2 SAMUEL 12

THE LASTING CONSEQUENCES OF DAVID’S SIN

God sends Nathan to David to share a meaningful story. Nathan tells David of a wealthy man with lots of sheep who stole and killed a poor man’s only lamb, whom he loved dearly. David is enraged that the rich man would do such a thing, stealing something of personal and emotional value to someone who had far less than himself. David says the rich man should be killed and that the poor man should be repaid four times as many lambs.

Nathan says to David “You are the rich man!” David is exposed for his sin and greed. Nathan explains to David that God has abundantly provided for David, but he still sinned greatly. Because of David’s sin, there would be four major consequences. 1) The sword will not depart from David’s house, meaning Israel would continue facing battles in war. 2) Evil would come out of the house of David, meaning some of David’s descendants would bring trouble on Israel. 3) David would lose his many wives, and 4) lastly, David’s son with Bathsheba would die.

Although these consequences are severe, God could have killed David for his actions. Even in His anger, God shows mercy for David’s life.

Seven days after David’s son is born, he dies. During those seven days, David fasted and laid on the ground. Once the child died, the servants were afraid to tell David because they did not want him to harm himself in his grief. After David realizes his son has died, he gets up, cleans himself and his clothing, and worships God. Even in the worst of circumstances, David trusts God’s judgment.

David comforts Bathsheba after the death of their child. This time as his wife, David sleeps with Bathsheba and she becomes pregnant with a son named Solomon.

The Israelites are still at war with the Ammonites in the city of Rabbah. David participates in this battle and the city of Rabbah is captured. In their victory, the Israelites place the Ammonite king’s crown on David’s head.