II Samuel 11:9

“However, Uriah slept at the palace entrance with all his master’s servants. He did not go down to his own house.”

Oops! This was not what David expected. He had sent him home with some food from the king’s table – but Uriah wasn’t having it. 

II Samuel 11:10-11

“When it was reported to David, “Uriah didn’t go home,” David questioned Uriah, “Haven’t you just come from a journey? Why didn’t you go home? ” Uriah answered David, “The ark, Israel, and Judah are dwelling in tents, and my master Joab and his soldiers are camping in the open field. How can I enter my house to eat and drink and sleep with my wife? As surely as you live and by your life, I will not do this!””

Uriah was in ‘soldier mode’. 

He was thinking and acting like a soldier. David was not

Although the King David was rightful leader of the troops, he had abandoned his role. Uriah would not.  

II Timothy 2:3,4

“Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier.”

Uriah was not adverse to being with his wife – but now was not the time for ‘everyday life’. This was the time to be a soldier.