READ: 2 Sam. 12:13b–25: … ‘Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me’ …
Despite David’s confession of guilt, the LORD’s judgment still comes upon him. Nathan begins by declaring that the LORD has forgiven David’s sin; he will not die. This deserved punishment will not be carried out.
However, David does receive discipline. His grave sins caused the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme His Name. After all, David was a theocratic king, anointed by the LORD, representing God’s Kingship. As king, he brought dishonor to the LORD, causing His Name to be reviled. This is one of the gravest sins (Heidelberg Catechism, Q&A 100).
For this, the LORD punishes David: three of his sons will die by murder (Amnon, Absalom, Adonijah), and his wives will be given to others openly. Most immediate and heartbreaking, however, is the announcement that the child conceived in sin will die.
When Nathan departs, the LORD strikes the child with a fatal illness. Still, David fervently prays to God for the child’s healing. He fasts and lies on the ground, refusing to eat.
Why does David pray for what seems impossible? After all, the LORD had already decreed the child’s death. David wrestles with God’s grace, longing for a sign that God is once again gracious to him.
When the child dies after seven days, David’s servants hesitate to tell him, fearing he might harm himself. Yet David’s reaction surprises them. He accepts the LORD’s judgment and humbly submits to God.
He does not rebel but demonstrates his dependence on the LORD in the midst of suffering. While the child lived, David hoped and pleaded for grace. Now that the LORD has not granted his request, David acknowledges that it is good.
In this response, David shows once again that he is a man after God’s heart. He accepts God’s direction, even in sorrow, trial, and chastisement. Though he wrestled with it, he sought the LORD throughout. In this, he is an example to us when we face trials.
Should trials always be seen as punishment?
Sing: Ps. 73:7