2 Samuel 12
Warren Wiersbe · Citado em PreceptAustin
2 Samuel 12
Wiersbe notes "He became weak and sick physically; he lost his joy; he lost his witness; he lost his power. God gave David plenty of time to make things right, but he persisted in hiding his sins." (Borrow Wiersbe's Expository Outlines on the Old Testament) Young points out, “God has a way of not only saying the right word to us, but saying it at the right time. I do not like God’s timetable many times. I implore, ‘Lord, what more do we have to do? Do it now. God, Why do you wait about this thing? Do it now.’ God knows the right time to touch a life.” Ackroyd points out, “The appearance of Nathan serves a two-fold purpose. Like so many of the other great prophets of Israel, he is here the mediator of the divine word of judgment. The closest paralleled ism again, in the story of Ahab and Naboth (1 Kings 21) in which Elijah appears to pass a similar judgment on the royal house.” J.
2 Samuel 12
Wiersbe - God was ready to forgive David’s sins, but He could not prevent those sins from “bringing forth death” (James 1:15). God’s grace forgives, but God’s government must allow sinners to reap what they sow (Ps 99:8). (Borrow Wiersbe's Expository Outlines on the Old Testament) Because - Term of explanation, explaining why the sword will continually hang over David's family, like the proverbial sword of Damocles, why that sword would never depart from David. You have despised (bazah; Lxx - exoutheneo = treat as of no account, disdain) Me - Note the parallel! In 2Sa 12:9 Yahweh says David had despised His Word and now He amplifies what despising His Word means -- it means despising the LORD Himself! This must have been like a figurative sword piercing the heart of David, whose heart had grown callous and cold toward the things of God and needed "major surgery" by the Great Physician! In the previous verse God declared David had despised His Word and here it is His Person, showing the close linkage between the Word of God and God of the Word (cp the Incarnate Word, John 1:1, 2). When we sin (especially when like David we know better), we sin against His Word and His Person! This truth should cause us all to pause and reflect on the insanity and insolence of that sin we are presently being tempted to presumptuously commit! We need to recall that the payment for this sin is death and it cost God His Son's death to redeem us of our debt. THOUGHT - Next time you are being tempted to commit a willful sin, think about the cost to God, the Cross of Christ and the potential "reverberations" (consequences) of that sin in the lives of those we love. You might even take time to write these thoughts down in the midst of the battle with lust which is tempting you to gratify your flesh. This simple pause, might serve to deflate the power of that strong enticement of temptation to sin! So why did David commit adultery with Bathsheba and murder her husband, one of his own "mighty men" (2Sa 23:1, 8, 39)? Simply put - He despised the Word of God. He despised the commandment that said "Do not covet." He despised the commandment that said "Do not steal (your neighbor's wife)." He despised the commandment that said "Do not commit adultery." He despised the commandment that said "Do not commit murder." When we disobey, we show that we place little value on the Lord! -- Larry Richards Solomon describes one who despises God as devious... He who walks in his uprightness fears the LORD (Clearly David was not walking in the fear of the LORD during these dark days before he confessed), but he who is devious (perverse) (Lxx = skoliazo = to be crooked, to be perverse) in his ways despises (Hebrew = bazah; Lxx = atimazo = to dishonor) Him. (Proverbs 14:2) Comment: Solomon's proverb is an apt description of his father David devious ways (sinned in secret and then covered it) before he confessed and repented of his sins. and have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your wife - Yahweh repeats the charge of adultery and does not use Bathsheba's name but Uriah's name. Lingering Damage The sword shall never depart from your house, because you have despised Me, and have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite. —2 Samuel 12:10 Today's Scripture: 2 Samuel 12:1-14 A young teen who was constantly getting into trouble always apologized when his parents confronted him. No matter how much he hurt his parents with his previous wrong-doing, he would soon turn around and do something else wrong—knowing he would be forgiven. Finally, his dad took him out to the garage for a talk. Dad picked up a hammer and pounded a nail into the garage wall. Then he gave his son the hammer and told him to pull out the nail. The boy shrugged, grabbed the hammer, and yanked out the nail. “That’s like forgiveness, Son. When you do something wrong, it’s like pounding in a nail. Forgiveness is when you pull the nail out.” “Okay, I get it,” said the boy. “Now take the hammer and pull out the nail hole,” his dad replied. “That’s impossible!” the boy said. “I can’t pull it out.” A Prayer: Thank You for being slow to