Bible Commentaries
2 Samuel 12

Introduction

Overview

2 Samuel 12:1, Nathan’s parable of the ewe lamb causes David to be his own judge; 2 Samuel 12:7, David, reproved by Nathan, confesses his sin, and is pardoned; 2 Samuel 12:15, David mourns and prays for the child while it lives; 2 Samuel 12:24, Solomon is born, and named Jedidiah; 2 Samuel 12:26, David takes Rabbah, and tortures the people thereof.

Verse 1

am 2970, bc 1034, An, Ex, Is, 457

the Lord: 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 2 Samuel 24:11-13, 1 Kings 13:1, 1 Kings 18:1, 2 Kings 1:3

unto David: 2 Samuel 11:10-17, 2 Samuel 11:25, 2 Samuel 14:14, Isaiah 57:17, Isaiah 57:18

he came: Psalms 51:1, *title

There were: There is nothing in this parable which requires illustration. Its bent is evident; and it was wisely constructed, by not having too near a resemblance, to make David unwittingly pass sentence on himself. The parable was in David's hand what his own letter was in the hands of the brave Uriah. Nathan at length closed in with him in the application of it. In beginning with a parable he shewed his prudence, and great need there is of prudence in giving reproof; but now he speaks as an ambassador from God. He reminds David of the great things God had designed and done for him, and then charges him with a high contempt of the Divine authority, and threatens an entail of judgments upon his family for this sin. Those who despise the word and law of God, despise God himself, and will assuredly suffer for such contempt. 2 Samuel 14:5-11, Judges 9:7-15, 1 Kings 20:35-41, Isaiah 5:1-7, Matthew 21:33-45, Luke 15:11-32, Luke 16:19-31

Reciprocal: Judges 3:20 - I have 2 Samuel 5:14 - Nathan 2 Samuel 7:2 - Nathan 2 Samuel 12:25 - Nathan 1 Kings 1:8 - Nathan 1 Kings 1:10 - General 1 Kings 4:5 - son of Nathan 1 Kings 20:39 - Thy servant 2 Kings 14:9 - The thistle 1 Chronicles 3:5 - Nathan 1 Chronicles 14:4 - Nathan 1 Chronicles 17:1 - Nathan 1 Chronicles 29:29 - Nathan 2 Chronicles 9:29 - Nathan 2 Chronicles 25:7 - a man of God 2 Chronicles 25:15 - a prophet 2 Chronicles 29:25 - Nathan Psalms 32:3 - When Isaiah 39:3 - came Isaiah Jeremiah 22:1 - Go Ezekiel 17:2 - General Zechariah 12:12 - Nathan Matthew 13:3 - in Galatians 6:1 - restore

Verse 2

exceeding: 2 Samuel 12:8, 2 Samuel 3:2-5, 2 Samuel 5:13-16, 2 Samuel 15:16, Job 1:3

Verse 3

one little: 2 Samuel 11:3, Proverbs 5:18, Proverbs 5:19

meat: Heb. morsel

lay in his: Deuteronomy 13:6, Micah 7:5

Reciprocal: Deuteronomy 28:54 - and toward 1 Kings 1:2 - lie John 13:23 - leaning Ephesians 5:25 - love

Verse 4

a traveller: Genesis 18:2-7, James 1:14

took the: 2 Samuel 11:3, 2 Samuel 11:4

Reciprocal: Proverbs 5:19 - be thou ravished always with her love

Verse 5

David's: Genesis 38:24, 1 Samuel 25:21, 1 Samuel 25:22, Luke 6:41, Luke 6:42, Luke 9:55, Romans 2:1

As the Lord: 1 Samuel 14:39

shall surely die: or, is worthy to die, Heb. is a son of death, 1 Samuel 20:31, 1 Samuel 26:16, *marg.

