Then David got up from the ground, washed and anointed himself, changed his clothes, and went into the house of the LORD and worshiped. Then he went to his own house, and at his request they set food before him, and he ate. Then David got up from the groundThis phrase marks a pivotal moment in King David's life. The Hebrew word for "got up" is "קוּם" (qum), which signifies not just a physical rising but a spiritual and emotional resurgence. David's act of rising from the ground symbolizes his acceptance of God's judgment and his readiness to move forward. Historically, lying on the ground was a sign of deep mourning and repentance, and David's decision to rise indicates a shift from mourning to action. washed himself
The act of washing in ancient Israel was not only for physical cleanliness but also had spiritual connotations. The Hebrew word "רָחַץ" (rachatz) implies purification. By washing himself, David was symbolically cleansing himself of his past sin and preparing to re-enter society and the presence of God. This act reflects the biblical principle of repentance and renewal, emphasizing the importance of inner purity. anointed himself
Anointing, from the Hebrew "מָשַׁח" (mashach), was a common practice in ancient Israel, often associated with consecration and the Holy Spirit's empowerment. By anointing himself, David was reaffirming his role as king and God's chosen servant. This act signifies a renewal of his commitment to God's service, despite his previous failings. and changed his clothes
Changing clothes, in this context, symbolizes a transformation and a new beginning. In biblical times, clothing often represented one's status or state of mind. By changing his garments, David was leaving behind his period of mourning and stepping into a renewed life. This act is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of God's forgiveness and grace. He went into the house of the LORD and worshiped
David's immediate response to worship highlights his deep faith and understanding of God's sovereignty. The Hebrew word for worship, "שָׁחָה" (shachah), means to bow down or prostrate oneself, indicating humility and reverence. Despite his personal loss, David prioritizes his relationship with God, demonstrating that true worship involves surrender and trust in God's plan. Then he went to his own house
Returning to his own house signifies David's acceptance of his responsibilities and his role as a leader and family man. It reflects the balance between personal faith and public duty, a theme prevalent throughout David's life. This return also marks the beginning of a new chapter, where David must lead with renewed wisdom and humility. and at his request, they set food before him, and he ate
Eating after a period of fasting and mourning is a sign of acceptance and moving forward. In the Hebrew culture, sharing a meal often symbolized fellowship and restoration. By eating, David acknowledges God's provision and sustenance, both physically and spiritually. This act of eating is a testament to God's mercy and the hope of restoration after repentance. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe King of Israel, a man after God's own heart, who has just experienced the death of his child as a consequence of his sin with Bathsheba. 2. The House of the LORDThe place where David goes to worship God, signifying his return to spiritual priorities and seeking God's presence. 3. David's HouseThe place where David resumes his daily life, indicating a return to normalcy and acceptance of God's will. 4. The Death of David's ChildA pivotal event that leads to David's repentance and change in behavior, highlighting the consequences of sin. 5. Anointing and Changing ClothesSymbolic actions representing purification, renewal, and a new beginning after a period of mourning. Teaching Points Repentance and RenewalDavid's actions demonstrate the importance of repentance and seeking God's presence after sin. We are called to turn back to God, cleanse ourselves, and renew our commitment to Him. Worship in AdversityDavid's decision to worship God despite his personal loss teaches us to prioritize worship and trust in God's sovereignty, even in difficult times. Acceptance of God's WillBy resuming his daily life, David shows acceptance of God's will. We are encouraged to trust God's plan and move forward in faith after experiencing loss or discipline. Symbolism of Anointing and ClothingThe act of anointing and changing clothes symbolizes spiritual renewal and a fresh start. We are reminded of the importance of outward actions reflecting inward spiritual changes. Community and SupportDavid's return to his house and eating with others highlights the role of community and support in the healing process. We should seek and offer support within our faith communities during times of trial. Bible Study 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 can we incorporate worship into our lives during times of personal loss or hardship? 3. How do the actions of washing, anointing, and changing clothes relate to our spiritual renewal and repentance today? 4. What can we learn from David's acceptance of God's will, and how can we apply this to situations where we face the consequences of our actions? 