anger and filled with compassion. May I not presume upon Your mercy by assuming there will be no consequences for my sin. Help me to confess and then to sin no more. Amen. Our sins can be forgiven and washed away, but their consequences are ours to pay. 2 Samuel 12:11 "Thus says the LORD, 'Behold, I will raise up evil against you from your own household; I will even take your wives before your eyes and give them to your companion, and he will lie with your wives in broad daylight. I will raise: 2Sa 13:1-14,28,29 15:6,10 I will take: 2Sa 16:21,22 De 28:30 Eze 14:9 20:25,26 Ho 4:13,14 2 Samuel 12 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: 2 Samuel 16:21; 22 Ahithophel (Bathsheba's father) said to Absalom, “Go in to your father’s concubines, whom he has left to keep the house; then all Israel will hear that you have made yourself odious to your father. The hands of all who are with you will also be strengthened.” ....22 So they pitched a tent for Absalom on the roof, and Absalom went in to his father’s concubines in the sight of all Israel. PLEASURES OF SIN FOR A SEASON... PAIN OF CONSEQUENCES FOR A LIFETIME! Thus says the LORD, 'Behold (hinneh; Lxx - idou) - This interjection always serves to heighten the reader's attention. It says "Pay close attention to what you are getting ready to read!" Why? In this case, if God is bringing evil against the man after His own heart, we had all better realize that God NEVER plays favorites! Because He is holy, He has to repay the wages of sin. The NT Scriptures clearly teach that this "repayment" for sin must be with one's life (one's life blood) and it will be either the unrepentant sinner's life or the death of the sinless Lamb of God Who died in place of (substitutionary atonement) all who place their faith in Him so that they do not have die for their own sins. And so fittingly John the Baptizer begins his proclamation with that same word, behold - "Behold, the Lamb of God Who takes away the sin of the world." (Jn 1:29+) In summary, when the LORD says "behold" it is the Spirit's way of getting our attention. Yahweh wants to make sure that David does not miss what he is going to say, declaring several prophecies! How sad that the same man to whom the greatest prophecy in the OT was declared in 2Sa 7:12-16+ will now be the recipient of some of the most tragic prophecies uttered to an individual! I will raise up evil against you from your own household (lit - "house") - Note the repetition of I will in these prophecies. Hebrew = “raise up against you disaster.” While God is not the Author of evil, He will allow evil to have its sway in David's life as subsequent chapters prove. God Himself will be behind the scenes in providentially orchestrating evil against David's own family. Don't misread what God is saying. He is not saying that He is the author of evil, but that in His providence, He will permit evil to be accomplished. The old saying like father, like son would be played out in David's family for three of David’s sons will repeat the sins of their father. Amnon will rape Tamar (2Sa 13:8-14 - while David did not rape Bathsheba, nevertheless he took her and exerted his kingly power and prerogative). Absalom will take the royal harem (2Sa 16:22). Adonijah will seek to take his deceased father’s concubine (1Ki 2:13, 14, 15, 16, 17). TSK Note - Such phrases in Scripture do not mean that God either does or can do evil himself; but only that he permits such evil to be done as he foresaw would be done, and which, had he pleased, he might have prevented. I will even take your wives before your eyes and give them to your companion (or "friend"), and he will lie with your wives in broad daylight (Heb “in the eyes of this sun.”) - International Children's Bible says "While you watch, I will take your wives from you. And I will give them to someone who is very close to you. He will have sexual relations with your wives, and everyone will know it." Is God the Author evil? Clearly He is not. He is the essence of light and in Him there is absolutely no darkness. But sometimes He does allow evil to take its course when His children sin. In this prophecy God says He will take David's wives and give them to someone close to him, a prophecy that was literally fulfilled. God says in essence "You have sowed to the flesh and shall reap the corruption of that sowing." (Gal 6:8+). David would reap what he has sown with even reaping "with interest" (so to speak) as Hosea 8:7 says "For they sow the wind And they reap the whirlwind (Hos 8:7YLT = hurricane)." David's sin was a "wind," but his family would reap a destructive hurricane! Hosea says there is usually a delay before the sin bears the rotten fruit, and that when it comes it may be far worse than the original sin! Woe! Job also reminds us of the law of the harvest - "According to what I have seen, those who plow iniquity and those who sow trouble (Septuagint - Lxx = odune means physical suffering or misery, consuming grief, sorrow, mental pain, distress) harvest (reap) it (What? Iniquity! Trouble!)