2 Samuel 12:15

English NET Bible - 2005 (New English Translation)

Then Nathan went to his home. The LORD struck the child that Uriah’s wife had borne to David, and the child became very ill.

What Does This Mean?

This verse tells us that after Nathan left, God made the child that David had with Bathsheba (Uriah's wife) very sick. It shows the consequences of David's actions.

Explained for Children

Imagine if you did something wrong and your parents gave you a time-out. That's kind of like what happened here. God was showing David that his actions had consequences by making the child very sick.

Historical Background

2 Samuel was written by multiple authors, likely including the prophet Nathan and others. It covers David's reign and was written around the 10th century BC. This passage reflects the covenantal relationship between God and Israel, where disobedience has dire consequences.

Living It Out Today

Imagine if a friend lies to you and you find out. You might feel hurt and disappointed, similar to how God felt about David's actions. This teaches us to be honest and responsible in our relationships.

Topics

sinconsequencesforgivenessrepentancedivine justiceparental responsibility

Frequently Asked Questions

What caused the child's sickness?

The child's sickness was a direct result of David's sin with Bathsheba and his subsequent actions.

Why did Nathan leave?

Nathan had delivered God's message to David and had no further instructions to give, so he left.

How does this event fit into the larger narrative of David's life?

This event is part of David's journey from a man who made grave mistakes to one who sought forgiveness and learned from his errors.

What can we learn about forgiveness from this story?

While this passage highlights the consequences of sin, it also sets the stage for David's eventual repentance and God's willingness to forgive.

Compare 2 Samuel 12:15 →