26 When the wife of Uriah heard that Uriah her husband was dead, she made lamentation for her husband.
*Minor differences ignored. Grouped by changes, with first version listed as example.
Bath-sheba's mourning, like that of Abigail 1-Samuel 25:39-42, was probably limited to the customary time of seven days.
She mourned for her husband - The whole of her conduct indicates that she observed the form without feeling the power of sorrow.
She lost a captain and got a king for her spouse; this must have been deep affliction indeed: and therefore: -
- Lachrymas non sponte cadentes Effudit;
gemitusque expressit pectore laeto.
"She shed reluctant tears,
and forced out groans from a joyful heart.
And when the wife of Uriah heard that Uriah her husband was dead,.... The news of which were soon sent her by David, though it is very probable she knew nothing of the plot to take away his life; and, besides, David chose to have his death published abroad as soon as possible, the more to hide his sin:
she mourned for her husband; expressed tokens of mourning by shedding tears, putting on a mourning habit, seeing no company, and this continued for the space of seven days, it may be, 1-Samuel 31:13; as little time as possible was spent in this way, and the marriage hastened, that the adultery might not be discovered.
*More commentary available at chapter level.