2 Samuel 11:5

2 Samuel 11:5 KJV marks a pivotal and tragic moment in the life of King David, revealing the immediate and profound consequence of his sin with Bathsheba. The verse simply states, "And the woman conceived, and sent and told David, and said, I [am] with child." This concise message delivers the news that transforms a hidden act of adultery into an unavoidable crisis, setting in motion a chain of events with devastating repercussions for David's family and kingdom.

Context

This verse follows David's egregious actions detailed in 2 Samuel 11:1-4. While his army, led by Joab, was engaged in battle against the Ammonites at Rabbah, David remained in Jerusalem. From his rooftop, he saw Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah the Hittite (one of his loyal soldiers), bathing. Succumbing to lust, David sent for her and committed adultery. The news of Bathsheba's pregnancy is the direct and undeniable outcome of this illicit encounter, demanding David's immediate attention and forcing his hand to try and cover up his sin.

Key Themes

• Consequences of Sin: This verse starkly illustrates that sin, especially secret sin, often brings forth tangible and undeniable consequences. Bathsheba's pregnancy is the first, but certainly not the last, of the painful repercussions David would face for his actions, as later revealed by the prophet Nathan in 2 Samuel 12:10-14.
• The Uncoverable Nature of Sin: David's attempt to hide his sin by staying home from war and then by summoning Bathsheba leads directly to this undeniable proof. The pregnancy makes it impossible for the adultery to remain a secret, forcing David into further, more desperate measures to conceal his wrongdoing.
• Human Frailty and Moral Failure: Even King David, described as "a man after God's own heart" (Acts 13:22), was susceptible to temptation and capable of grave moral failure. This narrative serves as a sobering reminder that no one is immune to sin's allure and its destructive power.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "I [am] with child" is a direct and literal translation of the Hebrew original, הָרָה אָנֹכִי (harah anokhi), meaning "I am pregnant." The simplicity of the declaration belies its immense weight and the complexity of the moral dilemma it presents to David. There are no hidden nuances; the message is clear, unambiguous, and devastating.

Practical Application

The story of David and Bathsheba, beginning with this verse's revelation, offers profound lessons for believers today:

1. Sin's Inevitable Consequences: We are reminded that actions have repercussions, and while God offers forgiveness for repentance, the natural consequences of sin often persist.
2. The Danger of Cover-Up: David's subsequent attempts to hide his sin only compounded his guilt and led to further tragedy (the murder of Uriah). It underscores the biblical principle that "your sin will find you out" (Numbers 32:23).
3. Humility in Failure: This narrative encourages us to acknowledge our own capacity for sin and to seek God's mercy and forgiveness, as David ultimately did in Psalm 51, rather than attempting to conceal our transgressions.