We finished our last post discussing David’s sin with Bathsheba which is found in 2 Samuel 11. Today we’ll pick up in chapter 12 which tells us God sent the prophet Nathan to confront David.
And the Lord sent Nathan unto David. And he came unto him, and said unto him, There were two men in one city; the one rich, and the other poor. 2 The rich man had exceeding many flocks and herds: 3 But the poor man had nothing, save one little ewe lamb, which he had bought and nourished up: and it grew up together with him, and with his children; it did eat of his own meat, and drank of his own cup, and lay in his bosom, and was unto him as a daughter. 4 And there came a traveller unto the rich man, and he spared to take of his own flock and of his own herd, to dress for the wayfaring man that was come unto him; but took the poor man’s lamb, and dressed it for the man that was come to him. 5 And David’s anger was greatly kindled against the man; and he said to Nathan, As the Lord liveth, the man that hath done this thing shall surely die: 6 And he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity. 7 And Nathan said to David, Thou art the man. Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, I anointed thee king over Israel, and I delivered thee out of the hand of Saul; 8 And I gave thee thy master’s house, and thy master’s wives into thy bosom, and gave thee the house of Israel and of Judah; and if that had been too little, I would moreover have given unto thee such and such things.
2 Samuel 12:1-8
Nathan exposed David’s sin through a parable. David did not realize the parable’s meaning and was incensed about the rich man stealing the poor man’s sheep.
Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel.
Matthew 23:24
David declared the rich man should be put to death. This was hypocritical and without realizing it, David was pronouncing his own sentence.
David was like the blind guide referenced by Jesus. He had committed adultery and murder but was going to kill a man who had stolen the lamb in Nathan’s parable.
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
Matthew 5:7
I often wonder if David would have been shown mercy had he been merciful to the rich man. David did not show mercy though. The parable was his opportunity to prescribe his own judgment. If he had been merciful he most likely would have been shown mercy.
David did not show mercy. The baby born to Bathsheba died as a result.
And Nathan said to David, Thou art the man.
We can only begin to imagine David’s reaction when Nathan said this. He had become angry at how the rich man acted only to have himself identified as that man!
But when David saw that his servants whispered, David perceived that the child was dead: therefore David said unto his servants, Is the child dead? And they said, He is dead. 20 Then David arose from the earth, and washed, and anointed himself, and changed his apparel, and came into the house of the Lord, and worshipped: then he came to his own house; and when he required, they set bread before him, and he did eat. 21 Then said his servants unto him, What thing is this that thou hast done? thou didst fast and weep for the child, while it was alive; but when the child was dead, thou didst rise and eat bread. 22 And he said, While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept: for I said, Who can tell whether God will be gracious to me, that the child may live? 23 But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me. 24 And David comforted Bathsheba his wife, and went in unto her, and lay with her: and she bare a son, and he called his name Solomon: and the Lord loved him. 25 And he sent by the hand of Nathan the prophet; and he called his name Jedidiah, because of the Lord.
2 Samuel 12:19-25
David’s relationship with Bathsheba began in adultery and murder. It was not God’s plan but after David repented God gave them Solomon. David made a commitment to Bathsheba and even though their relationship began in sin, it ended in blessing because of David’s repentant heart and God’s mercy.
God used Solomon to build the Temple. Solomon was not the plan of God. The original plan did not include David committing adultery or the murder of Uriah. David and Bathsheba repented and God raised up Solomon in His mercy.
Saul was God’s original plan. He sinned and God raised up David. David sinned with Bathsheba but he repented and God was able to raise up Solomon.
There are some who will read these posts thinking that they have blown it. I do not think it is possible for any of us to blow it any more than David did. Just as God showed mercy to David He will to us if we repent and turn to Him.
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