2 Samuel 12:4

Now a traveler came to the rich man, who refrained from taking one of his own sheep or cattle to prepare for the traveler who had come to him. Instead, he took the poor man's lamb and prepared it for his guest."

Study Bible

Now a traveler came
The word "traveler" in Hebrew is "הָלַךְ" (halak), which means to walk or to go. In the context of ancient Near Eastern culture, hospitality was a sacred duty. A traveler would often rely on the generosity of others for sustenance and shelter. This sets the stage for the moral and ethical expectations placed upon the rich man, highlighting the cultural importance of hospitality and the moral failing that is about to be described.

to the rich man
The Hebrew word for "rich" is "עָשִׁיר" (ashir), indicating someone with abundant resources. In biblical times, wealth was often seen as a sign of God's blessing, yet it also came with the responsibility to act justly and generously. The rich man in this parable is a figure of authority and power, yet his actions reveal a heart that is not aligned with God's justice and mercy.

but the rich man refrained
The phrase "refrained" suggests a deliberate choice. The Hebrew root "חָסַךְ" (chasak) means to withhold or spare. This indicates a conscious decision by the rich man to withhold his own resources, which is a direct violation of the expected norms of generosity and hospitality. It underscores the selfishness and moral corruption that Nathan is highlighting in this parable.

from taking one of his own sheep or cattle
Sheep and cattle were common measures of wealth and prosperity in ancient Israel. The rich man's refusal to use his own abundant resources for the traveler is a stark contrast to the expected behavior of a righteous person. This phrase emphasizes the abundance of the rich man's possessions and his unwillingness to part with even a small portion for the sake of another.

to prepare for the traveler who had come to him
The act of preparation for a guest was a significant cultural practice, symbolizing respect and honor. The Hebrew word "עָשָׂה" (asah) means to do or make, indicating the effort and intention behind the act. The rich man's failure to prepare from his own flock is a breach of the social and moral code, highlighting his lack of compassion and integrity.

Instead, he took the poor man’s lamb
The word "took" in Hebrew is "לָקַח" (laqach), which implies seizing or taking by force. This action is a grave injustice, as it involves exploiting the vulnerable. The "poor man" is described with the Hebrew word "רָשׁ" (rash), meaning impoverished or lacking. The lamb represents the poor man's only possession, a symbol of his livelihood and affection, making the rich man's act not only unjust but also deeply personal and cruel.

and prepared it for his guest
The preparation of the lamb for the guest, using the Hebrew word "עָשָׂה" (asah) again, underscores the rich man's complete disregard for the poor man's plight. This act of preparation, which should have been an expression of generosity, becomes an act of theft and exploitation. It serves as a powerful indictment of the rich man's character and a poignant illustration of the broader theme of justice and righteousness that runs throughout the biblical narrative.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Nathan
A prophet sent by God to confront King David about his sin with Bathsheba and Uriah. He 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 subject of Nathan's parable.

3. The Rich Man
Represents David in Nathan's parable. He has many resources but chooses to take from someone with very little.

4. The Poor Man
Represents Uriah in the parable. He has only one lamb, symbolizing his wife Bathsheba, whom David took.

5. The Traveler
A figure in the parable representing temptation or desire, prompting the rich man's unjust actions.

Teaching Points

The Deceptive Nature of Sin
Sin often disguises itself as a small or justified action, but it can have devastating consequences. We must be vigilant and honest about our actions and their impacts.

The Importance of Accountability
Nathan's role as a prophet shows the necessity of having people in our lives who can speak truth to us, even when it's uncomfortable.

God's Justice and Mercy
While God is just and condemns sin, He also offers mercy and a path to repentance, as seen in David's eventual forgiveness.

The Value of Repentance
True repentance involves recognizing our wrongs, seeking forgiveness, and making amends where possible, as David did after Nathan's rebuke.

The Impact of Our Choices on Others
Our decisions can deeply affect those around us, often in ways we might not immediately see. We must consider the broader impact of our actions.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Nathan's parable in 2 Samuel 12:4 reveal the nature of David's sin, and what does this teach us about the power of accounttelling in conveying truth?

2. In what ways can we ensure we have accountability in our lives, similar to Nathan's role for David?

3. How does the concept of restitution in Exodus 22:1 relate to the actions of the rich man in the parable, and what does this teach us about justice?

4. Reflect on a time when you were tempted to take the "easy" path at the expense of others. How can you apply the lessons from this passage to make more ethical decisions in the future?

5. How does David's response to Nathan's confrontation (as seen in Psalm 51) guide us in our own process of repentance and seeking God's forgiveness?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 22:1
This verse discusses the restitution required for stealing a sheep, highlighting the gravity of the rich man's actions in the parable.

Psalm 51
David's psalm of repentance, written after Nathan's confrontation, showing his acknowledgment of sin and plea for forgiveness.

Matthew 18:23-35
The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant, which also deals with themes of mercy, justice, and the consequences of failing to show compassion.