Bathsheba (46 page)
Authors: Jill Eileen Smith
Note from the Author
The biblical account of David and Bathsheba’s story contains more details than I could flesh out in this book. How David acquired the land to build the temple, for instance, and how Absalom was killed are some of the things I chose to leave out in order to create a more solidified picture of my main characters’ lives. Much research has gone into the study of these passages, but as always, any inaccuracies in historical or biblical detail are my own. I would encourage you to read 2 Samuel 7 through 1 Kings 2, along with 1 Chronicles 17–29 to get the full picture of their lives.
To you, dear readers, a prayer:
Lord, these really aren’t my stories. You immortalized King David and his wives in the pages of Your Word. All I did was imagine how things might have been. But in the imagining, I pray that I have given hope to Your people, the men and women who will read these words.
To those who have fallen far from Your grace as David and Bathsheba once did, let them know that with You, there is forgiveness.
To those who are lonely and desperate and think that life will be better if only this or that would change, give them Your contentment.
To those who are angry or fearful or estranged from Your love, give them grace and peace to know You.
Let those who read Bathsheba’s story come away changed for having known her. Let her life resonate with the theme of redemption and grace as only You can give.
To all who will read these words, thank you for giving of your time to this story. May you know the love of God, who loved David and Bathsheba in spite of what they did, and who loves you just the same.
In His grace,
Jill Eileen Smith
Acknowledgments
Though a writer may work alone getting the initial words down on paper (or computer screen), a book is never produced by one person. Without the many people who have given of their time, expertise, and prayers, my words would have never seen print. To thank them seems like an understatement, but I will do so anyway, from the bottom of my heart.
To the team at Revell—I love working with you! You all have made my publishing experience one of great gratitude and joy. As Paul said to the Philippians, “I thank my God every time I remember you.”
Special thanks to Lonnie Hull DuPont for loving
Bathsheba
as much as I do, and to Jessica Miles for helping me make this book the best it can be! To Cheryl Van Andel for another fabulous cover. If covers sell books, your designs would not need any words! To Twila, Michele, Claudia, Deonne, and the rest of the marketing/publicity team—I am in your debt. Thank you for believing in my work.
To Wendy Lawton, agent extraordinaire—I have to say it, we make a great team! I’m so grateful God put you in my life.
Jill Marie—we finished another one! I will always be grateful for the day God made us friends. Thank you for reading the first 40,000 words and telling me the truth. Starting over was tough but well worth the effort. The story rings true to me now.
A special thank-you to Dean Stengl for helping me understand Uriah’s military mind-set and how he could ignore David’s insistence that he go home to his wife. Your advice was most appreciated!
A special thank-you as well to Sarah Andreski for giving me insight into the heart of a military family and what it feels like to have your loved ones in danger and far from home.
To my family and friends and faithful prayer partners—I hope you know how much I appreciate and love you!
Randy—there are no heroes or kings who can compare to you. King David was an amazing man and a favorite Bible hero whom I look forward to meeting in heaven someday, but he doesn’t come close to your character, your devotion, and your faithfulness. Writing this series has reminded me of just what a great man I have!
Jeff, Chris, and Ryan—my beloved sons and some great storytellers in your own right. I like to think you were doomed to love stories from birth—since Dad and I began reading to you before you could talk. Wherever life takes you, I will always treasure that we share this passion. And you know, you are always close in heart and prayer.
Adonai Yeshua, Lord Jesus, I love You. Thank You for giving us King David’s story.
Jill Eileen Smith
is the bestselling author of
Michal
and
Abigail
, books 1 and 2 in the Wives of King David series. When she isn’t writing, she enjoys spending time with her family—in person, over the webcam, or by hopping a plane to fly across the country. She can often be found reading Christian fiction, testing new recipes, grabbing lunch with friends, or snuggling one or both of her adorable cats. She lives with her family in southeast Michigan.
To learn more about Jill or the Wives of King David series, visit
http://www.jilleileensmith.com
or
http://www.thewivesofkingdavid.com
. You can also contact Jill at
[email protected]
. She loves hearing from her readers.
