Character Study on Uriah in Social Context

2 Samuel 11:1-13  : Uriah the Hittite was a soldier in king David’s army mentioned in the Hebrew Bible. He was the husband of Bathsheba, and was murdered by order of David by having the soldiers retreat from him in battle. Uriah's wife was pregnant by King David through an adulterous affair. Although under David's order to return home and see his wife, Uriah repeatedly refused to leave his post or leave the King's presence to see her. Contact between the couple could have hidden the adulterous nature of her pregnancy by David. We are called and invited to analyze the courageous act of Uriah and his reluctance to be away from his responsibility. 

In order to hide his own mistake, David makes an attempt to send Uriah to his house from the battlefield so that all may come to know that it would be the offspring of Uriah. Uriah, however, being the patriotic warrior that he was, refused to indulge in matrimonial pleasure so long as his comrades-in-arms were “encamped in the open field,” and thus deprived of similar domestic enjoyment. Frustrated, David then sought to intoxicate the soldier, to break down his resistance, that he might go down to his wife and so cover the illegitimate conception. But, again, Uriah “went not down to his house.”

The continuous refusal of Uriah shows his patriotic zeal and his dedication towards his work as a warrior. Even when he was motivated by David the one who has authority over Uriah, he had the courage to say that he will not do such thing. This provides us about his loyalty the work which he has been entrusted to him. He was not worried of his own personal and selfish interests but he was worried of his companions in the field. Uriah shows us a best example to be responsible in our duties that are entrusted to us. But when we think of today’s condition in the society seems to be strange and conflict to the responsible behaviour of Uriah. We come across may news such as getting bribe, neglecting their duties, showing partiality to the ones who are in high authority and on. Because of pleasing mentality and personal gain many government employees involve in such activities that have been mentioned above. The corruption issue in 2G Spectrum and Commonwealth games show the pitiable condition of the society.  All these things happen because certain officials don’t fulfil their duty responsibly and faithfully. As a result they are sold for money and for certain gains. Recently namely Rajan who was in the CBCI section was arrested by the CBCI itself for the reason that he had got bribe Rs 2, 00,000. Thus responsible authorities get distracted from their ways and responsibilities without worrying about the welfare of others.

Reflection:  The best way to avoid such things that have been mentioned above is through fulfilling our responsibility and duty asUriah. Being selfish will destroy the happiness of others. The real happiness is in serving others. Do all those who work under the Government or under any private sector how much they are loyal and responsible in their work? The need of the hour is to show care and concern for others. This is possible also by doing our own responsibility by not yielding to the power and position. We are expected to say that we will never do such things Uriah said.  

Wherever we may be under various circumstances but we need to imbibe the quality of being responsible in the works that have been entrusted to us. It may be of the small work but the fruit of that little work will be beneficial for others. Life with conviction speaks lot of volumes to the forthcoming generation also. The greatest personalities in the history are the ones who have acted responsibly and sincerely. As we have been called to continue the mission of Christ, we need to have the guts to say no I will ever do such things that are against our goal and destiny. This will be better lesson for others also to be responsible in their duties. Therefore let us try our best to be responsible and sincere in our duties even amidst lot of temptation and trials.

-  Bro. Satheesh Yesu Doss, I Year Theology, Bangalore