2 Samuel 12
Matthew Henry · Citado em PreceptAustin
2 Samuel 12
Henry says "One would think it should have followed that the Lord sent enemies to invade him, terrors to take hold on, and the messengers of death to arrest him. No, He sent a prophet to him. David thought he had disproved the old adage that "sin doesn't pay" but he forgot Moses' warning to "be sure that your sin will find you out"! (Nu 32:23+). THOUGHT - Beloved, do you believe Moses? If not you are in for a "shocking surprise"! May Moses' sure word of prophecy serve as a significant stimulant to each of us to continually choose to pursue holiness and to abstain from every form of evil!
2 Samuel 12
Henry - Godly parents have great reason to hope concerning their children that die in infancy that it is well with their souls in the other world; for the promise is to us and to our seed, which shall be performed to those that do not put a bar in their own door, as infants do not.15
2 Samuel 12:1-14
Henry: "Though God may suffer His people to fall into sin, He will not suffer His people to lie still in it." DON'T COVER SIN CONFESS SIN! The sins that would entangle us Must never be ignored; For if we try to cover them They'll pierce us like a sword. As the months passed, David would have become convinced that he had "gotten away with the it". His unrepentant heart would have become more and more hardened. His depth of self-deception would have increased. No action, whether foul or fair, Is ever done, but it leaves somewhere A record written by fingers ghostly, As a blessing or a curse, and mostly In the greater weakness or greater strength Of the acts which follow it. -Longfellow The Pulpit Commentary exposition remarks that... A man could scarcely pass from utter callousness to a state of mind so tender as that depicted in Ps. 51. without some preparation. Assuredly David had suffered much mental distress, but he had given no outward sign of contrition, and possibly, but for Nathan’s message, he might have overpowered his conscience, and his self-reproaches have become less frequent and agitating. Alan Carr offers us an automotive illustration of David's heart condition... The “check engine light” in your car. When it comes on, you can ignore it, you can break the light, or you can get the problem fixed. If you ignore it or break the light, eventually, you will harm the engine. If you fix it, everything goes back to normal. The same is true with guilt. It is the check engine light of the soul. When it comes on, do not ignore it, but take the problem to Jesus and get it fixed. (THOU ART THE MAN) Henri Rossier explains the time lapse this way... A certain period of time passed after David committed this sin. The war against Ammon (begun in the preceding chapter, which covers nearly one year) still continued. The siege of Rabbah had not been brought to its conclusion, and we know that at this time a city could be besieged for years. During this entire period David's conscience was silent (Ed: Or was being pricked!) although his sin weighed upon him and the fruit of his transgression was evident before his eyes (Ed: What was that fruit? Bathsheba, his stolen wife, the wife of Uriah - Imagine her emotions toward David each their eyes met. What guilt must have flashed across his mind! This indeed was the rotten fruit of his sin - Gal 6:8a). (2 Samuel) A W Pink An interval of some months elapsed between what is recorded in 2 Samuel 11 and that which is found at the beginning of chapter 12. During this interval David was free to enjoy to the full that which he had acquired through his wrongdoing. The one obstacle which lay in the way of the free indulgence of his passion was removed; Bathsheba was now his. Apparently, the king, in his palace, was secure and immune. So far there had been no intervention of God in judgment, and throughout those months David had remained impenitent for the fearful crimes he had committed. Alas, how dull the conscience of a saint may become. But if David was pleased with the consummation of his vile plans, there was One who was displeased. The eyes of God had marked his evil conduct, and the divine righteousness would not pass it by. "These things hast thou done, and I kept silence," yet He adds "but I will reprove thee, and set them in order before thine eyes" (Ps 50:21). God may suffer His people to indulge the lusts of the flesh and fall into grievous sin, but He will not allow them to remain content and happy in such a case; rather are they made to prove that "the way of transgressors is hard." The coarse pleasures of sin cannot long content a child of God. It has been