2 Samuel 12:1-14

Don’t Be That Man

Introduction.

The text ended appropriately last time, “But the thing that David had done displeased the LORD.”

We are far to prone to assume that the sins we do in the open or behind closed doors are permissible. We think, “if no one else can see me do it, then I’m safe.” Or likewise, “as long as I’m not hurting anyone, it is okay.”

But at the end of the day, we are not safe. God sees all things and what we do in private is clearly seen. There is no darkness that can hide from the light of God.

And today we see the profound nature of sin in the life of a believer as that which ensnare, chokes, and destroys Christian experience.

And we also see in this text that discipline is for our good. David dealt with this first hand, which we will look at in the following ways:

an authoritative rebuke (12.1-6)

an abundant regard (12.7-8)

an absolute ruling (12.9)

an abiding rupture (12.10-12)

an authentic repentance (12.13-14)

[1] an authoritative rebuke (12.1-6)

[Text]

We may presume that the Lord was inactive and passive in this sinful transaction of David in taking another man’s wife. Eleven times in 2 Samuel 11 everyone is sending. David sends Joab, Bathsheba sends, Joab sends, all the while the Lord appears absent.

Yet here, in verse 1, the Lord is sending Nathan as the concluding and authoritative expert on the matter. The Lord is going into action and the Lord is standing in judgment as the King.

The text draws from similarities between David’s treatment of Uriah and the rich man’ treatment of the poor man.

2 Samuel 12:3 “but the poor man had nothing but one little ewe lamb, which he had bought. And he brought it up, and it grew up with him and with his children. It used to eat of his morsel and drink from his cup and lie in his arms, and it was like a daughter to him.”

Nathan draws upon the experience of Uriah as he comes home from war. He did not have the glory and splendour of many wives as David, an obvious departure from the Scriptures, but only had one wife.

It should be no surprise to us that Nathan is using shepherding language to point out David’s sin. As you remember, David was indeed a shepherd of his father’s flock. As he matured and was anointed by Samuel, David became the shepherd over all of Israel.

Nathan appeals to two stations in life, one who has plenty and one who has little. The poor shepherd only had one small starter ewe. He cared for this sheep, he loved it, he treated it as his own family, and did everything he could for its well-being.

Yet the rich man, we are told, was covetous and selfish, not wanting to use anything he had gained, though he had much.

Nathan draws on the same order that Uriah explains to David in 2 Samuel 11:11“Uriah said to David, “The ark and Israel and Judah dwell in booths, and my lord Joab and the servants of my lord are camping in the open field. Shall I then go to my house, to eat and to drink and to lie with my wife? As you live, and as your soul lives, I will not do this thing.”” Eat, drink, and lie are the actions Uriah rejects but those actions which were rightfully his.

And likewise, the closeness of the paralell runs alongside of David’s own actions. The rich man took the ewe which would lay in its owners arms just as David took Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11:4“So David sent messengers and took her, and she came to him, and he lay with her. (Now she had been purifying herself from her uncleanness.) Then she returned to her house.”

The rich man was completely abusing his power, which David certainly recognizes. We are told repeatedly in Scripture of the necessity to provide right judgment.

Exodus 23:6““You shall not pervert the justice due to your poor in his lawsuit.”

Leviticus 19:15““You shall do no injustice in court. You shall not be partial to the poor or defer to the great, but in righteousness shall you judge your neighbor.”

Proverbs 31:9“Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.”

Isaiah 3:14“The Lord will enter into judgment with the elders and princes of his people: “It is you who have devoured the vineyard, the spoil of the poor is in your houses.”

Obviously, David, being well aware of this, was right in his own judgment. Little does David know, he is self-condemning himself. He employs a strong oath formula regarding the execution of judgment, “As the Lord lives.”

The text demonstrates the utter anger of David, is burning with absolute anger of what an injustice could have possibly occurred in his kingdom. David literally says, “a son of death, the man who did this.”

And so David also recognizes the Law of God as the means by which he is to pay. Exodus 22:1““If a man steals an ox or a sheep, and kills it or sells it, he shall repay five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep.” Not only shall this man’s life be taken but he shall pay restitution.

[Doctrine]

Authority of God’s Word

We typically run to 2 Timothy 3:16–17 in defining the authority and inspiration of Scripture, that “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”

We likewise typically hone in on it being breathed out by God, profitable for our edification, and equipping us. And these are all good things. Yet, in our culture of anti-offensiveness, we often avoid the “reproof, and correction” aspect.

Leaders in the church ought to be authoritative in their presentation of the Gospel and in their rebuking sinners. When Christians go astray, they need to be prodded back in line with the rest of the flock.

We see here that Nathan is using his God given authority as a prophet of God to rebuke David for his grievous sin that he has committed. And like the intent of church discipline it is to bring David into a state of repentance and admiration of God’s lovingkindness and forgiving heart.