Reciprocal: Genesis 20:9 - a great 1 Samuel 14:44 - thou shalt 2 Samuel 13:21 - he was very wroth 2 Samuel 14:8 - I will give 1 Kings 1:29 - As the 1 Kings 2:26 - worthy of death 1 Kings 20:40 - So shall thy judgment be Matthew 7:3 - but Matthew 21:31 - The first Romans 6:21 - for the 2 Corinthians 7:11 - indignation

Verse 6

restore: Exodus 22:1, Proverbs 6:31, Luke 19:8

because: James 2:13

Reciprocal: Leviticus 6:5 - restore 2 Samuel 14:8 - I will give Nehemiah 5:11 - Restore Job 20:10 - his hands Proverbs 19:17 - that hath Proverbs 28:8 - pity Matthew 7:3 - but

Verse 7

Thou art: 1 Samuel 13:13, 1 Kings 18:18, 1 Kings 21:19, 1 Kings 21:20, Matthew 14:14

I anointed: 2 Samuel 7:8, 1 Samuel 15:17, 1 Samuel 16:13

I delivered: 2 Samuel 22:1, 2 Samuel 22:49, 1 Samuel 18:11, 1 Samuel 18:21, 1 Samuel 19:10-15, 1 Samuel 23:7, 1 Samuel 23:14, 1 Samuel 23:26-28, Psalms 18:1, *title

Reciprocal: Genesis 38:24 - let her 1 Samuel 2:28 - And did I 2 Samuel 14:13 - Wherefore 1 Kings 3:6 - great 1 Kings 14:7 - Forasmuch 1 Kings 16:2 - I exalted thee 2 Kings 20:14 - What said 2 Chronicles 1:8 - Thou has showed 2 Chronicles 16:9 - Herein Job 21:31 - declare Psalms 65:3 - prevail Psalms 141:5 - the righteous Proverbs 9:8 - rebuke Proverbs 27:6 - the wounds Proverbs 28:23 - General Ecclesiastes 4:10 - if Jeremiah 2:31 - Have I been Jeremiah 34:6 - General Ezekiel 3:20 - because Daniel 4:22 - thou Matthew 14:4 - General Matthew 21:46 - they sought Mark 12:12 - knew

Verse 8

thy master's wives: 2 Samuel 12:11, 1 Kings 2:22

gave thee: 2 Samuel 2:4, 2 Samuel 5:5, 1 Samuel 15:19

I would: 2 Samuel 7:19, Psalms 84:11, Psalms 86:15, Romans 8:32

Reciprocal: 2 Samuel 3:7 - gone in 2 Samuel 12:2 - exceeding 1 Kings 2:17 - Abishag 1 Kings 3:6 - great 1 Kings 14:7 - Forasmuch 1 Chronicles 17:17 - a small thing 2 Chronicles 1:8 - Thou has showed

Verse 9

despised: 2 Samuel 12:10, 2 Samuel 11:4, 2 Samuel 11:14-17, Genesis 9:5, Genesis 9:6, Exodus 20:13, Exodus 20:14, Numbers 15:30, Numbers 15:31, 1 Samuel 15:19, 1 Samuel 15:23, Isaiah 5:24, Amos 2:4, Hebrews 10:28, Hebrews 10:29

to do evil: 2 Chronicles 33:6, Psalms 51:4, Psalms 90:8, Psalms 139:1, Psalms 139:2, Jeremiah 18:10

thou hast: 2 Samuel 11:15-27

Reciprocal: Genesis 3:13 - What Genesis 37:27 - let not Genesis 38:23 - lest we Exodus 32:30 - Ye have Exodus 32:35 - General Leviticus 26:15 - despise Deuteronomy 27:24 - General 1 Samuel 2:30 - that despise 1 Samuel 18:17 - Let not mine 1 Samuel 24:5 - David's heart 1 Samuel 26:6 - Hittite 2 Samuel 11:17 - there fell 2 Samuel 11:27 - fetched her 2 Samuel 16:7 - bloody man 2 Samuel 23:39 - Uriah 2 Samuel 24:12 - that I may 1 Kings 11:11 - I will surely 1 Kings 13:21 - thou hast disobeyed 1 Kings 15:5 - save only 1 Kings 21:19 - Hast thou killed 2 Chronicles 24:20 - transgress Psalms 10:13 - contemn Psalms 32:5 - iniquity Psalms 51:14 - Deliver Psalms 139:3 - and art acquainted Proverbs 6:29 - he that Proverbs 7:26 - General Proverbs 11:31 - General Proverbs 13:13 - despiseth Isaiah 30:12 - Because Ezekiel 20:13 - and they

