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2 Samuel 12:7
Verse
Context
Nathan Rebukes David
6Because he has done this thing and has shown no pity, he must pay for the lamb four times over.”7Then Nathan said to David, “You are that man! This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you from the hand of Saul.8I gave your master’s house to you and your master’s wives into your arms. I gave you the house of Israel and Judah, and if that was not enough, I would have given you even more.
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Thou art the man - What a terrible word! And by it David appears to have been transfixed, and brought into the dust before the messenger of God. Thou Art this son of death, and thou shalt restore this lamb Fourfold. It is indulging fancy too much to say David was called, in the course of a just Providence to pay this fourfold debt? to lose four sons by untimely deaths, viz., this son of Bath-sheba, on whom David had set his heart, was slain by the Lord; Amnon, murdered by his brother Absalom; Absalom, slain in the oak by Joab; and Adonijah, slain by the order of his brother Solomon, even at the altar of the Lord! The sword and calamity did not depart from his house, from the murder of wretched Amnon by his brother to the slaughter of the sons of Zedekiah, before their father's eyes, by the king of Babylon. His daughter was dishonored by her own brother, and his wives contaminated publicly by his own son! How dreadfully, then, was David punished for his sin! Who would repeat his transgression to share in its penalty? Can his conduct ever be an inducement to, or an encouragement in, sin? Surely, No. It must ever fill the reader and the hearer with horror. Behold the goodness and severity of God! Reader, lay all these solemn things to heart.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
HE APPLIES IT TO DAVID, WHO CONFESSES HIS SIN, AND IS PARDONED. (Sa2 12:7-23) Nathan said to David, Thou art the man--These awful words pierced his heart, aroused his conscience, and brought him to his knees. The sincerity and depth of his penitent sorrow are evinced by the Psalms he composed (Psa 32:1-11; Psa. 51:1-19; Psa. 103:1-22). He was pardoned, so far as related to the restoration of the divine favor. But as from his high character for piety, and his eminent rank in society, his deplorable fall was calculated to do great injury to the cause of religion, it was necessary that God should testify His abhorrence of sin by leaving even His own servant to reap the bitter temporal fruits. David was not himself doomed, according to his own view of what justice demanded (Sa2 12:5); but he had to suffer a quadruple expiation in the successive deaths of four sons, besides a lengthened train of other evils.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And I gave thee thy master's house,.... Not his palace at Gibeah, but rather his family, his wives, servants, wealth, and riches, all being confiscated through the rebellion of Ishbosheth; or rather his kingdom he succeeded him in: and thy master's wives into thy bosom; though we read of no more than one that belonged to Saul, if he is meant by his master, excepting Rizpah his concubine, nor ever of David taking them into his bosom and bed; wherefore this can be understood only of his having them at his disposal, to give them to whom he pleased; the word may be rendered his "women", as well as his "wives", and may design his daughters, Merab and Michal, who were both given to David, though taken again and given to others: the Jews say, that Eglah, David's sixth wife, was the wife of Saul; see Gill on Sa2 3:5, and gave thee the house of Israel and of Judah; the kingdom of both; gave him to be king over all the tribes of Israel: and if that had been too little; either his wives too few, as the Jews interpret it, or his kingdom too small: I would moreover have given unto thee such and such things; more and greater favours; and indeed such he had promised him, as a firm or stable house or kingdom, and that the Messiah should spring from him.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
12:7-8 You are that man! David did deserve to die for his crime (Lev 20:10). • I anointed . . . I gave . . . I would have given you: David’s sin not only violated God’s commandments against murder, adultery, and coveting (Exod 20:1-17) but also amounted to a brazen disregard for all that the Lord had graciously given him.
2 Samuel 12:7
Nathan Rebukes David
6Because he has done this thing and has shown no pity, he must pay for the lamb four times over.”7Then Nathan said to David, “You are that man! This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you from the hand of Saul.8I gave your master’s house to you and your master’s wives into your arms. I gave you the house of Israel and Judah, and if that was not enough, I would have given you even more.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Plague of His Own Heart
By A.W. Tozer3.3K36:28Sinful Nature2SA 12:71KI 8:23JER 17:9MAT 6:33JHN 14:30In this sermon, the preacher discusses the consequences of sin and the need for repentance. He shares a story of a 15-year-old boy who committed a cold-blooded murder and reflects on the mother's plea for her son's innocence. The preacher emphasizes that sin is a result of Satan's influence and highlights the importance of turning to Jesus for deliverance. He also references the biblical story of Ananias and Akan to illustrate the severity of sin and its impact on not only the individual but also their family and community. The sermon concludes with a reminder that Jesus died to save us from the plague of sin and calls for repentance and reliance on God's grace.
