King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 11:15 Mean?

2 Samuel 11:15 in the King James Version says “And he wrote in the letter, saying, Set ye Uriah in the forefront of the hottest battle, and retire ye from him, that he...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

2 Samuel 11:15 · KJV

Context

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.

17

And the men of the city went out, and fought with Joab: and there fell some of the people of the servants of David; and Uriah the Hittite died also.

Read 2 Samuel 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 15 words
וַיִּכְתֹּ֥ב1 of 15

“And he wrote”

H3789

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

בַּסֵּ֖פֶר2 of 15

“in the letter”

H5612

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

לֵאמֹ֑ר3 of 15

“saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הָב֣וּ4 of 15

“Set”

H3051

to give (whether literal or figurative); generally, to put; imperatively (reflexive) come

אֶת5 of 15
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אֽוּרִיָּ֗ה6 of 15

“ye Uriah”

H223

urijah, the name of one hittite and five israelites

אֶל7 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מוּל֙8 of 15
H4136

properly, abrupt, i.e., a precipice; by implication, the front; used only adverbially (with prepositional prefix) opposite

פְּנֵ֤י9 of 15

“in the forefront”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

הַמִּלְחָמָה֙10 of 15

“battle”

H4421

a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)

הַֽחֲזָקָ֔ה11 of 15

“of the hottest”

H2389

strong (usu. in a bad sense, hard, bold, violent)

וְשַׁבְתֶּ֥ם12 of 15

“and retire”

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

מֵאַֽחֲרָ֖יו13 of 15

“ye from him”

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

וְנִכָּ֥ה14 of 15

“that he may be smitten”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

וָמֵֽת׃15 of 15

“and die”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

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 11:15 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 11:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 12:9Psalms 51:41 Samuel 18:21Psalms 51:141 Samuel 18:171 Samuel 18:25

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