Gods timing is always the right timing… David of course sinned when he took Bathsheba (the result — the baby died) It Wasn’t Gods timing. But after Bathsheba became David’s wife they had Solomon… The wisest man.Over all maybe the thin you want is what God wants just not the right time.
The story of David is one of the most dramatic! So many terrible things happen…. adultery, rape, murder… I think it would be really worthwhile to discuss this story through a modern lens and talk about who God is through all of this. I think these are the stories of the Bible that turn non-Christians off and give them misconceptions. Instead of running away from talking about it, we need to lean in by questioning and discussing!
I agree! But, even I am wrestling with the result of David’s sin being the death of the son that was born to him and Bathsheba. Was it truly a punishment from God because of what David had done? If I look at this through the lens of the Old Testament covenant then it makes sense. God clearly sets out his law and the terms that there is blessing for obedience and punishment for disobedience. Yet, I have a hard time with the death of a child as that punishment. Is it perhaps fulfillment of the story that Nathan related—David is the man that essentially took an innocent lamb from Uriah and Bathsheba (a child that was meant for them)? So therefore, God took the child away from David? I don’t know! So many questions. Any thoughts?
“78Because of the tender mercy of our God,
With which the Sunrise from on high will visit us,”
I had never noticed until recently that another name for Jesus is Sunrise, as this passage notes!
13David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.” And Nathan said to David, “The Lord also has put away your sin; you shall not die.
Thank you, Lord, for your forgiveness and mercy toward us sinners!!!
I also think it’s good to note that though he was forgiven, David did experience the consequences of his sin. Also, I love how David’s first response after he learned his child had died was to go and worship the Lord! The only way through hard times is running into the arms of our all-knowing, all-loving Father.
I’m partially new to this too but I think that in the Old Testament, Christ hadn’t come as a substitute for our sins and so they paid for the consequences of their sins. I’m glad we have Christ because I might not have made it this far.
Also another thing; because God sent his only Son, Jesus to die for our sins, He wants us to pay for the sins that we commit. So, in David’s case, God punished him by killing his offspring, but He is such a merciful God, that he didn’t kill David, which he could’ve done. But, because he loves us all unconditionally, he gives us a chance to ask and pray for forgiveness, even if it means loosing something or going though trials and tribulations. In the end, with God, we can grow and overcome from the battles and things we face, which will make us stronger believers in God and his wonderful Word.
I love that although David messed up and his family had so much scandal God still used him to make a way for Jesus later on. My God is merciful and forgiving.
“7 Nathan said to David, “You are the man!” How quick we can be to judge others and totally ignore the sin in our own lives. That line got me this morning.
Lk 1:74-75 “that we, being delivered from the hand of our enemies, might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him all our days”. Interesting timing. In the Women study, today was about Eve – the shame and fear that come as a result of sin. Now, here, we read about the ability to approach and worship God without fear … all because of the promised coming of a Savior.
2 Sam 12:8 “And if this were too little, I would add to you as much more”. God basically says to David, “Look at everything you have. I gave it to you. And I could have given you twice this if you had needed it. Why’d you have to go and do what you did??”
‘The Lord has also put away your sin, you shall not die.’ 2 Samuel 12:13 This chapter brought so much understanding to God’s forgiveness as well as God’s discipline. I’ve always had a hard time viewing both of them together and this cleared it up for me. Convicts me to NOT want to sin anymore. Yes God will forgive me but its displeases God.
I found such peace, lingering in Zechariah’s Song–it took me back to yesterday’s reading: 1:37 “For the word of the Lord will never fail.”
1:76 And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High;
for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him,
77 to give his people the knowledge of salvation
through the forgiveness of their sins,
78 because of the tender mercy of our God,
by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven
79 to shine on those living in darkness
and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the path of peace.”
That’s a good question Grace, but sadly I don’t think we’ll know why David didn’t do anything. My study notes say that maybe his memory of his sin with Bathsheba affected his judgment, but we won’t ever know for sure. My notes on 13:23 say: After two years it was clear to Absalom that King David was not going to do anything to Ammon for raping Tamar.
So it looks like he was waiting to see if there would be punishment and when there wasn’t he took matters into his own hands.
Grace, I’m not sure we will know why David didn’t act and address sin in his household. But what we do see is a principle of the NEED for sin to be addressed and the consequences and impact on a whole family or group if it isn’t. It’s a good reminder for me – one who prefers peace to conflict- that it isn’t true peace if issues aren’t dealt with.
Grace, I believe we will never truly know everything on the Bible (Is 55:8-9) these verses speak of possibly why David didn’t do anything & why Absalom waited…key verses 10/11. In (vs 13) David confessed his sin & knew there’d be consequences to follow.
