King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 11:6 Mean?

2 Samuel 11:6 in the King James Version says “And David sent to Joab, saying, Send me Uriah the Hittite. And Joab sent Uriah to David.” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And David sent to Joab, saying, Send me Uriah the Hittite. And Joab sent Uriah to David.”

2 Samuel 11:6 · KJV

Context

4

And David sent messengers, and took her; and she came in unto him, and he lay with her; for she was purified from her uncleanness: and she returned unto her house. for she: or, and when she had purified herself, etc, she returned

5

And the woman conceived, and sent and told David, and said, I am with child.

6

And David sent to Joab, saying, Send me Uriah the Hittite. And Joab sent Uriah to David.

7

And when Uriah was come unto him, David demanded of him how Joab did, and how the people did, and how the war prospered. how Joab: Heb. of the peace of, etc

8

And David said to Uriah, Go down to thy house, and wash thy feet. And Uriah departed out of the king's house, and there followed him a mess of meat from the king. followed: Heb. went out after him

Read 2 Samuel 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And David sent to Joab, saying, Send me Uriah the Hittite. And Joab sent Uriah to David.

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
וַיִּשְׁלַ֥ח1 of 15

“saying Send”

H7971

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

דָּוִֽד׃2 of 15

“And David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

אֶל3 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יוֹאָ֛ב4 of 15

“And Joab”

H3097

joab, the name of three israelites

וַיִּשְׁלַ֥ח5 of 15

“saying Send”

H7971

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

אֵלַ֔י6 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֶת7 of 15
H853

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

אֽוּרִיָּ֖ה8 of 15

“Uriah”

H223

urijah, the name of one hittite and five israelites

הַֽחִתִּ֑י9 of 15

“the Hittite”

H2850

a chittite, or descendant of cheth

וַיִּשְׁלַ֥ח10 of 15

“saying Send”

H7971

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

יוֹאָ֛ב11 of 15

“And Joab”

H3097

joab, the name of three israelites

אֶת12 of 15
H853

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

אֽוּרִיָּ֖ה13 of 15

“Uriah”

H223

urijah, the name of one hittite and five israelites

אֶל14 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

דָּוִֽד׃15 of 15

“And David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

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 11:6 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 11:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 28:13Matthew 26:70Genesis 38:18-23Isaiah 29:13Job 20:12-14Matthew 26:72

Test Your Knowledge

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

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