King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 11:14 Mean?

2 Samuel 11:14 in the King James Version says “And it came to pass in the morning, that David wrote a letter to Joab, and sent it by the hand of Uriah.” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And it came to pass in the morning, that David wrote a letter to Joab, and sent it by the hand of Uriah.”

2 Samuel 11:14 · KJV

Context

12

And David said to Uriah, Tarry here to day also, and to morrow I will let thee depart. So Uriah abode in Jerusalem that day, and the morrow.

13

And when David had called him, he did eat and drink before him; and he made him drunk: and at even he went out to lie on his bed with the servants of his lord, but went not down to his house.

14

And it came to pass in the morning, that David wrote a letter to Joab, and sent it by the hand of Uriah.

15

And he wrote in the letter, saying, Set ye Uriah in the forefront of the hottest battle, and retire ye from him, that he may be smitten, and die. hottest: Heb. strong from him: Heb. from after him

16

And it came to pass, when Joab observed the city, that he assigned Uriah unto a place where he knew that valiant men were.

Read 2 Samuel 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And it came to pass in the morning, that David wrote a letter to Joab, and sent it by the hand of Uriah.

This verse contributes to the narrative of David and Bathsheba, emphasizing devastating consequences of sin. David's adultery with Bathsheba and murder of Uriah represent the nadir of his reign. The Hebrew narrative's sparse, matter-of-fact reporting heightens the horror. The phrase "but the thing that David had done displeased the LORD" (v. 27) marks divine displeasure. This chapter demonstrates that even "a man after God's own heart" can fall catastrophically when neglecting spiritual disciplines and succumbing to temptation. Cross-references to Psalm 51 reveal David's repentance.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The historical setting of 2 Samuel 11 occurs during David's reign (circa 1010-970 BCE) over Israel's united monarchy. Archaeological discoveries, including the Tel Dan inscription mentioning the 'House of David,' corroborate biblical historicity. Ancient Near Eastern customs regarding devastating consequences of sin provide crucial background. The geopolitical situation involved regional powers—Philistines, Ammonites, Arameans, Moabites, Edomites—as David consolidated and expanded Israel's territory. Cultural practices concerning kingship, warfare, covenant relationships, family dynamics, and religious observance differed significantly from modern Western contexts, requiring careful attention to avoid anachronistic interpretation while extracting timeless theological principles applicable across cultures and eras.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage deepen your understanding of devastating consequences of sin?
  2. What does this verse reveal about God's character, and how should that shape your worship and obedience?
  3. In what specific ways can you apply this truth to your current circumstances and relationships this week?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
וַיְהִ֣י1 of 10
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

בַבֹּ֔קֶר2 of 10

“And it came to pass in the morning”

H1242

properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning

וַיִּכְתֹּ֥ב3 of 10

“wrote”

H3789

to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)

דָּוִ֛ד4 of 10

“that David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

סֵ֖פֶר5 of 10

“a letter”

H5612

properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book

אֶל6 of 10
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יוֹאָ֑ב7 of 10

“to Joab”

H3097

joab, the name of three israelites

וַיִּשְׁלַ֖ח8 of 10

“and sent”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

בְּיַ֥ד9 of 10

“it by the hand”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

אֽוּרִיָּֽה׃10 of 10

“of Uriah”

H223

urijah, the name of one hittite and five israelites

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Samuel 11:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Samuel 11:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 21:8-10Jeremiah 17:9Micah 7:3-5Psalms 52:2Jeremiah 9:1-4Psalms 62:9

Test Your Knowledge

2 Samuel 11 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Samuel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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