Extension of God’s mercy in not striking David dead on the spot as he would have been completely justified to do. Often it is a blessing to be confronted with our sin, whether we want to or not,

“There is nothing better than when God sends us messengers of his wrath. For then he can make us feel his mercy and cease to enjoy our sins, so that we may apprehend his vengeance and our conscience may torment us, to the extent of humbling us to seek pardon and remission in him, until he has accepted us.” (Calvin, 522)

[Application]

Use 1. God’s Word gives us confidence in truthful matters.

Use 2. God’s Word gives us authority to rebuke others in error. How often do you hear the “judge not” mantra? Yet Jesus is telling us in the passage that we are not to judge unjustly, so you have the right and authority to judge according to God’s Word and standard.

Use 3. God’s Word should be the standard we turn to. Unlike David when he fell into sin, when we rely upon God’s Word, it corrects our misdirections and brings us into clarity, aligning us to God’s will.

[2] an abundant regard (12.7-8)

There is enough indication at the end of the narrative to see David as one who has repented thoroughly of this grievous sin. And David has set himself up for self-condemnation which only comes from his determination to commit an atrocious sin.

[Text]

The Hebrew is very straightforward and placed directly as the next indictment against David. Just as David was declaring that this hypothetical character ought to be punished, restore the offended party, and have no pity taken upon him, Nathan proclaims, “You are the man.”

There is no “dot-dot-dot” however in the Hebrew pointing of the text there is a pausal split after this proclamation of Nathan. Could you imagine the heart dropping reaction of David. This warrior king, wisdom-filled king, the very man after God’s own heart, is brought to the depths of Sheol in realizing the profundity of his own sin.

And God Himself appeals to the blessings He has given to David. God is the one who anointed David over Israel. He handed over the kingdom from Saul. He gave David the houses of Israel and Judah. And God even explains “if this were too little, I would add to you as much more.”

[Doctrine]

Grace of God in sinful man.

Covetousness is a plague that runs rampant in our lives. With the onslaught of social media, we have glimpses of the lives of wealthy, healthy, and temporally blessed people. We see what they have and want more.

It is difficult for us to be content with what we were given. It is almost as if we expect to be given everything at all times, like a spoiled child who has not worked a day in their life and relies solely upon their parents inheritance, so also we acts as though what God has freely given is not enough.

Yet look at the grace God has extended to David fully knowing what type of person he is and what type of person he would become. God also extends a level of grace to us knowing who we are and what we will do.

[Application]

The worldliness of our hearts is indicative of what our true affections are. WSC speaks of the forbidden aspects of the tenth commandment, A. “The tenth commandment forbiddeth all discontentment with our own estate, envying or grieving at the good of our neighbour, and all inordinate motions and affections to any thing that is his.”

Use 1. Discontentment is a degrading sin. How often do we think of discontentment as a sin? Probably never, if we are honest. Yet it is a great sin to be discontent with the blessings that your heavenly Father has given you. What else could you possibly want in this life than the eternal fellowship and communion you already have in Jesus Christ?

Use 2. Contentment is a joyful virtue. Learn the art of contentment. Be joyous as Paul was whether he was fed, or hungry, or supported, or harmed, all of that was a rejoicing endeavor because he had Christ.

Better yet, look at Jesus. Jesus had joy while going to the cross, yes, joy! We don’t even have joy when things are going our way, yet Jesus had a great joy while enduring the cross, knowing it would save you.

[3] an absolute ruling (12.9)

[Text] (v. 9, Condemnation)

The condemnation of David was an affront to God’s Word. David’s actions were in complete contrast to God’s Law. Back in Genesis 9:5–6 we are told of the importance of preserving life, “And for your lifeblood I will require a reckoning: from every beast I will require it and from man. From his fellow man I will require a reckoning for the life of man. “Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for God made man in his own image.”

David killed a man who bore the image of God. David could not blame the Ammonites, or anyone else, David himself and David alone was to blame. David’s condemnation goes far beyond merely a case of adultery. We see it in the way Nathan emphasizes key points.

Uriah the Hittite you struck down.

To strike down with the sword is a euphemism implying death by another’s hands. David is the one guilty. Not Joab, not the soldiers, not the enemy, but David alone. There is absolutely no opportunity for David to argue against this case.

His wife you took as your own wife

David did not merely kill Uriah, and other soldiers as well, but took a wife for himself. As if the act of taking another wife was not enough of a sin, David takes another soldier’s wife. The intent for David is completely for his own lustful intentions and has nothing to do with his obligation as king to protect his people.

Him you killed with the sword of the sons of Ammon

As if there was any confusion as to who was to blame, David is again pitted as the one solely responsible for the death of Uriah.

[Doctrine]

Total Depravity, Nature of Man.