." (Job 4:8) What an incredible picture this passage paints. Plowing suggests the idea of deliberately preparing (or cultivating) the soil for the evil seed! The idea is that even before the farmer sows his seeds, he expends considerable effort in preparing the soil (I was raised on a farm). In a similar manner, the one who seeks to plow iniquity, is purposefully preparing the "soil" (of his heart) for his wicked seeds (cp Ro 13:14+)! The idea of sowing is that the type of seed sown determines the kind of harvest reaped (later and greater ~ a "bumper crop" of suffering and misery!) Here is a summary of David's reaping.... Loss of a child (2Sa 12:15, 18) Amnon rapes his half-sister Tamar (2Sa 13:1) Amnon hates Tamar (2Sa 13:15) Tamar disgraced and grieving (2Sa 13:18-20) David's passivity and failure to discipline (2Sa 13:21) David's seeming oblivion to the rift between Amnon and Absalom and inability to say "No!" (2Sa 13:24-27) Absalom murders Amnon (2Sa 13:30) Absalom's 3 year exile Absalom's 2 years of estrangement from David in Jerusalem (2Sa 14:24, 28) David's perfunctory restoration of Absalom, Absalom's failure to repent (2Sa 14:33) Absalom begins planning coupe against David (2Sa 15:1-10) Behold (02009) hinneh an interjection meaning behold, look, now; if. "It is used often and expresses strong feelings, surprise, hope, expectation, certainty, thus giving vividness depending on its surrounding context." (Baker) Hinneh generally directs our mind to the text, imploring the reader to give it special attention. In short, the Spirit is trying to arrest our attention! And so hinneh is used as an exclamation of vivid immediacy (e.g., read Ge 6:13)! Hinneh is a marker used to enliven a narrative, to express a change a scene, to emphasize an idea, to call attention to a detail or an important fact or action that follows (Isa 65:17, Ge 17:20, 41:17).
2 Samuel 12
Wiersbe notes that "Saul used the words “I have sinned” three times, but didn’t mean them (1Sa 15:24, 30; 26:21). David said “I have sinned” at least five times (2Sa 12:13; 24:10, 17 [1Chr. 21:8, 17]; Ps 41:4; 51:4). David was the Prodigal Son of the Old Testament, who repented and “came home” to find forgiveness (Luke 15:18, 21). For others who used these words see Ex 9:27; Nu 22:34; Josh 7:20; 2Sa 19:20; Mt 27:4. Genesis 39:9 “There is no one greater in this house than I, and he has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do this great evil and sin against God?” Psalm 51:4+ Against You, You only, I have sinned And done what is evil in Your sight, So that (PURPOSE CLAUSE) You are justified when You speak And blameless when You judge. I HAVE SINNED... YOU SHALL NOT DIE Then - This marks a progression in the narrative and David's response to Yahweh's words of condemnation. When? Having been pierced to the core by Nathan's parable and subsequent stinging rebuke describing his sins and the consequences of his sins. Finally, David's proud, rebellious heart was broken and contrite before His LORD (Ps 51:17+). David said to Nathan, "I have sinned against the LORD" - This confession makes a critical point - Confession does not need to be long and drawn out to be real and sincere. Notice David does not describe the plethora of sins he committed in chapter 11, but summarizes them all in one phrase "I have sinned against the LORD." David's confession is the proper response to "You are the man!" David received Nathan's confrontation. He acknowledged it. Then he confessed he was THAT MAN! He made no excuses and no rationalizations. There were attempts to shift the blame and no self-justification. Compare Saul's so-called "confession" to Samuel in the passages above, where both times he had excuses for why he had sinned. Notice the other difference is that Saul said "I have sinned" but neglected to add against the LORD. While David had defiled Uriah's wife and then destroyed Uriah's life, he understood that ultimately his sin was against God. All sin is against God and His holiness. Joseph believed the same truth, but instead of confessing his sin, he declared it to prevent his sin... (When being enticed and lured by Potiphar's wife Joseph said) There is no one greater in this house than I, and he has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do this great evil, and sin against God? (Ge 39:9) Sinned against the LORD - Some more cross references - Ps 32:5 Lev 5:5,16:21 Lev 26:40; Jer 3:13 Dt 30:1,2; Pr 28:13; 1Jn1:9 Nu 5:7 Ezra 10:11 Job 33:27 Pr 28:13 Jer 3:13 2Sa 12:13;2Sa 24:10, Ps 38:18; Lk 15:21. Ray Pritchard is spot on when he describes "the time for the king to do the hardest thing anyone can ever do, to look in the mirror and say, “I have sinned." Those may be the three hardest words in the English language. No one wants to say, “I have sinned.” We would rather do anything than say that. But there is no getting right until we admit how badly we have done wrong. (How Much Sin Will God Forgive) David in Psalm 51 reiterates that his sin is against God "Against You, You only, I have sinned and done what is evil in Your sight, so that You are justified when You speak and blameless when You judge. (Ps 51:4).
