The Family of Bathsheba

The more I dig for info concerning Bathsheba, the more interesting it gets! The Bible actually has quite a bit to say about her family. Remember the "unsung hero," Machir of Lodebar, who harbored Mephibosheth and aided David? He was none other than her brother. And her grandfather was David's chief advisor, Ahithophel, whose advice was "like the oracles of God," who later betrayed David in Absalom's uprising, and who hung himself when his counsel was defeated by Hushai. So, Bathsheba had connections, and was no stranger to David or to the palace. (Her nationality is still not certain, though her name may give us some clues...it means "daughter of an oath," referring to Abraham's covenant.)
More info on Uriah. It is possible he may have been a second-generation converted Jew, since his name contains the suffix for "Jehovah." Uriah is presented as a noble character, more devoted to Israel's causes than David himself (at this time.) His loyalty to a nation that, by blood, was not his own, is amazing, and makes his murder all the more heinous.
Bathsheba was no doubt a cherished prize to Uriah. She was of noble birth, was endowed with unusual beauty, and was valued by her family. Her name at birth was "Bathshua," "daughter of my prosperity." Later it was changed by her father to "daughter of an oath." (Names were often changed to reflect a child's character when the child came of age.) This, by the way, was a prophetic name, as she does figure in the Abrahamic covenant as an ancestor of Christ. It also shows her father's growing assessment of her worth.