Verse 10

the sword: 2 Samuel 13:28, 2 Samuel 13:29, 2 Samuel 18:14, 2 Samuel 18:15, 2 Samuel 18:33, 1 Kings 2:23-25, Amos 7:9, Matthew 26:52

because: Numbers 11:20, 1 Samuel 2:30, Malachi 1:6, Malachi 1:7, Matthew 6:24, Romans 2:4, 1 Thessalonians 4:8

hast taken: Genesis 20:3, Proverbs 6:32, Proverbs 6:33

Reciprocal: Genesis 20:9 - a great Exodus 20:13 - General Exodus 32:35 - General Leviticus 26:15 - despise 2 Samuel 12:9 - despised 2 Samuel 13:21 - he was very wroth 2 Samuel 15:25 - Carry back 2 Samuel 23:5 - Although 2 Samuel 24:12 - that I may 1 Kings 13:26 - the man 1 Kings 15:5 - save only 1 Chronicles 21:10 - that I may 1 Chronicles 21:17 - on my father's 2 Chronicles 24:20 - transgress Job 20:14 - his meat Psalms 10:13 - contemn Psalms 51:4 - Against Psalms 118:18 - chastened Proverbs 6:29 - he that Proverbs 13:13 - despiseth Isaiah 5:24 - despised Isaiah 30:12 - Because Jeremiah 23:17 - that despise Hosea 4:13 - therefore Amos 2:4 - because

Verse 11

I will raise: 2 Samuel 13:1-14, 2 Samuel 13:28, 2 Samuel 13:29, 2 Samuel 15:6, 2 Samuel 15:10

I will take: That is, in the course of my providence I will permit this to be done. Such phrases in Scripture do not mean that God either does or can do evil himself; but only that he permits such evil to be done as he foresaw would be done, and which, had he pleased, he might have prevented. 2 Samuel 16:21, 2 Samuel 16:22, Deuteronomy 28:30, Ezekiel 14:9, Ezekiel 20:25, Ezekiel 20:26, Hosea 4:13, Hosea 4:14

Reciprocal: Genesis 20:9 - a great Genesis 30:4 - to wife 2 Samuel 12:8 - thy master's wives 2 Samuel 13:14 - forced her 2 Samuel 15:16 - ten women 2 Samuel 15:25 - Carry back 2 Samuel 16:11 - Behold 2 Samuel 24:1 - moved 1 Kings 21:19 - In the place Job 20:14 - his meat Job 31:10 - and let Job 34:26 - in Psalms 71:20 - which

Verse 12

secretly: 2 Samuel 11:4, 2 Samuel 11:8, 2 Samuel 11:13, 2 Samuel 11:15, Ecclesiastes 12:14, Luke 12:1, Luke 12:2, 1 Corinthians 4:5

Reciprocal: Genesis 45:5 - God 2 Samuel 16:11 - Behold 2 Samuel 16:22 - went in Job 24:15 - eye Job 34:26 - in Ezekiel 14:9 - if the Ephesians 5:12 - in

Verse 13

David: 1 Samuel 15:20, 1 Samuel 15:24, 1 Kings 13:4, 1 Kings 21:20, 1 Kings 22:8, 2 Kings 1:9, 2 Chronicles 16:10, 2 Chronicles 24:20-22, 2 Chronicles 25:16, Matthew 14:3-5, Matthew 14:10

I have sinned: 2 Samuel 24:10, 1 Samuel 15:24, 1 Samuel 15:25, 1 Samuel 15:30, Job 7:20, Job 33:27, Psalms 32:3-5, Psalms 51:4, Proverbs 25:12, Proverbs 28:13, Luke 15:21, Acts 2:37, 1 John 1:8-10

The Lord: Job 7:21, Psalms 32:1, Psalms 32:2, Psalms 130:3, Psalms 130:4, Isaiah 6:5-7, Isaiah 38:17, Isaiah 43:24, Isaiah 44:22, Lamentations 3:32, Micah 7:18, Micah 7:19, Zechariah 3:4, Hebrews 9:26, 1 John 1:7, 1 John 1:9, 1 John 2:1, Revelation 1:5

thou: Leviticus 20:10, Numbers 35:31-33, Psalms 51:16, Acts 13:38, Acts 13:39, Romans 8:33, Romans 8:34

Reciprocal: Genesis 39:9 - sin Genesis 42:21 - they said Exodus 21:12 - General Leviticus 13:23 - General Numbers 22:34 - I Have sinned Judges 10:15 - We have sinned 1 Chronicles 21:8 - I have sinned Psalms 32:5 - acknowledged Psalms 103:3 - forgiveth Jeremiah 14:20 - for Hosea 14:2 - away 2 Corinthians 7:10 - repentance Hebrews 10:28 - despised