truly said that "Nobody buys a little passing pleasure in evil at so dear a rate, or keeps it so short a time, as a good man." The conscience of the righteous soon reasserts itself, and makes its disconcerting voice heard. He may yet be far from true repentance, but he will soon experience keen remorse. Months may pass before he again enjoys communion with God, but self-disgust will quickly fill his soul. The saint has to pay a fearfully high price for enjoying "the pleasures of sin for a season." Stolen waters may be sweet for a moment, but how quickly his "mouth is filled with gravel" (Pr 20:17) (2 Samuel 12 His Conviction) From Psalm 32 (written after David had confessed and repented of his sin) we read of the incredible inner turmoil that he experienced during this time of covering his sins... When I kept silent about my sin, my body wasted away Through my groaning (Hebrew verb describing the roaring of a lion in Job 4:10, Ps 22:13!) all day long. For day and night Thy hand was heavy upon me; My vitality was drained away as with the fever heat of summer. Selah. I acknowledged my sin to Thee, And my iniquity I did not hide; I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD"; And Thou didst forgive the guilt of my sin. Selah. (Ps 32:3, 4, 5) Sent (shalach) is a Hebrew verb used over 800 times in the OT, but in this context means to dispatch a man on a mission with a specific purpose. Notice that it was not David who summoned the prophet but God Who took the initiative. David was in sin and hardly in a position to desire or to seek a rebuking word from a prophet. The truth is that sinners never seek God, until He seeks us. The fact that God loved David enough to send Nathan should encourage all of us. We have all committed willful sins (not referring to sins of ignorance) and been ensnared by the "cords of deception" of those sins (cp Pr 5:22-note, Pr 1:31, Isa 3:11-note, Jn 8:34; Ro 6:16-note, 2Pe 2:19-note). But we can be sure that God is the same today as He was in David's life (Mal 3:6, Heb 13:8-note) and He will not leave us in our sin but will send a "Nathan" to call us to confession and repentance and to restoration of our spiritual senses that had been dulled by the lies of the sin and Satan (2Ti 2:24, 25, 26-note) that so easily entangled us (Heb 12:1-note). God will not allow us to remain in our sin! ESV Study Bible The “parable” (2Sa 12:1-4) is similar to the plea of the wise woman of Tekoa in 2Sa 14:1-33 and that of the prophet in 1Ki 20:35-43. In all these cases, it is pointed out to the king that his own actions do not match his judgments. WHO IS YOUR NATHAN? Nathan - His task was far from enviable one in having to confront and rebuke the guilty king alone, face to face. Few things are more difficult and trying than to be called upon to reprove an erring brother, but it is every believer's mandate (see Gal 6:1, 2, Pr 25:11, 12). Add to this case the fact that it was the King who had absolute authority of life and death who needed reproof for his sins of adultery and murder (cp Pr 16:14). We do well to not underestimate the courage and boldness of the prophet Nathan. J Vernon McGee said that "In my judgment he is the bravest man in the Bible. I know of no one who can be compared to him." Nathan clearly was a loyal friend to David, one who was willing to speak the truth in love... Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But deceitful are the kisses of an enemy. (Pr 27:6) We need to recall that Nathan is the same prophet God sent to promise David a descendant (a prophecy fulfilled in the Messiah) and a kingdom that would endure forever (prophecy of the Messiah's coming kingdom - 2Sa 7:12, 13,14, 15, 16). David surely remembered this great blessing Nathan had prophesied regarding the Davidic lineage and this would have given the prophet even greater credibility with David. If we are constantly criticizing others or expressing a judgmental spirit, we are hardly opening a door of opportunity to speak the truth to them in the future should that need arise. Let's practice the "Nathan approach" and we are much more likely to be received by those we feel led to reproof for their sinful behavior! Matthew Henry says One would think it should have followed that the Lord sent enemies to invade him, terrors to take hold on, and the messengers of death to arrest him. No, He sent a prophet to him. Nathan was God's bondservant in this great tragedy. Perhaps God has called you to be His bondservant in the life of another person. You have a choice to make. Do you love them enough to confront them (cp Pr 27:6, 17, Pr 6:23)? There is no