2 Samuel 12
Wiersbe - “Where sin abounds, grace much more abounds!” Note too that it is wrong to pray for the dead. David stopped praying for the child. (Borrow Wiersbe's Expository Outlines on the Old Testament) Matthew
2 Samuel 12
Wiersbe - God turned the curse into a blessing, for Solomon was the fulfillment of the promise given to David in 1Ch. 22:9 "‘Behold, a son will be born to you, who shall be a man of rest; and I will give him rest from all his enemies on every side; for his name shall be Solomon, and I will give peace and quiet to Israel in his days." (Borrow Wiersbe's Expository Outlines on the Old Testament) NET NOTE on he named - Heb “he”; the referent (David) has been specified in the translation for clarity. While some translations render the pronoun as third person plural (“they”), implying that both David and Bathsheba together named the child, it is likely that the name “Solomon,” which is related to the Hebrew word for “peace” (and may be derived from it) had special significance for David, who would have regarded the birth of a second child to Bathsheba as a confirming sign that God had forgiven his sin and was at peace with him. 2 Samuel 12:25 and sent word through Nathan the prophet, and he named him Jedidiah for the LORD'S sake. Nathan: 2Sa 12:1-14 7:4 1Ki 1:11,23 Jedidiah: Ne 13:26 Mt 3:17 17:5 2 Samuel 12 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: 1 Kings 1:11 Then Nathan spoke to Bathsheba the mother of Solomon, saying, “Have you not heard that Adonijah the son of Haggith has become king, and David our lord does not know it? 1 Kings 1:23 They told the king, saying, “Here is Nathan the prophet.” And when he came in before the king, he prostrated himself before the king with his face to the ground. YAHWEH TELLS NATHAN THAT SOLOMON'S NAME IS JEDIDIAH and sent word through Nathan the prophet - For the first time in 2 Samuel Nathan is specifically designated as the prophet. He would play a role in Solomon's accession to the throne. and he named him Jedidiah for the LORD'S sake - Jedidiah means "beloved of the LORD," which is what the previous verse had stated - Now the LORD loved him. It was God’s way of saying that He would love and bless Solomon the son of David and Bathsheba. 2 Samuel 12:26 Now Joab fought against Rabbah of the sons of Ammon and captured the royal city. Joab: 2Sa 11:25 1Ch 20:1 2 Samuel 12 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries JOAB CAPTURES RABBAH Now Joab fought against Rabbah of the sons of Ammon and captured the royal city - Rabbah (modern day Amman, capital of Jordan) was the chief city of the Ammonites. The narrative resumes the battle story that began in 2Sa 11:1. TSK note - Rabbah, or Rabbath-Ammon, also called Philadelphia, from Ptolemy Philadelphus, king of Egypt, was situated east of Jordan, and, according to Eusebius, ten miles east from Jazer. It is sometimes mentioned as belonging to Arabia, sometimes to Coelo-Syria; and was one of the cities of the Decapolis east of Jordan. Josephus extends the region of Perea as far as Philadelphia. It is now, says Burckhardt, called Amman, distant about 19 miles to the S. E. by E. of Szalt, and lies along the banks of a river called Moiet Amman, which has its source in a pond, at a few hundred paces from the south-western end of the town, and empties itself in the Zerka, or Jabbok, about four hours to the northward. This river runs in a valley bordered on both sides by barren hills of flint, which advance on the south side close to the edge of the stream. The edifices which still remain, though in a decaying state, from being built of a calcareous stone of moderate hardness, sufficiently attest the former greatness and splendour of this metropolis of the children of Ammon. Back in the Battle If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 Today's Scripture & Insight: 2 Samuel 12:26–31 As a child, she had hurled vicious words at her parents. Little did she know that those words would be her last interaction with them. Now, even after years of counseling, she can’t forgive herself. Guilt and regret paralyze her. We all live with regrets—some of them quite terrible. But the Bible shows us a way through the guilt. Let’s look at one example. There’s no sugarcoating what King David did. It was the time “when kings go off to war,” but “David remained in Jerusalem” (2 Samuel 11:1). Away from the battle, he stole another man’s wife and tried to cover it up with murder (vv. 2–5, 14–15). God stopped David’s downward plunge (12:1–13), but the king would live the rest of his life with the knowledge of his sins. While David was rising from the ashes, his general, Joab, was winning the battle David should have been leading (12:26). Joab challenged David, “Now muster the rest of the troops and besiege the city and capture it” (v. 28). David finally got back to his God-appointed place as the leader of his nation and his army (v. 29). What regrets gnaw at your soul? Who in your life might be a safe person to talk to for the reassurance of God’s grace? Father, may we truly