9 Wherefore hast thou despised the commandment of the LORD, to do evil in his sight? thou hast killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword, and hast taken his wife to be thy wife, and hast slain him with the sword of the children of Ammon. 10 Now therefore the sword shall never depart from thine house; because thou hast despised me, and hast taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be thy wife. 11 Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will raise up evil against thee out of thine own house, and I will take thy wives before thine eyes, and give them unto thy neighbour, and he shall lie with thy wives in the sight of this sun. 12 For thou didst it secretly: but I will do this thing before all Israel, and before the sun. 13 And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD. And Nathan said unto David, The LORD also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die.
Hi Grace, I was wrestling with your question all day and finally read some study notes on the matter. It’s seems that David was a fairly passive father. His sin was passed onto his sons. It is clear through reading this that the gospel is the only thing that can break the power of sin over our lives. It is sad that David did not punish his son for his wrongdoing, but it is also wonderful to know that we have a Savior who can break the cycle of sin in our lives. I hope you walk away with hope after reading!
I thought it was because Tamar’s brother neither spoke good nor bad of the man who raped his sister. It sounded like he was her “guardian” in essence and because he didn’t demand action David couldn’t. It also sounded like once the brother did act, David was sort of relieved. I felt very sorry for Tamar.
Hi Grace, I agree I think that David probably didn’t do anything because he knew that the Lord predicted he’d have such trouble from within his family because of his own wrongdoing – so I wonder if David didn’t punish his son because David felt guilty like it was his own fault. And the other brother probably waited to see if David would act, because it was right that David should have been the one to act
“God loves you. His chastisements can be painful, but God never turns His back on us. He will discipline us, but He will not forsake us. He will always seek to draw us back to a place where He can bless us once more.” — Beth Moore
The story of David is like a novel. I have been in awe and shock at every twist and turn. What a story.
Amen And Praise God for his Goodness.
Gods timing is always the right timing… David of course sinned when he took Bathsheba (the result — the baby died) It Wasn’t Gods timing. But after Bathsheba became David’s wife they had Solomon… The wisest man.Over all maybe the thin you want is what God wants just not the right time.
♥️
❤️
Because of this he tender mercy of God
78because of the tender mercy of our God,
whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high
79to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the way of peace.”
❤️
❤️
Guide my feet into the way of peace.
To give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the way of peace.”
The story of David is one of the most dramatic! So many terrible things happen…. adultery, rape, murder… I think it would be really worthwhile to discuss this story through a modern lens and talk about who God is through all of this. I think these are the stories of the Bible that turn non-Christians off and give them misconceptions. Instead of running away from talking about it, we need to lean in by questioning and discussing!
I agree! But, even I am wrestling with the result of David’s sin being the death of the son that was born to him and Bathsheba. Was it truly a punishment from God because of what David had done? If I look at this through the lens of the Old Testament covenant then it makes sense. God clearly sets out his law and the terms that there is blessing for obedience and punishment for disobedience. Yet, I have a hard time with the death of a child as that punishment. Is it perhaps fulfillment of the story that Nathan related—David is the man that essentially took an innocent lamb from Uriah and Bathsheba (a child that was meant for them)? So therefore, God took the child away from David? I don’t know! So many questions. Any thoughts?
Perhaps the greater blessing was poured out on the baby because he was brought into God’s presence? I guess it doesn’t say where he went.
79to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the way of peace.” -ellie
“78Because of the tender mercy of our God,
With which the Sunrise from on high will visit us,”
I had never noticed until recently that another name for Jesus is Sunrise, as this passage notes!
I loved seeing this as the sun is rising outside my window! What a beautiful reminder and a wonderful way to start my day❤️
13David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.” And Nathan said to David, “The Lord also has put away your sin; you shall not die.
Thank you, Lord, for your forgiveness and mercy toward us sinners!!!
I also think it’s good to note that though he was forgiven, David did experience the consequences of his sin. Also, I love how David’s first response after he learned his child had died was to go and worship the Lord! The only way through hard times is running into the arms of our all-knowing, all-loving Father.
Such a powerful story
i love this story :)
Me too!
If God loves us why did he take the child’s life away?? sorry I’m new to this whole thing?
I’m partially new to this too but I think that in the Old Testament, Christ hadn’t come as a substitute for our sins and so they paid for the consequences of their sins. I’m glad we have Christ because I might not have made it this far.
But God also told him that he had forgiven him. And I think he proved that by loving and making Solomon King.
Also another thing; because God sent his only Son, Jesus to die for our sins, He wants us to pay for the sins that we commit. So, in David’s case, God punished him by killing his offspring, but He is such a merciful God, that he didn’t kill David, which he could’ve done. But, because he loves us all unconditionally, he gives us a chance to ask and pray for forgiveness, even if it means loosing something or going though trials and tribulations. In the end, with God, we can grow and overcome from the battles and things we face, which will make us stronger believers in God and his wonderful Word.