5. How can we support others in our faith community who are experiencing loss or discipline, and what role does community play in spiritual healing? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 51David's prayer of repentance, which provides insight into his heart and mindset during this period. 1 Samuel 16:13The anointing of David by Samuel, which marks the beginning of his journey as God's chosen king. Job 1:20Job's response to personal tragedy, which parallels David's worship and submission to God's sovereignty. Matthew 6:16-18Jesus' teaching on fasting and appearance, which relates to the outward expression of inward spiritual realities. James 4:8-10The call to draw near to God, cleanse hands, and purify hearts, reflecting David's actions of washing and anointing. People Ammonites, Bathsheba, David, Jedidiah, Joab, Milcom, Nathan, Saul, Solomon, Uriah, UrijahPlaces Jerusalem, RabbahTopics Anoint, Anointed, Apparel, Asketh, Ate, Bathe, Boweth, Bread, Changed, Changeth, Changing, Clothes, Clothing, David, Eat, Eateth, Entered, Got, Ground, Lotions, Meal, Oil, Order, Raiment, Request, Requested, Required, Riseth, Rubbing, Served, Washed, Washing, Worship, Worshiped, WorshippedDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Samuel 12:20 4490 ointment
8625 worship, acceptable attitudes 2 Samuel 12:13-23 5088 David, character 2 Samuel 12:13-25 5652 babies 2 Samuel 12:15-21 5796 bereavement, experience 2 Samuel 12:15-23 5686 fathers, examples 2 Samuel 12:16-20 8430 fasting, nature of 2 Samuel 12:18-23 5398 loss 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 ScriptureThou Art the Man
'And David said to Nathan, As the Lord liveth, the man that hath done this thing shall surely die; because he did this thing, and because he had no pity. And Nathan said to David, Thou art the man.'--2 SAMUEL xii. 5-7. Nathan's apologue, so tenderly beautiful, takes the poet-king on the most susceptible side of his character. All his history shows him as a man of wonderfully sweet, chivalrous, generous, swiftly compassionate nature. And so, when he hears the story of a mean, heartless selfishness, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Letter vi. In My Last Two Letters I have Given the State of the Argument as It...
My dear friend, In my last two Letters I have given the state of the argument as it would stand between a Christian, thinking as I do, and a serious well-disposed Deist. I will now endeavour to state the argument, as between the former and the advocates for the popular belief,--such of them, I mean, as are competent to deliver a dispassionate judgment in the cause. And again, more particularly, I mean the learned and reflecting part of them, who are influenced to the retention of the prevailing …
Samuel Taylor Coleridge—Confessions of an Inquiring Spirit etc The Blessings of Noah Upon Shem and Japheth. (Gen. Ix. 18-27. )
Ver. 20. "And Noah began and became an husbandman, and planted vineyards."--This does not imply that Noah was the first who began to till the ground, and, more especially, to cultivate the vine; for Cain, too, was a tiller of the ground, Gen. iv. 2. The sense rather is, that Noah, after the flood, again took up this calling. Moreover, the remark has not an independent import; it serves only to prepare the way for the communication of the subsequent account of Noah's drunkenness. By this remark, …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Cleansing.
As there are conditions requiring to be complied with in order to the obtaining of salvation, before one can be justified, e. g., conviction of sin, repentance, faith; so there are conditions for full salvation, for being "filled with the Holy Ghost." Conviction of our need is one, conviction of the existence of the blessing is another; but these have been already dealt with. "Cleansing" is another; before one can be filled with the Holy Ghost, one's heart must be "cleansed." "Giving them the Holy …
John MacNeil—The Spirit-Filled Life That the Ruler Should not Set his Heart on Pleasing Men, and yet Should Give Heed to what Ought to Please Them.
Meanwhile it is also necessary for the ruler to keep wary watch, lest the lust of pleasing men assail him; lest, when he studiously penetrates the things that are within, and providently supplies the things that are without, he seek to be beloved of those that are under him more than truth; lest, while, supported by his good deeds, he seems not to belong to the world, self-love estrange him from his Maker. For he is the Redeemer's enemy who through the good works which he does covets being loved …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great The Unchangeableness of God
The next attribute is God's unchangeableness. I am Jehovah, I change not.' Mal 3:3. I. God is unchangeable in his nature. II. In his decree. I. Unchangeable in his nature. 1. There is no eclipse of his brightness. 2. No period put to his being. [1] No eclipse of his brightness. His essence shines with a fixed lustre. With whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.' James 1:17. Thou art the same.' Psa 102:27. All created things are full of vicissitudes. Princes and emperors are subject to …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity How the Poor and the Rich Should be Admonished.
