Then the LORD sent Nathan to David, and when he arrived, he said, "There were two men in a certain city, one rich and the other poor. ThenThe word "then" serves as a pivotal transition, indicating a sequence of events. In the context of 2 Samuel, it follows the grievous sin of David with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband, Uriah. This word marks the divine intervention that follows human failure. It reminds us that God’s timing is perfect, and His interventions are neither early nor late but precisely when they are needed. The Hebrew word for "then" often signifies a continuation or consequence, underscoring that God’s actions are a direct response to the events that have transpired. the LORD sent Nathan to David Persons / Places / Events 1. The LORDThe sovereign God who initiates the confrontation of David's sin by sending Nathan. 2. Nathan A prophet of God who serves as His messenger, tasked with delivering a message of conviction to King David. 3. David The King of Israel, who has sinned by committing adultery with Bathsheba and orchestrating the death of her husband, Uriah. 4. A Certain City The unspecified location in Nathan's parable, representing the setting for the moral lesson he is about to deliver. 5. Two Men Characters in Nathan's parable, symbolizing the disparity between David (the rich man) and Uriah (the poor man). Teaching Points The Role of Prophets and MessengersGod uses individuals to deliver His messages, often calling them to confront sin with courage and wisdom. The Importance of Accountability Nathan's confrontation of David underscores the necessity of accountability in the life of believers, especially leaders. God's Pursuit of Repentance God's sending of Nathan demonstrates His desire for repentance and restoration rather than punishment. The Power of Parables Nathan's use of a parable to reveal David's sin shows the effectiveness of accounttelling in conveying truth and prompting self-reflection. Responding to Conviction David's eventual repentance highlights the appropriate response to being confronted with one's sin—humility and a plea for forgiveness. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Nathan's approach to confronting David's sin inform our understanding of addressing sin within the church today?2. In what ways does the parable Nathan tells reflect the broader biblical theme of justice and mercy? 3. How can we ensure that we are open to receiving correction from others, as David eventually was from Nathan? 4. What role does accountability play in your personal spiritual growth, and how can you cultivate it in your community? 5. How does the account of Nathan and David encourage us to seek God's forgiveness and restoration when we fall short? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 51David's psalm of repentance, traditionally understood to be written after Nathan's confrontation, illustrating the depth of David's remorse and plea for God's mercy. 1 Samuel 15:22-23 Samuel's rebuke of Saul, highlighting the importance of obedience to God over ritual sacrifice, paralleling Nathan's role in calling out sin. Matthew 18:15-17 Jesus' teaching on confronting a brother in sin, reflecting the biblical principle of addressing wrongdoing directly and with the aim of restoration. Galatians 6:1 Paul's instruction on restoring someone caught in sin with gentleness, akin to Nathan's approach to David. Hebrews 12:6 The Lord's discipline as an act of love, which is evident in God's sending of Nathan to correct David.
People Ammonites, Bathsheba, David, Jedidiah, Joab, Milcom, Nathan, Saul, Solomon, Uriah, UrijahPlaces Jerusalem, RabbahTopics David, Nathan, Poor, Rich, Town, WealthDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Samuel 12:1-3 4478 meat 7786 shepherd, king and leader 5438 parables 1431 prophecy, OT methods 8479 self-examination, examples Library David and Nathan'And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the Lord. And Nathan said unto David, The Lord also hath put away thy sin.'--2 SAMUEL xii. 13. We ought to be very thankful that Scripture never conceals the faults of its noblest men. High among the highest of them stands the poet- king. Whoever, for nearly three thousand years, has wished to express the emotions of trust in God, longing after purity, aspiration, and rapture of devotion, has found that his words have been before him. And this man … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Thou Art the Man Letter vi. In My Last Two Letters I have Given the State of the Argument as It... The Blessings of Noah Upon Shem and Japheth. (Gen. Ix. 18-27. ) Cleansing. That the Ruler Should not Set his Heart on Pleasing Men, and yet Should Give Heed to what Ought to Please Them. The Unchangeableness of God How the Poor and the Rich Should be Admonished. Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses. Thirdly, for Thy Actions. The Preparatory Service; Sometimes Called the Confessional Service. The Right Understanding of the Law The Sixth Commandment The Eighth Commandment Samuel Links 2 Samuel 12:1 NIV2 Samuel 12:1 NLT 2 Samuel 12:1 ESV 2 Samuel 12:1 NASB 2 Samuel 12:1 KJV 2 Samuel 12:1 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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