https://www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/spurgeon_charles/tod/ps055.cfm?a=533023, A wicked man never lives out half his days; for either he is cut off before he hath lived half the course of nature, or he is cut off before he hath lived a quarter of the course of his desires; either he lives not half so long as he would; and therefore let him die when he will, his death is full of terror, trouble, and confusion, because he dies out of season. While puberty could occur at such an early age, it is unlikely. He asked "so what is the story of Uriah?" Using Psalm 55:23, it would mean that Ahithophel could not have gone past the age of 45 years (note again that this is the conservative estimate). Called Ammiel, 1 Chronicles 3:5. [72] Sometime after, probably 4 years (2 Samuel 15:7) after reconciling with his father David, Absalom began his rebellion. [16] Bathsheba acts as intercessor for her subjects, delivering their petitions to the King: "Pray ask King Solomonhe will not refuse youto give me Abishag the Shunammite as my wife". Shortly after Bathsheba's first (unnamed) child by David was born, Yahweh struck it with a severe illness (2 Samuel 12:15). He betrayed David by joining Absaloms revolt. He could have been as old as 11 years if we assume that the four years in 2 Samuel 15:7 refers to the time from Absaloms return from Geshur (2+3+2+4=11). We will use two main sources for this: 2 Samuel and Psalm 55 (though other books will also be used). The admirer, King David, is not where he is supposed to be, on the battlefield with his troops, but instead has tarried at his palace. According to the chronology of 2 Samuel 1315, two years had passed since Amnon had raped his half-sister Tamar (Absaloms sister), Thus, the Talmud sages did not left out the 4 years that went by between Absalom and Davids reconciliation and the beginning of Absaloms revolt. Ironically, the evidence comes from the life of her. As told in 2 Samuel 11-12, Bathsheba was married to Uriah, one of Davids mighty men ( 2 Samuel 23:39 ). David slept with Bathsheba and arranged for Uriahs death when he discovered Bathsheba was pregnant ( 2 Samuel 11:14-27 ). The prophet Nathan rebuked David, and Bathshebas child died. Ellicotts Commentary for English Readers not only questions this interpretation but also the traditional assumption of Davidic authorship: Its date and authorship must be left in the region of mere conjecture. At the entrance to her driveway was a small lot, where a small mobile home was parked. I dont think Mohamad was saying he believes those things (?). This is where Psalm 55 comes in. Rather, by the onset of puberty, they were adults and were treated as such. David was sinful because he had taken another mans wife, not that he had slept with a 7-year old. People were ready to take on the responsibilities of marriage and family by the time they reached puberty. A minority of scholars questioned the application of the psalm to Ahithophel. The passages in which Bath-sheba is mentioned are 2 Samuel 11:212:24, and 1 Kings 1:2both of which are parts of the oldest stratum of the books of Samuel and Kings, part of that court history of David, written by someone who stood very near the events and who did not idealize David. Absalom summoned Ahithophel to come to Hebron from his hometown of Giloh (hence, Ahithophel was known as the Gilohite). The reason is given in the genealogical tables, which show that he was the grandfather of Bathsheba, and that his son Eliam was the comrade and friend of Uriah., [27] https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/tpc/2-samuel-15.html#1, Ahithophel, the grandfather of Bathsheba (2 Samuel 15:12; 2 Samuel:3), [29] https://biblehub.com/commentaries/barnes/psalms/55.htm, [30] https://biblehub.com/commentaries/psalms/55-13.htm, [31] https://biblehub.com/commentaries/poole/psalms/55.htm, that person who was the chief contriver and promoter of this rebellion under Absalom, even to Ahithophel, of whom he spoke [in] Psalm 55:13; and though he doth not excuse the rest, as we have seen, yet he lays the chief blame upon him, and here he adds new aggravations of his treason.. Then if you perceive in them sound judgement, release their property to them.[104]. Only a minority of scholarly sources questioned this attribution, but the reasons they provided were weak (see note #49). And Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) knows best! However, that is not what I am claiming. According to 2 Samuel 15:30, David was on the Mount of Olives when he found out about Ahithophel. with 2 Samuel 23:34)., [14] https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb/2-samuel-11.html#3, Bath-sheba was the granddaughter of Ahithophel 2 Samuel 23:34., [15] https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bcc/2-samuel-12.html#1, He had no pity for the beautiful young Bathsheba whom he ordered to his bed. 8 Then David told Uriah, Go down to your house and wash your feet., Uriah left the palace, and a gift from the king was sent after him. If we assume that the four years refers to the time from the commencement of the criminal schemes (per Barnes), that means that Solomon was no older than 9 years (2+3+2+2=9). [3] An Eliam is mentioned in 2 Samuel 23:34 as the son of Ahithophel, who is described as the Gilonite. It should also be borne in mind that David was a prophet, as stated in Acts 2:30: But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne.. She is best known for the Biblical narrative in which she was summoned by King David, who had seen her bathing and lusted after her.