David answered, "While the child was alive, I fasted and wept, for I said, 'Who knows? The LORD may be gracious to me and let him live.' He answeredThis phrase introduces David's response to his servants, who were puzzled by his behavior. In the Hebrew text, the word used here is "וַיֹּאמֶר" (vayomer), which is a common term for speaking or answering. It signifies a moment of revelation or explanation, where David is about to share his reasoning and faith journey. This moment is pivotal as it reflects David's introspection and understanding of God's sovereignty. While the child was alive
This phrase sets the temporal context for David's actions. The Hebrew word for "alive" is "חַי" (chai), which is often used to denote not just physical life but also vibrancy and presence. David's actions during the child's life reflect his hope and belief in the possibility of divine intervention. It underscores the urgency and fervency of his prayers and fasting, as he clung to the hope that life might be preserved. I fasted and wept
Fasting and weeping are traditional expressions of mourning and supplication in the Hebrew culture. The Hebrew word for "fasted" is "צוּם" (tzum), which involves abstaining from food as a form of spiritual discipline and humility before God. "Wept" comes from "בָּכָה" (bakah), indicating deep emotional expression. Together, these actions demonstrate David's earnest repentance and his intense plea for God's mercy, reflecting a heart deeply aware of its need for divine grace. for I said
This phrase introduces David's internal reasoning and hope. The Hebrew "אָמַרְתִּי" (amarti) indicates a personal reflection or declaration. It reveals David's thought process and his reliance on God's character. This introspective moment shows David's understanding of the power of prayer and the possibility of God's intervention. Who knows?
This rhetorical question reflects a theme of uncertainty and hope. The Hebrew "מִי יוֹדֵעַ" (mi yodea) suggests an openness to the unknown possibilities of God's will. It captures the essence of faith, which often involves trusting in God's goodness and sovereignty even when outcomes are uncertain. This phrase highlights the tension between human desire and divine will, a common theme in the biblical narrative. The LORD may be gracious to me
Here, David appeals to the character of God, specifically His grace. The Hebrew word for "gracious" is "חָנַן" (chanan), which conveys the idea of favor and compassion. David's hope rests on the nature of God as merciful and kind. This reflects a deep theological understanding that God's actions are not bound by human expectations but are rooted in His gracious character. and let the child live
This final phrase expresses David's ultimate hope and request. The Hebrew "וְחָיָה הַיָּלֶד" (vechayah hayeled) directly translates to "and the child may live." It encapsulates the heart of David's plea—a desire for life and restoration. This request is not just for the child's physical survival but also for the restoration of joy and peace in David's life. It underscores the biblical theme of life as a precious gift from God, one that is always subject to His will and purpose. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe King of Israel, a man after God's own heart, who sinned by committing adultery with Bathsheba and orchestrating the death of her husband, Uriah. 2. BathshebaThe wife of Uriah, who became pregnant by David, leading to a series of tragic events. 3. Nathan the ProphetGod's messenger who confronted David about his sin, leading to David's repentance. 4. The ChildThe son born to David and Bathsheba, who became ill and died as a consequence of David's sin. 5. JerusalemThe city where these events took place, serving as the political and spiritual center of Israel. Teaching Points The Reality of ConsequencesSin has real and often painful consequences, even for those who are forgiven. David's experience reminds us that while God forgives, the earthly repercussions of our actions may still unfold. The Power of RepentanceDavid's response to his sin was genuine repentance, as seen in his fasting and weeping. True repentance involves a heartfelt turning away from sin and seeking God's mercy. Hope in God's MercyDavid's statement, "Who knows? The LORD may be gracious," reflects a deep hope in God's character. We are encouraged to trust in God's grace and mercy, even in dire situations. The Role of Prayer and FastingDavid's actions demonstrate the importance of prayer and fasting as expressions of humility and dependence on God, especially in times of crisis. Acceptance of God's WillUltimately, David accepted God's decision regarding his child. This teaches us to submit to God's sovereign will, trusting that His plans are higher than ours. Bible Study Questions 1. How does David's response to his child's illness reflect his understanding of God's character, and how can this shape our own approach to prayer in difficult times? 2. In what ways does David's repentance in 2 Samuel 12 and Psalm 51 serve as a model for us when we confront our own sins? 3. How can we reconcile the reality of God's forgiveness with the ongoing consequences of sin in our lives, as seen in David's account? 4. What role do prayer and fasting play in your life, and how can you incorporate these practices more intentionally during times of crisis? 5. How can we learn to accept God's will, even when it doesn't align with our desires, and what scriptures can support us in this journey? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 51David's psalm of repentance, written after Nathan confronted him, showing his deep remorse and desire for God's mercy. 1 John 1:9This verse speaks to the promise of forgiveness and cleansing from sin when we confess, reflecting David's hope for God's grace. Jonah 3:9The people of Nineveh express a similar hope that God might relent from sending disaster, paralleling David's hope for his child's life. Hebrews 4:16Encourages believers to approach God's throne of grace with confidence, as David did, seeking mercy in times of need. James 5:16Highlights the power of prayer, which David engaged in fervently, hoping for a change in his child's condition. People Ammonites, Bathsheba, David, Jedidiah, Joab, Milcom, Nathan, Saul, Solomon, Uriah, UrijahPlaces Jerusalem, RabbahTopics Able, Alive, Child, Fasted, Gracious, Knoweth, Lad, Mercy, Myself, Perhaps, Pity, Weep, Weeping, Wept, Whether, YetDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Samuel 12:13-23 5088 David, character 2 Samuel 12:13-25 5652 babies 2 Samuel 12:15-23 5686 fathers, examples 2 Samuel 12:18-23 5398 loss 2 Samuel 12:22-23 5436 pain 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 12:22 NIV2 Samuel 12:22 NLT2 Samuel 12:22 ESV2 Samuel 12:22 NASB2 Samuel 12:22 KJV
2 Samuel 12:22 Commentaries
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