A reading from the second book of Samuel.

At the turn of the year, when kings go out on campaign, David sent out Joop along with his officers and the army of Israel,

and they ravaged the Amarites and besieged Rabah.

David, however, remained in Jerusalem.

One evening, David rose from his siesta and strolled about on the roof of the palace.

From the roof, he saw a woman bathing, who was very beautiful.

David had inquiries made about the woman

and was told she is Peshiba, daughter of alien,

the wife of Job's armor bearer, Uriah, the Hittite.

Then David sent messengers and took her.

When she came to him, he had relations with her.

She then returned to her house, but the woman had conceived and sent the information to David. I am with child. David, therefore, sent a message to Job. Send me Uriah the Hittite. So Job sent Uriah to David. When he came, David questioned him about Job, the soldiers, and how the war was going,

and Uriah answered that all was well. David then said to Uriah, go down to your house and bathe

your feet, where Uriah left the palace, and a portion was sent out after him from the king's table.

But Uriah slept at the entrance of the royal palace

with the other officers of his lord and did not go down to his own house. David was told that

Uriah had not gone home. On the day following, David summoned him, and he ate and drank

with David and who made him drunk.

In the evening, Uriah went out to sleep on his bed among his Lord's servants and did not go down to his home.

The next morning, David wrote a letter to Joab, which he sent by Uriah.

It is directed.

Place Uriah up front where the fighting is fierce and and pull back and leave him to be struck down dead.

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