2 Samuel 23 · a question people ask
Why does the list end with Uriah the Hittite?
The chapter doesn't say. The list ends, "and Uriah the Hittite: thirty-seven in all" (23:39), and adds nothing about him. The book has already told his story: David took his wife (11:3-4), and wrote to Joab to set Uriah where he would be struck (11:14-15), and "Uriah the Hittite died also" (11:17). Uriah had refused to go home while "The ark, Israel, and Judah, are staying in tents" (11:11). 1 Chronicles has him in its list too, "Uriah the Hittite" (1 Chronicles 11:41), but not last: more names follow him (1 Chronicles 11:41-47). The text makes no comment on where his name falls, and neither do these notes.
The verses
“and Uriah the Hittite: thirty-seven in all.”
“David sent and inquired after the woman. One said, “Isn’t this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, Uriah the Hittite’s wife?” David sent messengers, and took her; and she came in to him, and he lay with her (for she was purified from her uncleanness); and she returned to her house.”
“Uriah said to David, “The ark, Israel, and Judah, are staying in tents; and my lord Joab and the servants of my lord are encamped in the open field. Shall I then go into my house to eat and to drink, and to lie with my wife? As you live, and as your soul lives, I will not do this thing!””
“In the morning, David wrote a letter to Joab and sent it by the hand of Uriah. He wrote in the letter, saying, “Send Uriah to the forefront of the hottest battle, and retreat from him, that he may be struck and die.” When Joab kept watch on the city, he assigned Uriah to the place where he knew that valiant men were. The men of the city went out and fought with Joab. Some of the people fell, even of David’s servants; and Uriah the Hittite died also.”