(Admonition 3.) Differently to be admonished are the poor and the rich: for to the former we ought to offer the solace of comfort against tribulation, but in the latter to induce fear as against elation. For to the poor one it is said by the Lord through the prophet, Fear not, for thou shalt not be confounded (Isai. liv. 4). And not long after, soothing her, He says, O thou poor little one, tossed with tempest (Ibid. 11). And again He comforts her, saying, I have chosen thee in the furnace of …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses.
BY JOHN BUNYAN PREFATORY REMARKS BY THE EDITOR This important treatise was prepared for the press, and left by the author, at his decease, to the care of his surviving friend for publication. It first appeared in a collection of his works in folio, 1692; and although a subject of universal interest; most admirably elucidated; no edition has been published in a separate form. Antichrist has agitated the Christian world from the earliest ages; and his craft has been to mislead the thoughtless, by …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Thirdly, for Thy Actions.
1. Do no evil, though thou mightest; for God will not suffer the least sin, without bitter repentance, to escape unpunished. Leave not undone any good that thou canst. But do nothing without a calling, nor anything in thy calling, till thou hast first taken counsel at God's word (1 Sam. xxx. 8) of its lawfulness, and pray for his blessings upon thy endeavour; and then do it in the name of God, with cheerfulness of heart, committing the success to him, in whose power it is to bless with his grace …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety The Preparatory Service; Sometimes Called the Confessional Service.
In our examination of the nature and meaning of the Lord's Supper, we have found that it is indeed a most important and holy Sacrament. It is in fact the most sacred of all the ordinances of the Church on earth. There is nothing beyond it--nothing so heavenly, on this side heaven, as this Feast. Nowhere else does the believer approach so near to heaven as when he stands or kneels, as a communicant at this altar, the Holy of Holies in the Church of Christ. What a solemn act! To approach this altar, …
G. H. Gerberding—The Way of Salvation in the Lutheran Church The Right Understanding of the Law
Thou shalt have no other Gods before me.' Exod 20: 3. Before I come to the commandments, I shall answer questions, and lay down rules respecting the moral law. What is the difference between the moral laud and the gospel? (1) The law requires that we worship God as our Creator; the gospel, that we worship him in and through Christ. God in Christ is propitious; out of him we may see God's power, justice, and holiness: in him we see his mercy displayed. (2) The moral law requires obedience, but gives …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments The Sixth Commandment
Thou shalt not kill.' Exod 20: 13. In this commandment is a sin forbidden, which is murder, Thou shalt not kill,' and a duty implied, which is, to preserve our own life, and the life of others. The sin forbidden is murder: Thou shalt not kill.' Here two things are to be understood, the not injuring another, nor ourselves. I. The not injuring another. [1] We must not injure another in his name. A good name is a precious balsam.' It is a great cruelty to murder a man in his name. We injure others in …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments The Eighth Commandment
Thou shalt not steal.' Exod 20: 15. AS the holiness of God sets him against uncleanness, in the command Thou shalt not commit adultery;' so the justice of God sets him against rapine and robbery, in the command, Thou shalt not steal.' The thing forbidden in this commandment, is meddling with another man's property. The civil lawyers define furtum, stealth or theft to be the laying hands unjustly on that which is another's;' the invading another's right. I. The causes of theft. [1] The internal causes …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments Samuel
Alike from the literary and the historical point of view, the book[1] of Samuel stands midway between the book of Judges and the book of Kings. As we have already seen, the Deuteronomic book of Judges in all probability ran into Samuel and ended in ch. xii.; while the story of David, begun in Samuel, embraces the first two chapters of the first book of Kings. The book of Samuel is not very happily named, as much of it is devoted to Saul and the greater part to David; yet it is not altogether inappropriate, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 2 Samuel 12:20 NIV2 Samuel 12:20 NLT2 Samuel 12:20 ESV2 Samuel 12:20 NASB2 Samuel 12:20 KJV
2 Samuel 12:20 Commentaries
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