◄ 2 Samuel 12:21 ►
"What is this you have done?" his servants asked. "While the child was alive, you fasted and wept, but when he died, you got up and ate." Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 12:21? 2. How does David's response in 2 Samuel 12:21 demonstrate repentance and humility? 3. What can we learn about God's forgiveness from David's actions in this chapter? 4. How does 2 Samuel 12:21 connect to Psalm 51's theme of repentance? 5. How should we respond to personal sin, following David's example in 2 Samuel 12? 6. What steps can we take to seek God's mercy after sinning, like David? 7. Why did David fast and weep for the child in 2 Samuel 12:21? 8. How does 2 Samuel 12:21 reflect on God's justice and mercy? 9. What is the significance of David's actions after the child's death in 2 Samuel 12:21? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 12? 11. What does the Bible say about fasting? 12. Do aborted babies enter heaven? 13. God sent his prophet to threaten David with how many years of famine? Seven (2 Samuel 24:13) Three (I Chronicles 21:12) 14. In 2 Samuel 12:15-23, how can the moral or spiritual purpose of the child's death be reconciled with the idea of a loving and merciful God? Discussion Questions 1. How does David's response to his child's death reflect his understanding of God's character and sovereignty? 2. In what ways does David's repentance in Psalm 51 connect to his actions in 2 Samuel 12:21? 3. How can we apply David's example of fasting and prayer in our own times of crisis or decision-making? 4. What lessons can we learn from David about moving forward after experiencing loss or tragedy? 5. How can the role of David's servants in this passage inform our understanding of accountability and community in the church? 2 Samuel 12 Bible Study Questions 1. What does Nathan's parable teach us about confronting others about their sin? 2. How do you see David's response to his sin as a model of repentance? 3. In what ways does the consequence of David's sin affect his personal life and kingship? 4. Why do you think God chose to punish David so harshly? 5. How does David's reaction to his son's death reflect his understanding of God? 6. Why was it significant that David stopped mourning after his son's death? 7. How does Solomon's birth illustrate God's grace and forgivenessafter David's fall? 8. Compare and contrast David's actions in the case of Uriah and the Ammonites. What does this say about the complexity of his character? 9. How does 2 Samuel 12 relate to the New Testament teaching on sin, repentance, and forgiveness? 10. In our modern context, what can we learn from the way David handled the consequences of his actions? 11. How would you react if you were in Nathan's place, tasked with confronting a king about his sins? 12. How does God's punishment of David inform your understanding of divine justice? 13. In what ways do we experience the consequences of our sins today, even after we have sought and received forgiveness? 14. What role does accountability play in your life, and how can you be more like Nathan in your own environment? 15. How can we find hope and redemption in our own lives, similar to the birth of Solomon after a period of grief and guilt? 16. How does David's story challenge the way you think about personal mistakes and the possibility of redemption? 17. David's repentance led to forgiveness, but not the removal of consequence. How does this influence your understanding of God's forgiveness? 18. David comforted Bathsheba after their child's death. How does this act highlight his compassion and responsibility amidst his guilt? 19. What can David's mixed legacy teach us about the impact of our actions on others, our community, and our relationship with God? 20. If you were to retell the story of David, Bathsheba, and Nathan in a modern context, what might it look like, and what lessons would it convey? Links 2 Samuel 12:21 NIV 2 Samuel 12:21 NLT 2 Samuel 12:21 ESV 2 Samuel 12:21 NASB 2 Samuel 12:21 KJV 2 Samuel 12:21 Commentaries Bible Hub