2 Samuel 12:3

but the poor man had nothing except one small ewe lamb that he had bought. He raised it, and it grew up with him and his children. It shared his food and drank from his cup; it slept in his arms and was like a daughter to him.

Study Bible

but the poor man
The phrase "the poor man" highlights the socioeconomic status of the individual in Nathan's parable to King David. In Hebrew, the word for "poor" is "רָשׁ" (rash), which conveys not just a lack of wealth but also vulnerability and dependence on others. This sets the stage for understanding the deep emotional and relational value the ewe lamb holds for him, contrasting with the rich man's abundance.

had nothing except
This phrase emphasizes the man's lack of material possessions, underscoring the significance of the ewe lamb in his life. The Hebrew word "אֵין" (ayin) for "nothing" is absolute, indicating a complete absence of wealth or resources, which heightens the injustice of the rich man's actions later in the narrative.

one small ewe lamb
The "one small ewe lamb" is central to the parable, symbolizing innocence, purity, and the deep personal attachment the poor man has to it. In Hebrew, "כִּבְשָׂה" (kivsah) refers to a female lamb, often used in sacrificial contexts, which may foreshadow the sacrificial nature of the poor man's loss. The lamb's smallness suggests vulnerability and endearment.

that he had bought
The act of purchasing the lamb indicates a deliberate choice and investment by the poor man, suggesting a sense of ownership and responsibility. The Hebrew verb "קָנָה" (qanah) means to acquire or purchase, often implying a significant personal sacrifice given the man's poverty.

He raised it
This phrase indicates a nurturing relationship, akin to that of a parent and child. The Hebrew verb "גָּדַל" (gadal) means to grow or bring up, suggesting care, attention, and a deepening bond over time. This nurturing aspect highlights the emotional depth of the man's attachment to the lamb.

and it grew up with him and his children
The lamb's integration into the family unit is emphasized here, suggesting it was more than just livestock; it was a beloved member of the household. The Hebrew word "גָּדַל" (gadal) is repeated, reinforcing the idea of growth and familial bonds, which makes the rich man's later actions even more egregious.

It shared his meager food
This phrase illustrates the extent of the man's poverty and his willingness to share what little he had with the lamb. The Hebrew word "פַּת" (pat) for "food" often refers to a small portion, highlighting the sacrificial nature of the man's care and the lamb's importance in his life.

and drank from his cup
The imagery of the lamb drinking from the man's cup suggests intimacy and equality, as sharing a cup was a sign of close relationship and trust. This act further cements the lamb's status as a cherished companion rather than mere property.

it slept in his arms
This phrase conveys a sense of protection, warmth, and affection. The Hebrew word "חֵיק" (cheq) for "arms" can also mean "bosom," indicating a place of safety and love. This intimate image underscores the depth of the man's attachment to the lamb.

and was like a daughter to him
The comparison of the lamb to a daughter elevates its status to that of a family member, highlighting the profound emotional bond. In Hebrew culture, daughters were cherished and protected, and this analogy underscores the gravity of the rich man's later actions in the parable. The lamb's role as a daughter emphasizes the personal and emotional violation experienced by the poor man.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Nathan
A prophet sent by God to confront King David about his sin with Bathsheba and the murder of Uriah. Nathan uses a parable to reveal David's wrongdoing.

2. David
The King of Israel who committed adultery with Bathsheba and orchestrated the death of her husband, Uriah. He is the recipient of Nathan's parable.

3. The Rich Man
A character in Nathan's parable representing David. He has many flocks and herds but takes the poor man's only lamb.

4. The Poor Man
A character in Nathan's parable representing Uriah. He has only one ewe lamb, which he cherishes deeply.

5. The Ewe Lamb
Symbolizes something precious and beloved, akin to Uriah's wife, Bathsheba, in the parable.

Teaching Points

The Value of Repentance
Nathan's confrontation leads David to repentance, showing the importance of acknowledging sin and seeking God's forgiveness.

God's Justice and Mercy
The parable illustrates God's justice in addressing sin and His mercy in offering a path to redemption.

The Consequences of Sin
David's actions had severe consequences, reminding us that sin affects not only the sinner but also those around them.

Cherishing What is Precious
The poor man's love for his ewe lamb teaches us to value and protect the blessings God has given us.

The Role of Accountability
Nathan's role emphasizes the importance of having godly accountability in our lives to help us stay on the right path.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Nathan's parable in 2 Samuel 12:3 help us understand the gravity of David's sin?

2. In what ways can we apply the concept of repentance, as seen in David's response, to our own lives?

3. How does the account of the poor man's ewe lamb challenge us to evaluate what we hold dear and how we treat those blessings?

4. What can we learn from Nathan's approach to confronting David about his sin, and how can we apply this in our relationships?

5. How do the themes of justice and mercy in this passage connect with other biblical teachings on God's character?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 51
David's psalm of repentance, which he wrote after Nathan confronted him. It reflects David's remorse and desire for forgiveness.

Exodus 22:1
Discusses restitution for theft, which parallels the injustice done to the poor man in Nathan's parable.

Matthew 18:12-14
The parable of the lost sheep, which highlights the value of each individual, similar to the poor man's love for his ewe lamb.