Verse 14

by this deed: Nehemiah 5:9, Psalms 74:10, Isaiah 52:5, Ezekiel 36:20-23, Matthew 18:7, Romans 2:24

the child: Psalms 89:31-33, Psalms 94:12, Proverbs 3:11, Proverbs 3:12, Amos 3:2, 1 Corinthians 11:32, Hebrews 12:6, Revelation 3:19

Reciprocal: Leviticus 24:11 - blasphemed 2 Samuel 24:12 - that I may 1 Kings 13:26 - the man Psalms 5:8 - mine Psalms 51:4 - Against Psalms 119:39 - Turn Amos 2:7 - to profane Malachi 1:12 - ye have Romans 14:13 - or 1 Corinthians 11:30 - many 1 Timothy 5:14 - give 1 Timothy 6:1 - that the Titus 2:5 - that

Verse 15

struck the child: Deuteronomy 32:39, 1 Samuel 25:38, 1 Samuel 26:10, 2 Kings 15:5, 2 Chronicles 13:20, Psalms 104:29, Acts 12:23

Reciprocal: 1 Kings 14:1 - the son Mark 5:23 - besought

Verse 16

besought: 2 Samuel 12:22, Psalms 50:15, Isaiah 26:16, Joel 2:12-14, Jonah 3:9

fasted: Heb. fasted a fast, Esther 4:16, Psalms 69:10, Isaiah 22:12, Acts 9:9

lay all night: 2 Samuel 13:31, Job 20:12-14

Reciprocal: Deuteronomy 9:18 - I fell down Joshua 7:6 - fell 1 Samuel 1:8 - why weepest 1 Kings 18:42 - he cast himself Job 1:20 - fell Daniel 6:18 - and passed Joel 1:13 - lie Matthew 6:16 - when Mark 5:23 - besought John 11:31 - She goeth 1 Corinthians 2:15 - yet 2 Corinthians 12:8 - I besought

Verse 17

the elders: 2 Samuel 3:35, 1 Samuel 28:23

Reciprocal: Genesis 37:35 - rose up 1 Samuel 1:8 - why weepest 2 Samuel 14:7 - quench 1 Kings 21:27 - lay in sackcloth Daniel 6:18 - and passed

Verse 18

seventh day: vex, Heb. do hurt to, 2 Samuel 12:18, Numbers 20:15

Verse 19

Reciprocal: 1 Thessalonians 4:13 - ye sorrow

Verse 20

arose: Job 1:20, Job 2:10, Psalms 39:9, Lamentations 3:39-41

anointed: Ruth 3:3, Ecclesiastes 9:8

the house: 2 Samuel 6:17, 2 Samuel 7:18, Job 1:20

Reciprocal: Luke 17:8 - Make 1 Thessalonians 4:13 - ye sorrow

Verse 21

What thing: 1 Corinthians 2:15

Reciprocal: 2 Samuel 13:36 - very sore 2 Kings 20:3 - wept sore Isaiah 38:3 - wept Matthew 6:16 - when

Verse 22

I fasted: Isaiah 38:1-3, Isaiah 38:5, Joel 1:14, Joel 2:14, Amos 5:15, Jonah 1:6, Jonah 3:9, Jonah 3:10, James 4:9, James 4:10

Reciprocal: 2 Samuel 12:16 - besought 2 Kings 20:3 - wept sore Isaiah 38:3 - wept Zephaniah 2:3 - it may

Verse 23

I shall go: Genesis 37:35, Job 30:23, Luke 23:43

he shall not: Job 7:8-10

Reciprocal: 2 Samuel 13:39 - comforted Job 7:9 - he Job 10:21 - I go whence

Verse 24

am 2971, bc 1033, An, Ex, Is, 458

she bare: 2 Samuel 7:12, 1 Chronicles 3:5, 1 Chronicles 22:9, 1 Chronicles 22:10, 1 Chronicles 28:5, 1 Chronicles 28:6, 1 Chronicles 29:1, Matthew 1:6

Reciprocal: 2 Samuel 5:14 - Solomon 1 Kings 1:11 - Nathan 1 Kings 2:15 - for it was 1 Kings 3:3 - loved 1 Chronicles 14:4 - Solomon 1 Chronicles 17:11 - I will raise Nehemiah 13:26 - yet among Proverbs 1:1 - Solomon Proverbs 4:3 - General

Verse 25

Nathan: 2 Samuel 12:1-14, 2 Samuel 7:4, 1 Kings 1:11, 1 Kings 1:23

Jedidiah: that is, Beloved of the Lord, Nehemiah 13:26, Matthew 3:17, Matthew 17:5

