What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 12:3? But the poor man had nothing • The story opens by underscoring utter lack. Nathan wants David to feel the weight of poverty, so he stresses that the man “had nothing” (cf. Psalm 40:17, Proverbs 13:7). • Scripture often pairs material poverty with spiritual openness; the poor in spirit are “blessed” (Matthew 5:3). The setup contrasts starkly with David’s abundance (2 Samuel 12:1–2). except one small ewe lamb that he had bought • The lamb is the man’s single treasure—purchased, not seized. Buying reflects honest labor and rightful ownership (Proverbs 10:4). • A “small” lamb highlights vulnerability (Exodus 12:5) and points forward to the ultimate Lamb, Christ, who too was gentle and undefended (John 1:29). He raised it • Raising the lamb implies continual care and daily attention, mirroring how a shepherd knows each sheep (John 10:3). • Stewardship of God-given resources is implied: “A righteous man cares for the needs of his animal” (Proverbs 12:10). and it grew up with him and his children • The lamb shares the family’s ordinary life—meals, chores, play. This image recalls God’s call for His words to “be upon your heart…teach them diligently to your children” (Deuteronomy 6:6–7). • Nathan thereby exposes David’s betrayal of family bonds when he took Bathsheba and had Uriah killed (2 Samuel 11). It shared his food and drank from his cup • The lamb is treated as a household member, enjoying table fellowship (Ruth 2:14). • Table sharing signals covenant intimacy (1 Corinthians 10:16). David will feel the sting when the rich man snatches this dear companion (2 Samuel 12:4). it slept in his arms • “Slept” speaks of trust and safety (Psalm 4:8). The poor man provides warmth and protection, echoing the Lord who gathers lambs “in His arms” (Isaiah 40:11). • Such closeness magnifies the cruelty of the theft. and was like a daughter to him • Calling the lamb “a daughter” elevates it from property to beloved family. The language evokes adoption (Romans 8:15) and God’s pledge, “I will be a Father to you” (2 Corinthians 6:18). • Nathan’s parable thus equates Bathsheba with this cherished lamb, exposing David’s sin as a heartless robbery of another man’s “daughter.” summary Nathan stacks detail upon detail to help David sense the depth of the poor man’s attachment: total poverty, single treasure, daily nurture, shared life, intimate table fellowship, restful embrace, daughter-like love. Each phrase confronts the king with the horror of stealing what little someone cherishes most. By the time Nathan declares, “You are the man!” (2 Samuel 12:7), David’s conscience is primed for repentance. The verse reminds us that God defends the vulnerable, values faithful stewardship, and sees every secret wrong—calling His people to honor both Him and one another with pure hearts and clean hands. |
    |