2Sa 12:1-4 | Clarke | STEP | The Lord sends Nathan the prophet to reprove David; which he does by means of a curious parable, . David is led, unknowingly, to pronounce his on condemnation, , . Nathan charges the guilt home on his conscience; and predicts a long train of calamities which should fall on him and his family, . David confesses his sin; and Nathan gives him hope of God's mercy, and foretells the death of the child born in adultery, , . The child is taken ill; David fasts and prays for its restoration, . On the seventh day the child dies, and David is comforted, . Solomon is born of Bath-sheba, , . Joab besieges Rabbah of the Ammonites, takes the city of waters, and sends for David to take Rabbah, , . He comes, takes it, gets much spoil, and puts the inhabitants to hard labor, . Verse 1 There were two men in one city - See a discourse on fables at the end of (note), 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.

‏ 2 Samuel 12:1-4

Introduction

The Lord sends Nathan the prophet to reprove David; which he does by means of a curious parable, 2Sam 12:1-4. David is led, unknowingly, to pronounce his on condemnation, 2Sam 12:5, 2Sam 12:6. Nathan charges the guilt home on his conscience; and predicts a long train of calamities which should fall on him and his family, 2Sam 12:7-12. David confesses his sin; and Nathan gives him hope of God's mercy, and foretells the death of the child born in adultery, 2Sam 12:13, 2Sam 12:14. The child is taken ill; David fasts and prays for its restoration, 2Sam 12:15-17. On the seventh day the child dies, and David is comforted, 2Sam 12:18-24. Solomon is born of Bath-sheba, 2Sam 12:25, 2Sam 12:26. Joab besieges Rabbah of the Ammonites, takes the city of waters, and sends for David to take Rabbah, 2Sam 12:27, 2Sam 12:28. He comes, takes it, gets much spoil, and puts the inhabitants to hard labor, 2Sam 12:29-31.

Verse 1

There were two men in one city - See a discourse on fables at the end of Jdg 9:56 (note), 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. Verse 3

And lay in his bosom - This can only mean that this lamb was what we call a pet or favourite in the family, else the circumstance would be very unnatural, and most likely would have prevented David from making the application which he did, as otherwise it would have appeared absurd. It is the only part of this parable which is at variance with nature and fact.