Reciprocal: Genesis 17:5 - but thy name Genesis 17:15 - As Genesis 32:28 - Thy name 2 Samuel 5:14 - Solomon 1 Kings 1:26 - General 1 Kings 3:3 - loved 1 Kings 4:5 - son of Nathan 2 Kings 9:36 - by his 1 Chronicles 3:5 - Solomon 1 Chronicles 14:4 - Solomon 1 Chronicles 17:1 - Nathan 1 Chronicles 17:11 - I will raise 1 Chronicles 22:9 - Solomon 2 Chronicles 9:29 - Nathan Psalms 108:6 - That thy Proverbs 1:1 - Solomon Proverbs 4:3 - General Jeremiah 37:2 - the prophet Matthew 1:6 - Solomon Luke 1:60 - Not 2 Thessalonians 2:13 - beloved

Verse 26

Joab: 2 Samuel 11:25, 1 Chronicles 20:1

Rabbah: Rabbah, or Rabbath-Ammon, also called Philadelphia, from Ptolemy Philadelphus, king of Egypt, was situated east of Jordan, and, according to Eusebius, ten miles east from Jazer. It is sometimes mentioned as belonging to Arabia, sometimes to Coelo-Syria; and was one of the cities of the Decapolis east of Jordan. Josephus extends the region of Perea as far as Philadelphia. It is now, says Burckhardt, called Amman, distant about 19 miles to the se by e of Szalt, and lies along the banks of a river called Moiet Amman, which has its source in a pond, at a few hundred paces from the south-western end of the town, and empties itself in the Zerka, or Jabbok, about four hours to the northward. This river runs in a valley bordered on both sides by barren hills of flint, which advance on the south side close to the edge of the stream. The edifices which still remain, though in a decaying state, from being built of a calcareous stone of moderate hardness, sufficiently attest the former greatness and splendour of this metropolis of the children of Ammon.

Reciprocal: Deuteronomy 3:11 - Rabbath Joshua 10:2 - the royal cities Joshua 13:25 - Rabbah 2 Samuel 8:12 - Syria 2 Samuel 11:1 - Rabbah Psalms 60:9 - strong city Ezekiel 21:20 - Rabbath Ezekiel 25:4 - men Ezekiel 25:5 - Rabbah Amos 1:14 - Rabbah

Verse 27

Rabbah: 2 Samuel 11:1, Deuteronomy 3:11, Ezekiel 21:20

the city of waters: Probably that part of the city situated near the pond, from which the rest received their water.

Reciprocal: Jeremiah 49:2 - her daughters

Verse 28

it be called after my name: Heb. my name be called upon it, John 7:18

Reciprocal: 2 Samuel 17:11 - in thine

Verse 29

Reciprocal: 2 Samuel 17:27 - the son of Nahash

Verse 30

took: 1 Chronicles 20:2

the weight: If this talent was only seven pounds, as Whiston says, David might have carried it on his head with little difficulty; but this weight, according to common computation, would amount to nearly 114 pounds! Some, therefore, think, that mishkelah should be taken for its value, not weight; which renders it perfectly plain, as the worth of the crown will be about 5,074, 15s, 7d sterling. The ancients mention several such large crowns, made more for sight than use. Atheneus describes a crown of gold that was 24 feet in circumference; and mentions others that were two, some four, and others five feet deep. Pliny takes notice of some that were no less than eight pounds weight. Besides the crown usually worn, it was customary for kings, in some nations, to have such large ones as described, either hung or supported over the throne, where they sat at their coronation or other solemn occasions.

in great abundance: Heb. very great

Reciprocal: 2 Samuel 1:10 - crown 2 Samuel 17:27 - the son of Nahash 2 Kings 11:12 - put the crown Psalms 21:3 - settest

Verse 31

and put them: Rather, as the particle ב frequently signifies, "And he put them to saws, and to harrows, and to axes," etc., as we say, to put a person to the plough, to the anvil, to the last, etc. 1 Chronicles 20:3, Also, 2 Samuel 8:2, Psalms 21:8, Psalms 21:9, Amos 1:3

Reciprocal: Genesis 11:3 - brick Deuteronomy 23:6 - Thou shalt 1 Samuel 14:44 - thou shalt 2 Chronicles 16:10 - the same time 2 Chronicles 25:12 - cast them Proverbs 20:26 - bringeth Jeremiah 43:9 - in the brickkiln