King David

In class on Thursday we learned about King David. King David is prevalent in the Bible, as well as biblical music, films, etc. An example of this is the story of David and Bathsheba. There are different portrayals and thoughts about this story. The way the story is told in the Bible is different from how it is portrayed in “Hollywood.” We watched a clip from a 1950s film depiction of the story which had definitely been modified for entertainment. There was a strong focus on the relationship and “chemistry” between David and Bathsheba, which we do not know for sure was there. We do not know if this was mutual, consensual adultery. Why was it okay for David to commit adultery or did he not get in trouble? Was Bathsheba committing adultery? Did she even consent to this relationship and “cheating” on her husband? We do not know these answers and with the many different portrayals of the story, there is still no clear answer. Another time we see this story in media is the song “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen. “You saw her bathing on the roof, Her beauty and the moonlight overthrew her” refers to David and Bathsheba. This story is another example of different interpretations of the Bible. There are so many different stories and portrayals and Biblical references in media.