[2]. Indeed the Talmud deduces the exact number of wives Thus, Solomon was 911 years old at the time of his great-grandfathers death. In a previous article, I demonstrated that the Bible generally allowed marriage and sex at the onset of puberty (with the exception of Numbers 31:18 which seemingly allowed sex even before puberty). Hehehe, you guys are really funny. Now, therefore, the sword will never depart from your house, because you despised me and took the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your own.[77]. However, he did not further complicate or solidify his adultery by marrying her. By the way, Im not a non-Muslim, but a Sunni Muslim and I apologize if I have by mistake made these allegations. Satan is depicted as coming in the disguise of a bird. While the enemies are not named, a man like myself, my companion, my close friend, with whom I enjoyed sweet fellowship. It is even in Sahih International. bloody and deceitful mendo not come up to. Talmud Niddah 29b; Halacha is clear, ritual bath must be done during the morning hence, there is no connection with Bathsheba who took a bath during the night (2 Samuel 11:2). Both words signify my people is Gods. This son of Achitophel (chap. From the roof he saw a woman bathing; the woman was very beautiful. He also gives 3 main reasons why it is not recommended to set a certain cutoff for basic rights, these being: This is more or less how medieval Islamic scholars dealt with the issue. Rather, Ahithophel must be the close friend, since he was Davids counselor. Because, I have proven that Allah is not moon god and I have proven also that that khayrul makereen is not something bad but something good and praiseworthy. )[25], Bathsheba's name appears in 1 Chronicles 3:5 spelled "Bath-shua", the form becomes merely a variant reading of "Bath-sheba". Also, we cannot forget that his life was the story behind the musical in the Bible known as The Book of Psalms. So says the Benson Commentary (emphasis ours): Not half so long as men ordinarily live, and as they, by the course of nature, might have lived, and as they themselves expected to live, but shall be cut off by Gods just judgment, by an untimely and violent death.[52]. But this is not reasonable. 54, or of Davids being shut up in Keilah in the time of Saul (1 Sam. Furthermore, as stated, David himself was 70 years old at the time of his death. [] This was also based on the Prophets marriage to Aisha. [68] Similarly, Smiths Bible Dictionary states that he was approximately 32 years old and died around 1023 BCE (emphasis ours): a native of Giloh, was a privy councillor of David, whose wisdom was highly esteemed, though his name had an exactly opposite signification. Also already taken care of. Second, the Chronicler seemed to indicate that Ahithophel was still alive when David was old and nearing death! The adultery scandal and the subsequent revolt by Absalom and Ahithophel would have required a clarification, but only if the author meant to refer to different people. He had no pity for Bathshebas grandfather Ahithophel, Davids trusted friend and adviser, [16] https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/dcc/2-samuel-15.html#1, Ahithophel (2 Samuel 15:12) was probably Bathshebas grandfather (2 Samuel 11:3; 2 Samuel 23:34)., [17] https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bul/2-samuel-11.html#3. So does Barnes Notes on the Bible (emphasis ours): The meaning is, that they do not live half as long as they might do, and would do, if they were not bloody and deceitful.[53]. David roused himself to action. But what if we can use the Bible to reliably estimate the age of another famous female character in the Bible: But how did the rabbis come to this conclusion if the Bible does not directly provide such information? Table 1: Age comparisons between David, Ahithophel, Solomon, and Bathsheba at different times. While there, the prophet Nathan tells David in 2 Samuel 12:8: "I would give you twice as much over," which [66] Saul also lived into his seventies. This does not directly affect the narrative concerning Bathsheba herself. Regardless, most sources reasonably identify the two Eliams as the same person, including Naves Topical Bible,[82] Eastons Bible Dictionary,[83] the American Tract Society Bible Dictionary,[84] Faussets Bible Dictionary,[85] the Holman Bible Dictionary,[86] Hastings Dictionary of the Bible,[87] and the Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature. Web24 Then David comforted his wife Bathsheba, and he went to her and made love to her. The son of Ahithophel (2 Samuel 23:34). In his commentary, Ibn Kathir stated that the age of marriage coincides with the age of puberty. 