Uriah’s Loyalty
Uriah, however, did not go home to be with his wife, even though King David gave him the opportunity. Instead, he chose to sleep at the entrance of the palace alongside the king’s servants. When David asked him why he didn’t go home, Uriah explained his reasoning. He said that the Ark of the Covenant, which represented God’s presence, was in a tent, and the army of Israel—including his fellow soldiers and his commander, Joab—were all out in the open fields, enduring hardship. Given this, Uriah felt it would be unfair and dishonorable for him to go home, enjoy the comforts of his house, and be with his wife while his comrades were still on the battlefield.
2 Samuel 11:11 – “Uriah said to David, ‘The ark and Israel and Judah are staying in tents, and my commander Joab and my lord’s men are camped in the open fields. How could I go to my house?'”