guarantee as to how they will respond. Rossier remarks... Nathan the prophet, bearer of His word, comes on the Lord's behalf to stir up the king's soul. How this chapter differs from 2 Samuel 7! Then, in a time of prosperity and joy, David served the Lord wholeheartedly and had but one thought: to build a house for his God. That first time the Lord had sent Nathan to him to tell him that the time had not yet come for this, but also to open up to him the treasures of His grace, for His object was to bring joy to David's soul. Now the scene has changed. The prophet is sent to him to set him in the light of a holy and righteous God whose eyes are too pure to behold evil and who must judge it. (2 Samuel) Phil Newton asked What had changed with David? 1. David had not acknowledged the seriousness of sin Here was a man whose conscience was sensitive to snipping off the corner of Saul's robe and getting water at the risk of his men's lives at Bethlehem. 2. David was dulled to his own spiritual condition His sin had seared his conscience. Rough calluses developed over his heart. He was deceiving himself. 3. David seemingly thought that lack of discovery meant that no harm would be done 4. David took for granted the tender fellowship and joy he had known before the Lord 5. David ignored the reality that we do not sin in isolation; others are affected 6. David played loosely with the honor and glory of God (2Sa 12:14) Sometimes a story can harass our thoughts and emotions and imaginations. (2 Samuel 12 You Are the Man!) One rich and the other poor - David was in charge of dispensing justice and God was especially protective of the poor (Ex 23:6; Lev 19:15; Pr. 31:9; Is 3:14; et al).. So he easily gives himself over fully to Nathan's story, undoubtedly thinking that this will be a situation that calls for kingly intervention! Yes, he was correct, the the intervention would be in the life of the king himself! Nathan was not the only prophet to be sent by God to David to proclaim the consequences of sin. In 2 Samuel 24 David numbers Israel and Judah committing a sin against God... Now David's heart troubled him after he had numbered the people. So David said to the LORD, "I have sinned greatly in what I have done. But now, O LORD, please take away the iniquity of Thy servant, for I have acted very foolishly." When David arose in the morning, the word of the LORD came to the prophet Gad, David's seer, saying, "Go and speak to David, 'Thus the LORD says, "I am offering you three things; choose for yourself one of them, which I may do to you." So Gad came to David and told him, and said to him, "Shall seven years of famine come to you in your land? Or will you flee three months before your foes while they pursue you? Or shall there be three days' pestilence in your land? Now consider and see what answer I shall return to Him who sent me." (2Sa 24:10, 11, 12, 13) Comment: Again we see that while there is abundant forgiveness with God, He may still allow untoward, unexpected consequences for our sins. God's law of sowing and reaping has not been repealed and may this truth motivate us to flee the next time we are tempted to sin against Him! ><>><>><> Redirected Paths - As part of a gospel outreach to the community, a group of Christians brought in a popular professional athlete to give his testimony. When he arrived, one of the organizers noticed he was acting arrogant. He pulled the guest aside and said, "We've been praying for this event for a long time. People out there need to see Jesus in you. You are being cocky, and that's not going to do anyone any good." Standing up to a famous athlete is one thing, but can you imagine standing up to a king? That's what Nathan the prophet did when he found out about David's sin with Bathsheba. He stood before the monarch, told a story about a rich man who had stolen from a poor man, then said to David, "You are the man!" (2Samuel 12:7). Instead of being irate with Nathan, David confessed his sin and sought restoration. It's never easy to confront, and for some it's extremely frightening. Yet bad behavior that will hinder God's work must be rebuked. Dear Lord, I would be bold and do my part To turn a friend from self-destructive ways; Grant me the grace to counsel heart to heart, And help him follow You through all his days. —Hess Overlooking sin allows it to grow. ><>><>><> Burying Our Heads -Contrary to common belief, the ostrich does not bury its head in the sand to ignore danger. An ostrich can run at a speed of 45 miles per hour, kick powerfully, and peck aggressively with its beak. As the largest and fastest bird in the world, it