Theory question 102
David(a) Narrate the story of the death of the first child born to David by Uriah's wife. (b) State any three lessons to be derived from the episode.
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(a) David committed adultery with Bathsheba and had Uriah killed in battle; then he married her and she bore a son (2 Samuel 11).
God sent Nathan, who told the parable of the rich man who took the poor man's lamb; David condemned the rich man, and Nathan said, "You are the man" (2 Samuel 12:1-7).
Nathan announced that the sword would not depart from David's house (2 Samuel 12:10-12).
David confessed, "I have sinned against the Lord"; Nathan said God had put away his sin and he would not die, but the child would die (2 Samuel 12:13-14).
The Lord struck the child and it became very sick (2 Samuel 12:15).
David fasted, prayed and lay all night on the ground; he refused to eat (2 Samuel 12:16-17).
On the seventh day the child died (2 Samuel 12:18).
David rose, washed, changed his clothes, worshipped and ate; he said he would go to the child but it would not return (2 Samuel 12:20-23).
He comforted Bathsheba, who bore Solomon (2 Samuel 12:24).
(b) Any three: sin has painful consequences; no sin is hidden from God; confess sin promptly; God forgives the repentant; pray earnestly in trouble; accept God's will.
Narrate 2 Samuel 12:1-24, then three lessons.