The Sword
By Zeb McDaris1.1K1:14:15Non Resistance2SA 12:7MAT 6:33JHN 3:16ROM 3:23ROM 6:23EPH 2:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of investing in the things of God rather than worldly pleasures. He recalls a moment during an offering when he heard a song that made him realize the need to give more to God. The preacher warns that there will come a day when we will stand before God and realize how insignificant our lives were if we did not give Him our all. He urges the congregation to confess and make things right with God and their families, emphasizing the importance of obedience as the key to receiving blessings from the Lord.
Some Signs of the Backslider in Heart
By Albert M. Ewing02SA 12:7PRO 4:23PRO 14:14MRK 14:381TI 6:102TI 3:51JN 1:7REV 3:17Albert M. Ewing delves into the topic of 'The Backslider in Heart' based on Proverbs 14:14, emphasizing the seriousness of backsliding in one's heart rather than just outwardly professing faith. He highlights the gradual and subtle nature of backsliding, leading to a loss of love for prayer, interest in God's Word, and zeal for spiritual work. Ewing warns against becoming self-indulgent, thinking lightly of sin, and neglecting known duties, which can ultimately result in feeling spiritually empty and blind to one's own condition.
The Final Warning
By Asahel Nettleton0LEV 19:172SA 12:7PSA 141:5PRO 9:7MAT 7:6MAT 18:15JHN 16:82TI 3:16HEB 3:13JAS 5:19Asahel Nettleton delivers a powerful sermon on the importance of receiving reproof with humility and the consequences of hardening one's heart against correction. He emphasizes the care God has taken to reprove offenders through various means such as His people, parents, providence, His Word, ministers, and His Spirit. Nettleton warns of the danger of hardening one's neck against reproof, leading to sudden and irreversible destruction, as seen in biblical examples like Noah's generation, Pharaoh, and the inhabitants of Sodom. The sermon serves as a solemn reminder to both the aged and the young to heed reproof, as neglecting warnings only leads to a harder heart and a more hopeless state.
The Heavy Responsibility of Sheep-Feeding
By A.W. Tozer0ShepherdingResponsiveness in Preaching2SA 12:7EZK 34:2MAT 24:45ACT 20:281CO 9:162TI 4:2HEB 4:12JAS 3:11PE 5:2REV 2:1A.W. Tozer emphasizes the heavy responsibility of preaching, highlighting that true shepherds must address the specific needs of their congregation rather than delivering generic messages. He critiques the approach of indiscriminately applying biblical teachings without considering the unique circumstances of the listeners, likening it to giving the same medicine to all patients. Tozer illustrates this by referencing the New Testament epistles and the prophetic writings, which were crafted in response to particular situations. He underscores the importance of the Holy Spirit's guidance in preaching, as demonstrated by Nathan's confrontation of David, which led to genuine repentance. The sermon calls for preachers to be attentive to the specific needs of their flock to effectively minister God's Word.
I Samuel 12:13
By Chuck Smith0ConfessionForgiveness2SA 12:7PSA 51:1Chuck Smith emphasizes the story of David's sin with Bathsheba and the confrontation by Nathan the prophet, illustrating how David's anger towards sin in others reflects our own guilt. He highlights the importance of confession, contrasting David's honest acknowledgment of his sin with Saul's excuses, and shows that true forgiveness follows genuine repentance. The sermon underscores God's grace, as David learns that despite his sin, he is forgiven and will not die, leading to the writing of Psalms 51 and 32, which express his heartfelt confession and the joy of forgiveness.
Temptation From All Sides
By J.H. Newman01SA 17:372SA 12:72CH 32:25PSA 19:12MAT 26:75ROM 3:231CO 10:12HEB 4:151JN 1:8John Henry Newman reflects on the hidden weaknesses and secret faults that can betray even the most faithful followers of God, using examples like Peter, David, and Hezekiah who stumbled in moments of temptation and prosperity. He emphasizes the importance of not assuming we fully understand our own spiritual state until we have faced various temptations and trials from all sides, as integrity in one aspect of our character does not guarantee integrity in others. This humbling realization should lead us to acknowledge our sinfulness and rely on the One who truly knows the depths of our sins.