doesn't need to bury its head. "Burying your head in the sand" is a saying that describes someone who wants to ignore his shortcomings or those of others. The prophet Nathan did not allow King David to forget his sins of adultery and murder (2Sa 12:1-14). It took a brave man to confront a king about his errors. Yet Nathan was obedient to God and wise in his approach. The apostle Paul urged the early church to confront sin. He said, "If a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted" (Galatians 6:1). We are to confront our brothers and sisters in Christ about their sin with the view of restoring them to fellowship with God. We must also recognize that we are not immune to the same temptations. Father, help me live today With thoughtfulness in what I say, Confronting wrong with truth and fact, Expressing gentleness and tact. -Hess Slander seeks to destroy Rebuke seeks to restore 2Samuel 12:2 THE RICH MAN HAD A GREAT MANY FLOCKS AND HERDS: Great many: 2Sa 12:8; 3:2, 4, 5; 5:13, 14, 15, 16; 15:16; Job 1:3 NATHAN'S "PARABLE" OF A RICH MAN & POOR MAN CHARACTER DEPICTED CHARACTER DEPICTS Rich Man King David Poor Man Uriah the Hittite Flocks and herds Many concubines and wives Little Ewe Lamb Uriah's wife Bathsheba Traveler Lust In this parable, the rich man represents David. The poor man represents Uriah. The ewe lamb represents Bathsheba. Great many flocks reminds us of David's many "concubines and wives" (2Sa 5:13)! Lust is insatiable! Lust is never satisfied! Lust always desires one more of whatever the lust is directed toward! And each time lust is "accommodated" it only increases its appetite! Do not be deceived! As you read Nathan's parable and see David's blindness to the fact that this parable is a divine finger pointed straight at him, realize that such is the power of sin in our lives. Sin is not to be underestimated or trifled with but instead is a horrible, powerful force to be continually fought against do only with the Spirit of God's enablement! But I say, walk (present imperative - Keep on doing this) by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets its desire (present tense = continually) against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to (antikeimai in the present tense = continually) one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. (Gal 5:16-note, 17-note) Sin blinds by deceiving the sinner as explained by the writer of Hebrews... Take care (present imperative - Keep on doing this), brethren, lest there should be in any one of you an evil, unbelieving heart, in falling away from the living God. But encourage (present imperative - Keep on doing this) one another day after day, as long as it is still called "Today," lest any one of you be (passive voice = Action occurs on subject from "outside source") hardened (skleruno) by the deceitfulness (apate) of Sin. (Hebrews 3:12, 13-note) 2Samuel 12:3 BUT THE POOR MAN HAD NOTHING EXCEPT ONE LITTLE EWE LAMB WHICH HE BOUGHT AND NOURISHED. AND IT GREW UP TOGETHER WITH HIM AND HIS CHILDREN. IT WOULD EAT OF HIS BREAD AND DRINK OF HIS CUP AND LIE IN HIS BOSOM, AND WAS LIKE A DAUGHTER TO HIM: One little: 2Sa 11:3 Pr 5:18,19 Lie in his bosom: Dt 13:6 Mic 7:5 But - Nathan draws a strong contrast between the rich man (great many flocks) and the poor man (one little ewe lamb) to heighten David's interest, his sense of justice and ultimately his sense of conviction of sin once Nathan clarified that David was the rich man in verse 7! Thomas Stone writes glowingly of Nathan's modus operandi of indirectly drawing out David's conscience and sense of right and wrong... There scarcely ever was any thing more calculated, on the one hand, to awaken emotions of sympathy, and, on the other, those of indignation, than the case here supposed; and the several circumstances by which the heart must be interested in the poor man’s case, and by which the unfeeling oppression of his rich neighbour was aggravated. Nathan masterfully draws out in story form a picture which when seen by David in retrospect ("You are the man.") is clearly representative of David's evil acts against both Bathsheba and Uriah the Hittite and as stated served to intensify his conviction of transgression against God and His Word. Pulpit Commentary The Orientals are excessively fond of pet animals, and, as the dog is with them unclean, its place is taken by fawns, kids, or lambs. The description, therefore, is not overcharged, for in many an English home the dog or cat takes its place as one of the family. The Revised Version preserves the tenderness of the original in translating “it did eat of his own morsel.”