Almost all of David’s narrative up until this point has painted him in a positive light, and rightly so. He was embodying kingly principles as a man after God’s own heart. He was pursuing the Lord. He was obeying the Lord.

Yet, David - no matter how good he appears - is still a sinner. And we truly see this in his Psalm of lament from this very event.

Psalm 51:2–5“Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin! For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment. Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me.”

Psalm 51:10“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.”

You can see the profound nature of sin and man’s depravity. No matter how holy one might appear on the outside, they are still confronted with the reality of their sins until they pass from this life into glory.

[Application]

This should serve as a warning to us. We cannot think for one moment that we are far beyond or above such grievous sin. David had an escape. He had a way out. David could have easily averted his own eyes and turned to the Lord, seeking His will and Word.

But like David, we often cling to the easy route. It is far easier to give into sin rather than to avoid it. We think to ourselves, “Well, I’ll just repent and ask forgiveness.”

While there is certainly validity to the fact that God forgives us our sins, that does not give us the freedom or the license to do the easy thing. We need to arm and equip ourselves with the full armor of God in the morning. You wouldn’t go into combat without armor and a weapon, why go into combat each morning without it.

God’s Word is entirely sufficient for us to rely upon. And although we will fail from time to time, we do know and have confidence that Jesus Christ will indeed forgive us of our sins.

[4] an abiding rupture (12.10-12)

[Text]

Unfortunately, this is the beginning of the end for the kingship. David’s house will be at constant war with itself. The now united kingdom will end up being the divided kingdom. David’s sin goes far beyond this small palace in Jerusalem.

“The sword shall never depart” is a reference to the constant fighting amongst the kingdom. In the coming chapters, we will see this with Absalom killing Amnon, Joab then killing Absalom, and eventually Solomon ordering Adonijah and Joab to be put to death.

Likewise, evil will come to David’s household. Previously, where the Lord promised the covenantal blessings upon David, now, David receives the cursing for his sin. That the Lord will “raise up evil” is seen clearly in Absalom’s rebellion in 2 Samuel 15-18.

And the promise that David’s many wives will be taken from him and used is a prediction which reaches its fulfillment in 2 Samuel 16:21–22“Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Go in to your father’s concubines, whom he has left to keep the house, and all Israel will hear that you have made yourself a stench to your father, and the hands of all who are with you will be strengthened.” 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.”

This rupture in David’s household was a lot like a small crack in the foundation of the house. Over the years, the crack begins to become larger and larger. In some homes, if left untreated, it can cause irreparable damage to the structure.

David’s downfall began with a small sin. He lusted after Bathsheba. Yet sin seized an opportunity and gave way to all forms of lawlessness. Now, David pays the price as the death of his son and the death of his other sons will come to bear.

Use 1. The rupture of David’s house reminds us that Christ restores our broken homes.

Use 2. The rupture of David’s house reminds us that Christ calls from every tribe, tongue, and nation. Jesus restores the true house of Israel to include Jew and Gentile alike.

Use 3. The rupture of David’s house reminds us how serious sin is.

[5] an authentic repentance (12.13-14)

[Text]

It does provide encouragement to see David fully repent of what has happened. He recognizes what he has done. The secret nature of his sin comes to bear when brought to light. David does not excuse, try to blame shift, or deny what he has done, David owns up to the sin.

As David repents, Nathan provides words of encouragement. “The Lord also has put away your sin.” To “put away” means to pass over in teh removal of transgression or sin. God is passing over, or looking beyond through the grace and forgiveness he freely offers to David, assuring him that he will not die because of his son.

It is the same word used in Zechariah 3:4 “And the angel said to those who were standing before him, “Remove the filthy garments from him.” And to him he said, “Behold, I have taken your iniquity away from you, and I will clothe you with pure vestments.””

Although David repents, the punishment still stands. We could say the punishment fits the crime, eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth. Lost to us in our English translation is the use of “shall die.” It is actually the double use of death as in Genesis 2:17 “but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.””

Literally, “die die.” David is reminded of the remaining curse of the fall with regard to his own offspring. This child, although conceived in sin and a child of Adam, who did nothing else wrong, would suffer.

Oddly enough, David, who would be the earthly descendent to Jesus could not take away the sins himself. David could not wash himself clean or make himself new, only God could do that.

And although this may be pushing the analogy too far, David’s unborn child is bearing the punishment of sin on behalf of his father, David. Yet there will come a time where the offspring of David will come and take away the sins of the world. Jesus Christ in the flesh, born of the virgin Mary, will endure all the miseries of this life, yet do so in perfect obedience to the will of the Father and perfect the work of redemption for his people.

Use 1. Though earthly leaders fail, our heavenly King does not.

Use 2. Though earthly leaders sin, our Mediator was without sin though tempted in every way.

Use 3. Though we fail and sin, Jesus is willing and able to forgive us of our sins.