realize Your love defines us. 2 Samuel 12:27 Joab sent messengers to David and said, "I have fought against Rabbah, I have even captured the city of waters. Rabbah: 2Sa 11:1 De 3:11 Eze 21:20 2 Samuel 12 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries JOAB MESSAGES KING DAVID OF VICTORY Joab sent messengers to David and said, "I have fought against Rabbah - This is the same city Joab had besieged in 2Sa 11:1. Presumably it is still under siege and did not fall during David's dark time of covering his sin. That would not be surprising because it would be difficult for God to bless David with victory given his serious unconfessed sins! I have even captured the city of waters - Probably that part of the city situated near the pond, from which the rest received their water. A city without a water supply could not withstand a siege for very long. NET NOTE - The expression translated the water supply of the city (Heb “the city of the waters”) apparently refers to that part of the fortified city that guarded the water supply of the entire city. Joab had already captured this part of the city, but he now defers to King David for the capture of the rest of the city. In this way the king will receive the credit for this achievement. 2 Samuel 12:28 "Now therefore, gather the rest of the people together and camp against the city and capture it, or I will capture the city myself and it will be named after me." NIV - Now muster the rest of the troops and besiege the city and capture it. Otherwise I will take the city, and it will be named after me." it be called after my name: Heb. my name be called upon it, Joh 7:18 2 Samuel 12 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries COME AND GET CREDIT FOR CAPTURING RABBAH Now therefore, gather the rest of the people together and camp against the city and capture it, or I will capture the city myself and it will be named after me - NLT = "Now bring the rest of the army and finish the job, so you will get credit for the victory instead of me."
2 Samuel 12
Wiersbe - He had confessed his sins; God had forgiven him; now he could fight for the Lord again. It is bad for believers to sin; it is also bad for them to live in the past and think themselves useless even after they have confessed their sins. Satan loves to shackle God’s people with memories of sins that God has already forgiven and forgotten. Satan is the accuser (Rev. 12:10; Zech. 3), but Jesus is the Advocate (1 John 2:1–2). (Borrow Wiersbe's Expository Outlines on the Old Testament) F B
2 Samuel 12:1-14
Wiersbe reminds us that... God will forgive our sins. In His grace He forgives In His government we face the consequences. God requires that we reap what we sow. Temptation is not sin, but it is a sin to cultivate temptation and yield to it. Sin is usually a process, and David went through several stages that led to his sin. First, David laid down his armor (2Sa 11). Do you put on the spiritual armor? (Eph. 6). We put it on through prayer. We need to come to the Lord each morning and put on the armor. Second, David was not looking to God. He was looking at Bathsheba. We need to make sure our bodies belong to God. After you put on your armor, turn yourself completely over to Him (Ro 12:1). Third, David did not watch and pray. The flesh is weak. As we mature in the Christian life, sin becomes more subtle. We must guard against this. Fourth, David was alone. He was not fellowshipping with the saints. When people try to rely solely on themselves, they usually fail. Fifth, David ignored God's Word. The Word keeps us clean. Finally, David did not depend upon the Spirit. We need to yield to Him. If you do, you will conquer sin. Commit these six stages to memory and read Ephesians 6. Don't make the same mistakes David made. Never cultivate a temptation with a view to yielding to sin. Meditate on the Word of God, obey it and guard your heart with its truth. Stay in fellowship with the Lord. (Psalm 51:18-19 The High Cost of Conquering) 2Samuel 12:13 Then David said to Nathan, "I have sinned against the LORD." And Nathan said to David, "The LORD also has taken away your sin; you shall not die: David: 1Sa 15:20,24 1Ki 13:4 21:20 22:8 2Ki 1:9 2Ch 16:10 24:20, 21, 22 2Chr 25:16 Mt 14:3, 4, 5,10 sinned against the LORD: 2Sa 24:10 1Sa 15:24,25,30 Job 7:20 33:27 Ps 32:3, 4, 5 51:4 Pr 25:12 Pr 28:13 Lk 15:21 Ac 2:37 1Jn 1:8, 9, 10 The LORD: Job 7:21 Ps 32:1,2 130:3,4 Isa 6:5, 6, 7 38:17 43:24 44:22 Lam 3:32 Mic 7:18,19 Zech 3:4 Heb 9:26 1Jn 1:7,9 2:1 Rev 1:5 You shall not die: Lev 20:10 Nu 35:31, 32, 33 Ps 51:16 Acts 13:38,39 Ro 8:33,34 See Torrey's topics Pardon; Repentance) TRUE CONFESSION Then - When? Having been pierced to the core by Nathan's parable and subsequent stinging rebuke describing his sins and the consequences of his sins. Finally, David's proud, rebellious heart was broken and contrite before His LORD (Ps 51:17-note). I have sinned against the LORD - No excuses. No rationalizations. Full and complete recognition of his sin as against God. While David had defiled Uriah's wife and