David’s Family Troubles

David’s many wives caused him much grief. And as a result of David’s sin with Bathsheba, God said that murder would be a constant threat in his family, his family would rebel, and someone else would sleep with his wives. All this happened as the prophet Nathan had predicted. The consequences of sin affect not only us but those we know and love. Remember that the next time you are tempted to sin.

Wife

Children

What Happened

Michal (Saul's daughter)
1Sam. 18:20-28

She was childless

David gave her five nephews to the Gibeonites to be killed because of Saul's sins

Ahinoam
(from Jezreel)
1Sam. 25:43

Amnon, David's firstborn

He raped Tamar, his half sister, and was later murdered by Absalom in revenge

Maacah
(daughter of King Talmai of Geshur)
2 Sam 3:1-5

Absalom, third son

Tamar, the only daughter mentioned by name

Absalom killed Amnon for raping Tamar and then fled to Geshur. Later he returned, only to rebel against David. He set up a tent on the roof and slept with 10 of his father's concubines there. His pride led to his death

Haggith
2 Sam 3:1-5

Adonijah, fourth son. He was very handsome, but it is recorded that he was never disciplined

He set himself up as king before David's death. His plot was exposed, and David spared his life, but his half brother Solomon later had him executed

Bathsheba
2 Samuel 11, 12

Unnamed son

Died in fulfillment of God's punishment for David and Bathsheba's adultery

Bathsheba

Solomon
2 Samuel 12:24

Became the next king of Israel. Ironically, Solomon's many wives caused his downfall