How beautiful is Zechariah’s prophecy ❤️
I love that although David messed up and his family had so much scandal God still used him to make a way for Jesus later on. My God is merciful and forgiving.
“7 Nathan said to David, “You are the man!” How quick we can be to judge others and totally ignore the sin in our own lives. That line got me this morning.
Lk 1:74-75 “that we, being delivered from the hand of our enemies, might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him all our days”. Interesting timing. In the Women study, today was about Eve – the shame and fear that come as a result of sin. Now, here, we read about the ability to approach and worship God without fear … all because of the promised coming of a Savior.
I love that. To serve God without fear because we live in such confidence in his Word and he proves his truthfulness everyday.
This part stood out to me as well
2 Sam 12:8 “And if this were too little, I would add to you as much more”. God basically says to David, “Look at everything you have. I gave it to you. And I could have given you twice this if you had needed it. Why’d you have to go and do what you did??”
‘The Lord has also put away your sin, you shall not die.’ 2 Samuel 12:13 This chapter brought so much understanding to God’s forgiveness as well as God’s discipline. I’ve always had a hard time viewing both of them together and this cleared it up for me. Convicts me to NOT want to sin anymore. Yes God will forgive me but its displeases God.
I found such peace, lingering in Zechariah’s Song–it took me back to yesterday’s reading: 1:37 “For the word of the Lord will never fail.”
1:76 And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High;
for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him,
77 to give his people the knowledge of salvation
through the forgiveness of their sins,
78 because of the tender mercy of our God,
by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven
79 to shine on those living in darkness
and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the path of peace.”
Why didn’t David do anything about his son raping his daughter? And why did Absolom wait 2 years? I’m so confused
That’s a good question Grace, but sadly I don’t think we’ll know why David didn’t do anything. My study notes say that maybe his memory of his sin with Bathsheba affected his judgment, but we won’t ever know for sure. My notes on 13:23 say: After two years it was clear to Absalom that King David was not going to do anything to Ammon for raping Tamar.
So it looks like he was waiting to see if there would be punishment and when there wasn’t he took matters into his own hands.
Grace, I’m not sure we will know why David didn’t act and address sin in his household. But what we do see is a principle of the NEED for sin to be addressed and the consequences and impact on a whole family or group if it isn’t. It’s a good reminder for me – one who prefers peace to conflict- that it isn’t true peace if issues aren’t dealt with.
Grace, I believe we will never truly know everything on the Bible (Is 55:8-9) these verses speak of possibly why David didn’t do anything & why Absalom waited…key verses 10/11. In (vs 13) David confessed his sin & knew there’d be consequences to follow.
9 Wherefore hast thou despised the commandment of the LORD, to do evil in his sight? thou hast killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword, and hast taken his wife to be thy wife, and hast slain him with the sword of the children of Ammon. 10 Now therefore the sword shall never depart from thine house; because thou hast despised me, and hast taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be thy wife. 11 Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will raise up evil against thee out of thine own house, and I will take thy wives before thine eyes, and give them unto thy neighbour, and he shall lie with thy wives in the sight of this sun. 12 For thou didst it secretly: but I will do this thing before all Israel, and before the sun. 13 And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD. And Nathan said unto David, The LORD also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die.
Hi Grace, I was wrestling with your question all day and finally read some study notes on the matter. It’s seems that David was a fairly passive father. His sin was passed onto his sons. It is clear through reading this that the gospel is the only thing that can break the power of sin over our lives. It is sad that David did not punish his son for his wrongdoing, but it is also wonderful to know that we have a Savior who can break the cycle of sin in our lives. I hope you walk away with hope after reading!
Aww thank you all for replying, it all really helped. God bless x
I thought it was because Tamar’s brother neither spoke good nor bad of the man who raped his sister. It sounded like he was her “guardian” in essence and because he didn’t demand action David couldn’t. It also sounded like once the brother did act, David was sort of relieved. I felt very sorry for Tamar.
Hi Grace, I agree I think that David probably didn’t do anything because he knew that the Lord predicted he’d have such trouble from within his family because of his own wrongdoing – so I wonder if David didn’t punish his son because David felt guilty like it was his own fault. And the other brother probably waited to see if David would act, because it was right that David should have been the one to act
perhaps his own guilt over Bathseba had undercut his sense of moral authority.
Love that :)
Amen! (Prov 3:12, Heb 12:6-11)
My Take Away from 2 Samuel 12:
“God loves you. His chastisements can be painful, but God never turns His back on us. He will discipline us, but He will not forsake us. He will always seek to draw us back to a place where He can bless us once more.” — Beth Moore
Such a comfort to know that He will never forsake us.