then destroyed Uriah's life, he understood that ultimately his sin was against God. Joseph believed the same truth, but instead of confessing his sin, he declared it to prevent his sin... (When being enticed and lured by Potiphar's wife Joseph said) There is no one greater in this house than I, and he has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do this great evil, and sin against God? (Ge 39:9) Ray Pritchard is spot on when he describes... the time for the king to do the hardest thing anyone can ever do, to look in the mirror and say, “I have sinned." Those may be the three hardest words in the English language. No one wants to say, “I have sinned.” We would rather do anything than say that. But there is no getting right until we admit how badly we have done wrong. (How Much Sin Will God Forgive) David in Psalm 51 reiterates that his sin is against God... Against You, You only, I have sinned and done what is evil in Your sight, so that You are justified when You speak and blameless when You judge. (Ps 51:4).
2 Samuel 12:1-14
Wiersbe notes that... Saul used the words “I have sinned” three times, but didn’t mean them (1Sa 15:24, 30; 26:21). David said “I have sinned” at least five times (2Sa 12:13; 24:10, 17 [1Chr. 21:8, 17]; Ps 41:4; 51:4). David was the Prodigal Son of the Old Testament, who repented and “came home” to find forgiveness (Luke 15:18, 21). For others who used these words see Ex 9:27; Nu 22:34; Josh 7:20; 2Sa 19:20; Mt 27:4. Keil notes that David's words are very few, just as in the case of the publican in the Gospel of Luke (Lk 18:13). But that is a good sign of a thoroughly broken spirit.…There is no excuse, no cloaking, no palliation of the sin. There is no searching for a loophole,…no pretext put forward, no human weakness pleaded. He acknowledges his guilt openly, candidly, and without prevarication. THE REST OF REPENTANCE Peter described the rest of repentance calling on his Jewish audience (but applicable to all sinners)... Repent (Aorist imperative = Do it now! It is urgent!) therefore and return (Aorist imperative = Do it now! It is urgent!), that your sins may be wiped away (exaleipho from ek = out, intensive + aleipho = wipe thus to wash or smear completely. To cause something to cease by obliterating any evidence, to eliminate, to do away with), in order that times of refreshing (anapsuxis/anapsyxis from anapsucho/anapsycho = to cool or refresh with a breath) may come from the presence of the Lord and that He may send Jesus, the Christ appointed for you (Acts 3:19, 20) Comment: While the ultimate fulfillment of the times of refreshing will be when Jesus returns, there is certainly a refreshing associated with having one's sins wiped away when one repents. We see this in the life of David who upon restoration of his fellowship with God, followed up his confession by penning the beautiful song, Psalm 51. G Campbell Morgan... Note the “also” in verse 13. A man puts away his own sin when in sincerity he confesses it. That makes it possible for God also to put it away. Our sinfulness can sap our joy And make us feel far from the Lord; Confession and repentance, though, Provide the way to be restored. —Sper Repentance means hating sin enough to turn from it. Repentance is a decision to want freedom instead of bondage. Repentance is turning from sin which always results in changed behavior. Repentance is not saying you are sorry and continuing willfully in a sin. Repentance does include the emotion of being sorry but goes much further - it means to be sorry for sin, to hate it, and to forsake it because it displeases God. So don't miss this point - I hate sin and I forsake sin not because it makes me uncomfortable or bring heartache (which it does!), but because it displeases God! Don't fall into the trap of substituting confession for repentance. Don't just say "God really spoke to me on that issue in my life." That means nothing if you don't also do something about that on which He convicted your heart. Let it also change your heart and your behavior and then it is true repentance. Otherwise, it is pure hypocrisy! When is the last time you repented of something? Are you having difficulty thinking of such a time? If you can't remember the last time that happened, you may have become so insensitive to the Spirit that you don't even seek repentance. If so you need to repent of your unrepentance! A final possibility is that you have never repented and believed the first time and are not truly regenerate. You can't remember when you repented because you have never repented the first time. If it is the latter, than I beg of you, to repent and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be granted a new heart that is able to henceforth repent of sins you commit. Repentance is an ongoing work of the Spirit of God in the believer's life. Repentance is illustrated by the story of the little girl who after witnessing a wedding, asked her mother why the bride had changed her mind? The mother was confused and asked her daughter to explain what she meant, to