2 Samuel 12:1

CHAPTER XII

The Lord sends Nathan the prophet to reprove David; which he

does by means of a curious parable, 1-4.

David is led, unknowingly, to pronounce his on condemnation,

5, 6.

Nathan charges the guilt home on his conscience; and predicts

a long train of calamities which should fall on him and his

family, 7-12.

David confesses his sin; and Nathan gives him hope of God's

mercy, and foretells the death of the child born in adultery,

13, 14.

The child is taken ill; David fasts and prays for its

restoration, 15-17.

On the seventh day the child dies, and David is comforted,

18-24.

Solomon is born of Bath-sheba, 25, 26.

Joab besieges Rabbah of the Ammonites, takes the city of waters,

and sends for David to take Rabbah, 27, 28.

He comes, takes it, gets much spoil, and puts the inhabitants to

hard labor, 29-31.

NOTES ON CHAP. XII

Verse 2 Samuel 12:1. There were two men in one city] See a discourse on fables at the end of Judges 9:56, and a discourse on parabolic writing at the end of the thirteenth chapter of Matthew.

There is nothing in this parable that requires illustration; its bent is evident; and it was construed to make David, unwittingly, pass sentence on himself. It was in David's hand, what his own letters were in the hands of the brave but unfortunate Uriah.