How does 2 Samuel 12:2 connect with the commandment against coveting in Exodus 20:17? The Scene Nathan Paints (2 Samuel 12:2) - “The rich man had a great number of sheep and cattle.” - In Nathan’s parable, the rich man represents David; his “very large number” of animals pictures abundant blessings already entrusted to him. - The detail is literal to the story yet crafted to expose a spiritual reality: surplus did not satisfy the rich man’s heart. What Coveting Looks Like (Exodus 20:17) - “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house…your neighbor’s wife…or anything that belongs to your neighbor.” - Coveting is an inward, willful desire for what God has given to someone else—an attitude that precedes theft, adultery, and oppression (cf. James 1:14-15). Connecting the Two Passages - Abundance versus desire: • The rich man already “had a great number,” yet he still wanted the lone ewe of his neighbor (12:3-4). • David had many wives (2 Samuel 5:13) but craved Bathsheba, Uriah’s only wife (11:2-4). - Direct violation of Exodus 20:17: • Bathsheba fit the very category named—“your neighbor’s wife.” • By coveting her, David ignored the clear boundary God set at Sinai. - Coveting precedes taking: • Parable: the rich man “took” the poor man’s lamb (12:4). • History: David “sent messengers and took her” (11:4). - Responsibility magnified: possessing much heightens guilt when desire still reaches for another’s portion (Luke 12:48). Fruit of Coveting in David’s Story - Adultery (11:4). - Deceit (11:6-13). - Murder (11:14-17). - National consequences: the sword would never depart from David’s house (12:10). Key Takeaways for Today - Abundance is no safeguard against coveting; only contentment in God is (1 Timothy 6:6-8). - Coveting is not a minor, private sin; it breeds actions that shatter lives (Colossians 3:5). - God’s Word exposes hidden desires so they can be confessed before they bloom into greater evil (Hebrews 4:12-13). Living in the Opposite Spirit - Cultivate gratitude for what the Lord has already provided (Psalm 103:2). - Guard the eyes and mind—“make no provision for the flesh” (Romans 13:14). - Seek the Spirit’s power to rejoice in others’ blessings rather than resent them (Galatians 5:16-17, 22-23). |
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