which the little girl responded "The bride when down the aisle with one man and returned with another man!" An interesting picture of repentance! Remorsefulness is showing sorrow for the past but it does not want to change the future. Repentance is also sorrow for the past but it makes a change in heart so that the future will be different. It changes future behavior so that past mistakes won't be repeated. One take away point is that if you mistake confession for repentance, you will never end up with true repentance. If I merely tell God "I've done wrong" and this leads to no change of behavior, it is essentially another type of worldly sorrow as Paul explains... I now rejoice, not that you were made sorrowful, but that you were made sorrowful to the point of repentance (metanoia); for you were made sorrowful according to the will of God, in order that you might not suffer loss in anything through us. For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance (metanoia) without regret (not feeling sorry about), leading to salvation; but the sorrow of the world produces death. (2Cor 7:9, 10) Sinned against the LORD - Some more cross references - Ps 32:5 Lev 5:5,16:21 Lev 26:40; Jer 3:13 Dt 30:1,2; Pr 28:13; 1Jn1:9 Nu 5:7 Ezra 10:11 Job 33:27 Pr 28:13 Jer 3:13 2Sa 12:13;2Sa 24:10, Ps 38:18; Lk 15:21. FULL FORGIVENESS I have taken away your sin - Nathan seems to speak these words without any delay which underscores the authenticity and completeness of David's repentance. The Law of Moses prescribed death for David's sins (Lev 20:10) but in His grace and mercy, God chose to give life. Notice that God does not say "I will take away your sin." It is a past tense, completed action the moment the words were uttered by Nathan. Remember that truth the next time you commit some "horrible" sin and come to Him in conviction, confession and repentance. You have been forgiven. Consequences may remain but the fact is that you are completely forgiven by God. Don't fall into the trap of saying "I can't forgive myself." Think about that statement. Who is the sin against? God. Who alone can forgive sin? God (cp Lk 7:49). Has He forgiven our sin when we genuinely confess and repent? John writes that God forgives "us our sins" and cleanses "us from all unrighteousness" (1John 1:9) so clearly we are completely forgiven. We must learn to received and rest in the times of refreshing that come after repenting and returning to the Lord (cp Acts 3:19). Taken away (05674)(abar) means to pass over. It refers primarily to spatial movement, to “moving over, through, or away from.” Abar is used first in Ge. 8:1 where it describes God causing a wind to “pass over on top of” the flood waters (waters that served as a picture of His judgment on the sin of the ancient world) and carry them away. The Septuagint translates the Hebrew verb abar with the rare Greek verb parabibazo which means to remove or to put aside. David himself uses this verb in a request of God... 2 Samuel 24:10 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 (parabibazo in the ) the iniquity of Your servant, for I have acted very foolishly." Comment: This event was clearly after the events of 2Samuel 11 and 12 and again we see David commit a great sin against God. And while he apparently was forgiven his sin, he again suffered severe consequences that affected the nation of Israel. Read this compelling drama in 2Samuel 24:10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18. These events led to the building of the Altar to God in 2Sa 24:25 , 2Sa 24:19-24) It is in light of God's great grace and mercy to David, that the sweet psalmist was inspired to pen the words of Psalm 32... A Psalm of David. A Maskil. How blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, Whose sin is covered! How blessed is the man to whom the LORD does not impute iniquity, And in whose spirit there is no deceit! (Ps 32:1,2) The prophet Micah spoke of the depth and degree of God's forgiveness... Micah 7:18 Who is a God like You, who pardons iniquity and passes over (Hebrew = abar = same verb used of David's sin being taken away) the rebellious act of the remnant of His possession? He does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in unchanging love. 19 He will again have compassion on us. He will tread our iniquities under foot. Yes, You will cast all their sins Into the depths of the sea. Comment: Notice that God "delights" to show forgiveness! What an incredible truth. Pulpit Homiletic... How long Nathan stood by the prostrate silent king, and whether this confession was the literal whole or not, we do not know; but he saw enough to enable him to say in the name of God, “The Lord hath put away thy sin”—a statement clear and unreserved, intended to go home to the smitten heart. The forgiveness of sin has to do with a personal relation of God to man. It is the restoration of the personal relation of favor and fellowship which had been interrupted by sin. It is conditional on true repentance, the objective ground being the sacrificial death of