II Samuel Chapter 12
Please read: II Samuel 12 –
The sin of adultery that David committed with Bathsheba was a sin that according to the Law of Moses was punishable by death. But David had a repentant heart. That is a big concept to meditate on. The sinner is guilty and the penalty is death, but the repentant heart is beautiful to God and He extends His great mercy to the sinner. God loves a repentant heart.
Nathan the prophet shared a story with David that aroused his empathy for the poor man in the story. Then Nathan shook David to his core with four little words, “you are the man”. David was confronted with his sin. Sometimes people will continue living in their sin for years as if living in a fog. They ignore the Spirit of God speaking to them and live as if they can ignore their sin. And then God one day sends them a wake-up call. God sent Nathan to be that wake-up call for David. He faced his sin for what it was – sin against a holy God. A lot of people were hurt because of David’s sin, but the real issue that needed to be dealt with, was his sin against God.
Let's Reflect
1. What animal was used in the story that Nathan told that was a poor man’s pet?
2. Why did David become angry when he heard what the rich man had done to the poor man?
3. God through Nathan reminded David of all that He had given him. He also said that if he had needed more God would have been willing to give him even more. David was asked a question about why then did he take what wasn’t his to take. How was this question worded? See verse 9.
4. David’s punishment should have been death, but God said that he would spare his life because David was repentant. However, there would be consequences for his sin. There would be continuing strife, wars and fighting. There would be terrible things that would happen to his wives. And what was the last consequence that Nathan told David that would happen?
5. According to verse 13 what important thing did David recognize about his sin?
6. Despite hearing that his son would die, what did David do? Did God respond in the favorable way David had hoped?
7. David and Bathsheba were blessed with another son. His name was Solomon. This is the son that God had promised would succeed David on the throne and continue the kingdom forever. They named the baby Solomon, but Nathan was given a message from God; Nathan told them the baby would be called a name that means “loved of the LORD.” What was the name?
8. The chapter ends with things progressing as God said it would, David had to return to battle. Was he victorious in battle against the Ammonites?
