BATHSHEBA

also spelled Bethsabee, in the Old Testament (2 Samuel 11, 12; 1 Kings 1, 2), wife of Uriah the Hittite; she later became one of the wives of King David and the mother of King Solomon. Bathsheba was a daughter of Eliam and was probably of noble birth. A beautiful woman, she was seduced by David and became pregnant. David then had Uriah killed and married her. Their first child died, but Bathsheba later gave birth to Solomon. When David was dying, Bathsheba successfully conspired with the prophet Nathan to block Adonijah's succession to the throne and to win it for Solomon. Strong-willed and fearless, she occupied an influential position as the queen mother.