Sowing and Reaping
By Theodore Epp0God's MercySin and ConsequencesNUM 32:232SA 12:72SA 12:10PSA 51:4PRO 14:12ECC 12:14LUK 8:17ROM 2:6GAL 6:7JAS 1:15Theodore Epp emphasizes the principle of sowing and reaping through the story of David and Nathan in 2 Samuel 12:1-10. David's failure to recognize his sin and the consequences of his actions stemmed from his disconnection with God, leading to a harsh judgment against him. Nathan's confrontation served as a reminder of God's mercy and the inevitable sorrow that follows sin. Epp highlights that believers cannot escape the repercussions of their actions, as God sees all and the truth will ultimately be revealed. The sermon underscores the importance of acknowledging our sins and understanding the gravity of our choices.
Ii Samuel 12:7
By Chuck Smith0God's ForgivenessSin and Consequences2SA 12:7PSA 51:3ROM 6:23GAL 6:7Chuck Smith delivers a powerful sermon on II Samuel 12:7, emphasizing the blessings bestowed upon David and the grave consequences of his sin. He illustrates how David, despite being anointed and favored by God, fell into adultery and murder, leading to a profound realization of his wrongdoing when confronted by Nathan the prophet. The sermon highlights the importance of recognizing our sins and the reality that while God forgives, the consequences of our actions can have lasting effects. Smith warns that sin, though forgiven, can lead to irreparable damage and urges listeners to take sin seriously.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Thou art the man - What a terrible word! And by it David appears to have been transfixed, and brought into the dust before the messenger of God. Thou Art this son of death, and thou shalt restore this lamb Fourfold. It is indulging fancy too much to say David was called, in the course of a just Providence to pay this fourfold debt? to lose four sons by untimely deaths, viz., this son of Bath-sheba, on whom David had set his heart, was slain by the Lord; Amnon, murdered by his brother Absalom; Absalom, slain in the oak by Joab; and Adonijah, slain by the order of his brother Solomon, even at the altar of the Lord! The sword and calamity did not depart from his house, from the murder of wretched Amnon by his brother to the slaughter of the sons of Zedekiah, before their father's eyes, by the king of Babylon. His daughter was dishonored by her own brother, and his wives contaminated publicly by his own son! How dreadfully, then, was David punished for his sin! Who would repeat his transgression to share in its penalty? Can his conduct ever be an inducement to, or an encouragement in, sin? Surely, No. It must ever fill the reader and the hearer with horror. Behold the goodness and severity of God! Reader, lay all these solemn things to heart.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
HE APPLIES IT TO DAVID, WHO CONFESSES HIS SIN, AND IS PARDONED. (Sa2 12:7-23) Nathan said to David, Thou art the man--These awful words pierced his heart, aroused his conscience, and brought him to his knees. The sincerity and depth of his penitent sorrow are evinced by the Psalms he composed (Psa 32:1-11; Psa. 51:1-19; Psa. 103:1-22). He was pardoned, so far as related to the restoration of the divine favor. But as from his high character for piety, and his eminent rank in society, his deplorable fall was calculated to do great injury to the cause of religion, it was necessary that God should testify His abhorrence of sin by leaving even His own servant to reap the bitter temporal fruits. David was not himself doomed, according to his own view of what justice demanded (Sa2 12:5); but he had to suffer a quadruple expiation in the successive deaths of four sons, besides a lengthened train of other evils.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And I gave thee thy master's house,.... Not his palace at Gibeah, but rather his family, his wives, servants, wealth, and riches, all being confiscated through the rebellion of Ishbosheth; or rather his kingdom he succeeded him in: and thy master's wives into thy bosom; though we read of no more than one that belonged to Saul, if he is meant by his master, excepting Rizpah his concubine, nor ever of David taking them into his bosom and bed; wherefore this can be understood only of his having them at his disposal, to give them to whom he pleased; the word may be rendered his "women", as well as his "wives", and may design his daughters, Merab and Michal, who were both given to David, though taken again and given to others: the Jews say, that Eglah, David's sixth wife, was the wife of Saul; see Gill on Sa2 3:5, and gave thee the house of Israel and of Judah; the kingdom of both; gave him to be king over all the tribes of Israel: and if that had been too little; either his wives too few, as the Jews interpret it, or his kingdom too small: I would moreover have given unto thee such and such things; more and greater favours; and indeed such he had promised him, as a firm or stable house or kingdom, and that the Messiah should spring from him.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
12:7-8 You are that man! David did deserve to die for his crime (Lev 20:10). • I anointed . . . I gave . . . I would have given you: David’s sin not only violated God’s commandments against murder, adultery, and coveting (Exod 20:1-17) but also amounted to a brazen disregard for all that the Lord had graciously given him.