Uriah angrily and forcefully straightened the rich and soft robe King David had given him for the night. It was Egyptian linen, sturdy stuff, but Uriah wasn’t in the least concerned about ripping the fabric. He was mad, angry with a man he wasn’t allowed to be angry with.
“Does he not understand battle any longer?” Uriah grabbed a gold chain the king had requested he wear and roughly hung it about his neck. “Does he think everyone is just sitting around in tents enjoying the sun and each other’s company? He’s no warrior. Killed a giant? This man couldn’t kill a stray dog if he was forced to. Fat. Lazy. Forgotten how to be a soldier.” The man continued to grumble as he tied the sandals he had been given, sandals that were probably made and never worn, sandals that looked pretty but would never last on any city street. Uriah sighed as if saying to himself, Just try to enjoy it, old man. It’s not often you’re asked to dine with the king.
“No, not asked,” Uriah reminded himself, rekindling his frustration, “forced.”
The prince sighed deeply and resolved to wear a smile the rest of the evening. If he couldn’t be content, he could at least pretend to be so.
But I’m still not going to enjoy this. Not while my men are sleeping on hard cots and eating wild game. Not while my general himself is sleeping in a tent baked by the sun.
Uriah walked from his room, and a smile instantly appeared on his face. Anyone could tell it was a fake smile, but it was a smile nonetheless.
The meal with the king was certainly luxurious and plentiful, the finest foods served while dancers spun about the room and musicians played their instruments. Even the guests were at least slightly interesting; Uriah, in fact, was sitting across from the commander of Tyre’s navy, an interesting man whose name was immediately forgotten by the soldier. And yet, despite all the niceties, the food dragged on and on, the conversations grew repetitive, and the music became a mere annoyance to Uriah’s ears. His stomach was satisfied, his thirst had been quenched, and he was more than ready to get back to his men. In fact, if the night sky was still clear, Uriah made up his mind to leave this very night, as soon as he gave the king news of the siege.
It was a long time before the meal drew to a close, and Uriah was tired from his long day of riding. Still, as the last of the guests exited with their armies of servants, the prince walked to David, still reclining on cushions on the floor.
“My King,” Uriah began, “I have news of the siege on Rabbah.”
“Uriah, Uriah,” David silenced the man, “I’m tired. Now is not the time to tell me facts and numbers. I’ve surely had too much wine. How am I supposed to remember anything you tell me?” King David sat up, his alert eyes telling Uriah he was not so tired or so drunk as he had claimed. “No, Uriah, we will speak tomorrow, when we are both rested and refreshed from a night of sleeping in a soft bed. Now, go home like my other guests. I’m sure your wife is hoping to see you as much as you’re hoping to see her. Go home to her, Uriah. We will speak in the morning.” With those words, King David rose and left the dining hall.
Tags: 2 Samuel, David, honor, Old Testament, sacrifice, Uriah
