Topical Bible: David: King of Israel: Death of his Infant Son (Born from Bath-Sheba)

◄ David: King of Israel: Death of his Infant Son (Born from Bath-Sheba) ►

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The account of the death of David's infant son, born from Bath-Sheba, is a poignant episode in the life of King David, illustrating themes of sin, repentance, and divine justice. This narrative is found in 2 Samuel 11-12, where the complexities of David's personal and spiritual life are laid bare.

Background and Context

David, the second king of Israel, was a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14). However, his reign was not without personal failings. The incident with Bath-Sheba marks a significant moral lapse in David's life. While his army was at war, David remained in Jerusalem, where he saw Bath-Sheba, the wife of Uriah the Hittite, bathing. Overcome by desire, David summoned her and committed adultery, resulting in her pregnancy (2 Samuel 11:2-5).

In an attempt to conceal his sin, David orchestrated Uriah's death by placing him in the front lines of battle (2 Samuel 11:14-17). After Uriah's death, David took Bath-Sheba as his wife, and she bore him a son. However, "the thing David had done displeased the LORD" (2 Samuel 11:27).

Nathan's Rebuke and David's Repentance

The prophet Nathan confronted David with a parable of a rich man who took a poor man's only lamb, stirring David's anger against such injustice. Nathan then revealed, "You are the man!" (2 Samuel 12:7), exposing David's sin. Nathan declared God's judgment: the sword would never depart from David's house, and calamity would arise from within his own family (2 Samuel 12:10-11).

David's response was one of genuine repentance. He confessed, "I have sinned against the LORD" (2 Samuel 12:13). Nathan assured David that the LORD had taken away his sin, and he would not die. However, the child born to Bath-Sheba would die as a consequence of David's actions (2 Samuel 12:14).

The Death of the Child

Despite David's fervent prayers and fasting, the child became ill and died on the seventh day (2 Samuel 12:15-18). David's servants feared to inform him, but upon realizing the child's death, David arose, washed, anointed himself, and worshiped the LORD. When questioned by his servants, David explained, "While the child was alive, I fasted and wept, for I said, 'Who knows? The LORD may be gracious to me and let the child live.' But now that he is dead, why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me" (2 Samuel 12:22-23).

Theological Implications

This episode underscores the gravity of sin and its consequences, even for a man as favored as David. It highlights the justice of God, who does not overlook sin, and the mercy of God, who forgives the repentant heart. David's response to his child's death reflects a profound trust in God's sovereignty and an acceptance of divine will.

The narrative also foreshadows the redemptive work of Christ, as David's lineage would ultimately lead to Jesus, the Messiah, who would bear the sins of the world. David's repentance and God's forgiveness serve as a testament to the transformative power of grace, offering hope and restoration to all who turn to God in humility and faith.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Samuel 12:15-23
And Nathan departed to his house. And the LORD struck the child that Uriah's wife bore to David, and it was very sick.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Adonijah
... The law of primogeniture was not law for Israel. The invisible King expressly reserved
to Himself the right of ... David himself had been chosen and anointed in ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/milligan/men of the bible some lesser-known/adonijah.htm

Prov. 22:06 the Duties of Parents
... David was an over-indulgent father, father who let his children ... direct road from
Egypt to Canaan, yet Israel was not ... repent; it is the word of the King of kings ...
/.../the upper room being a few truths for the times/chapter xvi prov 22 6 the.htm

Against Jovinianus.
... of the north, the city of the Great King," is ever ... when Moses died, the people of
Israel mourned for ... David slew Uriah the Hittite and committed adultery with ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/against jovinianus.htm