Christ—under the Old Testament dispensation by anticipation (Ro 3:25-note), and under the New by retrospective reference. God is the sole Judge of the reality of repentance. He looks at the heart. He knew that David’s conviction had issued in the state of mind known as true repentance, and foreseeing this before it occurred, he commissioned the prophet to “declare and pronounce” to David, “being penitent,” the remission of his sin. “Thy sins are forgiven thee!” Blessed words! How often brought to penitents since our Lord uttered them! But the pardon left untouched the natural consequences of sin referred to in 2Sa 12:19, 20, because a personal relation does not alter the course of the forces which a man sets in motion on earth by his sin. PENALTY REMITTED You shall not die - Why not? Because he was forgiven. When God forgives sin, He forgives it completely (see Micah 7:18, 19 above). Forgiveness however does not necessarily remove the consequences of sin as the remainder of David's life demonstrates. ><>><>><> Flyleaf Wisdom - All right, Mary, I confess. While I was a guest at your home in Manila, I used your Bible one day for my devotions. When I opened it, I saw these words written on the flyleaf: Acknowledgment. Acceptance. Adjustment. Those words express the steps that believers in Christ need to take when they receive bad news. I see these actions illustrated in the life of David. Acknowledgment. When David was confronted by Nathan about his sin, he admitted his guilt (2Samuel 12:13). When we are faced with a problem, whether it's the result of our sin or not, it's futile to run from the truth. Acceptance. When his infant son died as punishment for his sin with Bathsheba, David accepted it as God's will (2Sa 12:19 20 21 22 23) and learned from it. We too need to see difficulties as opportunities to trust God and to grow spiritually (James 1:2 3 4). Adjustment. David turned to the Lord for forgiveness and help, and he later wrote about what he had learned (Psalm 32:1 2). For us, we may need to ask the Lord for the ability to make a lifestyle change or to take some specific action. Day by day and with each passing moment, Strength I find to meet my trials here; Trusting in my Father's wise bestowment, I've no cause for worry or for fear. --Berg God takes us into His darkroom to develop our character ><>><>><> Space Junk - Orbiting our planet at speeds more than 4.5 miles per second is a growing collection of space junk. Nuts, bolts, and other discarded debris from space flights are presenting a real hazard to future spacecraft. Their sheer speed makes the tiniest object strike with the impact of a bullet. During one of the shuttle missions, a speck of paint created a pit a quarter-inch wide in a window of the craft. One study revealed that there are 110,000 objects larger than 1 centimeter in orbit. Their combined weight is 4 million pounds! To avoid a space junk disaster, the US Space Command monitors orbiting debris for NASA. Sinful choices create their own kind of junk—unintended consequences. When Achan stole and hid forbidden booty, it cost him his life (Joshua 7). After King David committed adultery and murder, family discord followed (2Sa 15-18). What shame can overwhelm the soul Because we’ve chosen paths of sin! But if we humbly call on God, He’ll grant anew His peace within. —D. De Haan The law of sowing and reaping has never been repealed 2Samuel 12:14 "However, because by this deed you have given occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme, the child also that is born to you shall surely die.": ( Because of this deed: Ne 5:9 Ps 74:10 Isa 52:5 Ezek 36:20, 21, 22, 23 Mt 18:7 Ro 2:24 The child: Ps 89:31, 32, 33 94:12 Pr 3:11,12 Am 3:2 1Co 11:32 Heb 12:6 Rev 3:19 THE HIGH COST OF SIN! Warren Wiersbe recalls that... Dr. William Culbertson, late president of Moody Bible Institute, sometimes ended his public prayers with, “And Lord, help us bear the consequence of forgiven sin and to end well.” There are consequences to forgiven sin; for though God in His grace cleanses us, God in His government says, “You will reap what you have sown.” After King David confessed his sin, the Prophet Nathan assured him that the Lord had put away his sin, but the rest of his days, David suffered the tragic consequences of what he had done. But when God establishes His kingdom on earth, He will restore His people, renew the land, and give His people a new beginning that will cause them to forget their past disobedience and focus on praising the Lord and glorifying His name. Jehovah is “the God of hope.” Therefore, He can fill us with “all joy and peace in believing” so that we can “abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Ro 15:13NKJV). Is that your experience today? (Wiersbe, W. W. Be concerned) The enemies of the LORD blaspheme - David was the visible head and earthly representative of Jehovah's government on earth and for that reason he must be punished. The enemies blasphemed in David's day and continue to do so in our day because they read this story in the Bible. J