2 Samuel 5:4 David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years.. 1 Chronicles 23:1 So when David was old and full of days, he made Solomon his son king over Israel. Budde later connected it with the Jahwist document of the Hexateuch. Note that this is the most conservative estimate. So, here is a summary about Ahithophel and his role during Davids reign: If Ahithophel was Bathshebas grandfather, then determining his approximate age would allow us to estimate Bathshebas age as well. And do not give the weak-minded your property, which Allah has made a means of sustenance for you, but provide for them with it and clothe them and speak to them words of appropriate kindness. The Targum is, but thou Ahithophel; of whom the words are literally to be understood, and so they are in the Talmud (u); and mystically and typically of Judas. Omissions? Illustration of David and Bathsheba. BibleArtLibrary / Getty Images Bathsheba was King David's most famous and controversial wife, in part because their marriage came after an illicit extramarital affair at the height of David's reign over Judah and Israel (circa 1005965 BCE). Thus, when Christians say that Muhammads (peace be upon him) marriage to Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) was immoral, and if Muslims were to respond by saying well, the Biblical figures married young girls too, so they are also immoral, that would be a tu quoque fallacy. another great academic article. Even if the psalm itself did not refer to Ahithophel, the verse could still be applied to him, as he was a bloody and deceitful man (from Davids perspective) whose life was violently cut short. David married the widowed Bathsheba, but their first child died as punishment from God for Davids adultery and murder of Uriah. Strengths After repeated efforts to convince Uriah to have sexual intercourse with Bathsheba failed, king David gave the order to his general, Joab, that Uriah should be placed on the front lines of the battle, where Uriah would be more likely to die. And also, can you subscribe and follow my website? The oldest man in the Bible, after the patriarchs, was Jehoiada, who supposedly died at the age of 130 (2 Chronicles 24:15). Then she returned home. Indeed, this is highly unlikely given that Barzillai the Gileadite, who was 80 years old at the time of the revolt and was a supporter of David, was not willing to cross the Jordan river with David to go to Jerusalem from Mahanaim after Absaloms defeat and death because he was too old.[65]. Moreover, according to the, Ahijah the Pelonite appears in 2 Samuel 23:34 as Eliam the son of Ahithophel the Gilonite, of which, But David was not a role model for all times! WebHe was a younger brother of Shammuah (sometimes referred to as Shammua or Shimea), Shobab, and Solomon. Because, Im a Sunni Muslim and Im planning to debunk all anti-islamic claims and anti-islamic arguments. Other commentators also explain the verse this way. "[4] According to Michael D. Coogan, the faulting of David is made clear in the text from the very beginning: "It was springtime, the time when kings go forth to war but David remained in Jerusalem" (2 Samuel 11:1); if David had been away at war, the incident would not have taken place. [] Altogether it seems to us to relate to that mournful era when the King was betrayed by his trusted counsellor., [34] https://www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/smith_chuck/c2000_Psa/Psa_051.cfm?a=533001, Now David evidently wrote this psalm when he was fleeing from Absalom. Although Nathan is the third son raised by David and Bathsheba, he is the fourth born to Bathsheba. In a previous article, I demonstrated that the Bible generally allowed marriage and sex at the onset of puberty (with the exception of Numbers 31:18 which seemingly allowed sex even before puberty). In his commentary, Ibn Kathir stated that the age of marriage coincides with the age of puberty. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. See here for the sheep ate the Quran polemic: Could you also tell or contact the author of this article telling him that a man having a channel called Islam Critiqued claimed to have refuted or debunked the marriage of Rebekah and Isaac. Change). David, while walking on the roof of his palace, saw a very beautiful woman bathing. Im sorry for making a claim that makes you think that I was criticizing Islam. Bathsheba was a faithful wife to David. Thus, the Talmud sages did not left out the 4 years that went by between Absalom and Davids reconciliation and the beginning of Absaloms revolt.

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