David: God's own heart Nitzevet

 Nitzevet, according to Jewish tradition, is the mother of David, though she is not named in the Bible.

📜 Biblical Silence vs. Rabbinic Tradition

In the Bible:

David is frequently identified as “son of Jesse” (e.g., 1 Samuel 16:1), but his mother is never named.

She is mentioned briefly and indirectly in Psalm 86:16, where David prays:

"Save me, because I serve you just as my mother did."

This hints that his mother may have been a devout, God-fearing woman, though it does not reveal her name.

In Jewish rabbinic literature (such as the Talmud, Midrash Tehillim, and later commentaries):

David's mother is called Nitzevet bat Adael.

She is described as a righteous woman, and some traditions hold that she suffered deep humiliation and rejection due to false rumors about David's parentage.

🕊️ The Midrashic Story (Expanded Tradition)

One of the most touching stories about Nitzevet appears in Midrash Tehillim (Midrash on Psalms) and is embraced in Jewish oral tradition:

Jesse, after years of marriage, began to doubt whether he was legally allowed to remain married to Nitzevet due to a halakhic issue related to his Moabite ancestry (through Ruth).

To remain “righteous,” Jesse separated from Nitzevet without formally divorcing her.

In a twist of events resembling stories like Tamar in Genesis 38, Nitzevet secretly conceived David, but because of the circumstances, people believed he was illegitimate or the product of sin.

As a result, David grew up ostracized even in his own household. He was sent to tend sheep in dangerous areas and not called when the prophet Samuel came to anoint a son of Jesse (1 Samuel 16:11)—a detail that the Midrash uses to highlight his rejection.

In this view, Nitzevet:

Raised David in strength and silence, enduring shame while knowing her innocence.

Instilled faith and courage in David during his lonely, rejected years.

Was a model of silent suffering and maternal devotion, shaping David’s deep spirituality and sensitivity.

🌿 Spiritual Significance

Nitzevet, though unnamed in Scripture, symbolizes:

The forgotten, righteous women in biblical history.

The hidden roots of greatness—for from her womb came Israel’s greatest king.