2 Samuel 12:24

KJV

And David comforted Bathsheba his wife, and went in unto her, and lay with her: and she bare a son, and he called his name Solomon: and the LORD loved him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And David {H1732} comforted {H5162} Bathsheba {H1339} his wife {H802}, and went in {H935} unto her, and lay {H7901} with her: and she bare {H3205} a son {H1121}, and he called {H7121} his name {H8034} Solomon {H8010}: and the LORD {H3068} loved {H157} him.

Complete Jewish Bible

David comforted his wife Bat-Sheva, came to her and went to bed with her; she gave birth to a son and named him Shlomo. ADONAI loved him

Berean Standard Bible

Then David comforted his wife Bathsheba, and he went to her and lay with her. So she gave birth to a son, and they named him Solomon. Now the LORD loved the child

American Standard Version

And David comforted Bath-sheba his wife, and went in unto her, and lay with her: and she bare a son, and he called his name Solomon. And Jehovah loved him;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Following a period of profound national and personal turmoil brought about by King David's grievous sins of adultery and murder, 2 Samuel 12:24 marks a significant turning point toward restoration and divine favor. Despite the tragic loss of the first child born from David and Bathsheba's illicit union, this verse depicts David comforting his wife, the resumption of their marital relationship, and the subsequent birth of their second son, Solomon. Crucially, the narrative highlights God's direct involvement and approval, declaring that "the LORD loved him," setting the stage for Solomon's pivotal role in Israel's history as David's successor and the builder of the Temple.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed immediately after the devastating consequences of David's sin with Bathsheba and the murder of Uriah the Hittite, as detailed in [2 Samuel 11](/2_samuel/11 "2 Samuel 11 - David's Sin and Uriah's Death"). The prophet Nathan's powerful confrontation in [2 Samuel 12:1-14](/2_samuel/12-1 "2 Samuel 12:1-14 - Nathan Confronts David") exposed David's sin and pronounced divine judgment, specifically the death of the child born from the illicit union. David's subsequent repentance, fervent prayer, and the child's eventual death in [2 Samuel 12:15-18](/2_samuel/12-15 "2 Samuel 12:15-18 - The Death of David's First Son") precede this verse. Therefore, [2 Samuel 12:24](/2_samuel/12-24 "2 Samuel 12:24 - The Birth of Solomon") functions as a narrative pivot, signaling a new beginning and God's continued faithfulness to His covenant promises despite human failure, moving from judgment and sorrow to comfort and hope.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern cultures, and particularly in Israel, the continuation of the royal line was paramount. A king's legacy and the stability of the kingdom were intrinsically linked to his progeny. The act of "comforting" a wife after the death of a child was a culturally expected and deeply personal expression of shared grief and marital solidarity. Furthermore, the naming of a child often carried significant meaning, reflecting circumstances of birth, hopes for the future, or divine pronouncements. The explicit declaration of the Lord's love for Solomon would have been understood as a clear divine endorsement, setting him apart for a special destiny, especially in a society where divine favor was seen as the ultimate legitimizer of kingship and authority.

* **Key Themes:** [2 Samuel 12:24](/2_samuel/12-24 "2 Samuel 12:24 - The Birth of Solomon") profoundly contributes to several overarching themes within 2 Samuel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **divine judgment and mercy**. While David faced severe consequences for his sin, God's grace and willingness to restore are evident in the birth of Solomon, who would become David's successor. Secondly, it highlights **repentance and restoration**, showing that genuine contrition can lead to new beginnings, even after profound moral failures. Thirdly, the verse is crucial for the **continuity of the Davidic Covenant** (see [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Promise of an Enduring Dynasty")), as Solomon's birth ensures the continuation of the promised royal line through whom the Messiah would eventually come. Lastly, it emphasizes **God's sovereignty**—His ability to work His purposes through flawed individuals and to bring good out of situations marred by human sin.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Comforted (Hebrew, _nacham'_):** This verb carries a range of meanings beyond mere emotional solace, often implying a change of mind, repentance, or restoration. Here, it suggests David's active effort to alleviate Bathsheba's grief and restore their relationship after the shared tragedy and public scandal. It signifies a turning point, a move towards healing and reconciliation within their marriage.
* **Solomon (Hebrew, _Shelomoh'_):** Derived from the Hebrew root _shalom_ (שָׁלוֹם), meaning "peace," "completeness," or "wholeness." The naming of this son "Peace" is profoundly symbolic, especially given the preceding period of intense turmoil, judgment, and strife that David's actions had brought upon his household and kingdom. His name foreshadows a reign characterized by peace and prosperity, a stark contrast to the conflict that often marked David's own rule.
* **Loved (Hebrew, _ahev'_):** This is a strong declaration of divine affection and choice. The phrase "the LORD loved him" is not merely a passive observation but an active statement of God's favor and special relationship with Solomon from his birth. This divine love is further emphasized in the very next verse ([2 Samuel 12:25](/2_samuel/12-25 "2 Samuel 12:25 - Solomon Named Jedidiah")), where God, through Nathan, gives Solomon the additional name Jedidiah, meaning "beloved of the LORD," solidifying his status as divinely chosen.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And David comforted Bathsheba his wife":** This clause marks a crucial act of reconciliation and empathy. After the public shame, the death of their first child, and David's period of intense mourning, his act of comforting Bathsheba signifies a turning away from grief and toward mutual support and the rebuilding of their marital bond. It shows David's pastoral care for his wife in their shared sorrow.
* **"and went in unto her, and lay with her":** This describes the resumption of their marital intimacy. It is a sign of normalcy returning to their relationship and a symbolic act of moving forward from the past tragedy. In a culture where procreation was highly valued, especially for a king, this also implies hope for future offspring.
* **"and she bare a son, and he called his name Solomon":** This is the outcome of their renewed intimacy—the birth of a new son. The naming of the child "Solomon" (Peace) by David himself is a deliberate and hopeful act, expressing a desire for and anticipation of peace after a period of great strife and divine judgment. It signifies a fresh start for the royal couple and the kingdom.
* **"and the LORD loved him":** This final, powerful declaration is the theological climax of the verse. It is an explicit statement of divine favor and approval. Despite the tainted circumstances of his parents' union and the preceding judgment, God sovereignly chooses to bestow His love upon Solomon, setting him apart for a special purpose and ensuring the continuity of the Davidic line according to His divine plan. This divine love overrides human failings and highlights God's faithfulness to His covenant.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs **Contrast** to highlight the profound shift in the narrative. It stands in stark opposition to the preceding chapters, moving from the darkness of sin, judgment, and death to the light of comfort, new life, and divine favor. The birth of Solomon, whose name means "Peace," provides a powerful **Symbolism** of the peace and stability that God intends to bring, not only to David's household but also to his kingdom, foreshadowing Solomon's peaceful reign. The explicit statement "the LORD loved him" serves as a direct **Divine Intervention** or **Authorial Commentary**, signaling God's active hand in the unfolding events and His sovereign choice of Solomon, thereby reassuring the reader of God's continued faithfulness despite human frailty.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Samuel 12:24 stands as a profound testament to God's unfailing grace, His sovereign purposes, and His faithfulness to His covenant promises, even in the face of egregious human sin. It demonstrates that while sin brings consequences, God's redemptive plan is not ultimately thwarted by human failure. The birth of Solomon, explicitly declared as "loved by the LORD," signifies God's willingness to work through imperfect vessels and to bring forth new life and hope out of situations marked by sorrow and judgment. This divine love foreshadows Solomon's significant role in building the Temple and continuing the Davidic dynasty, ensuring the lineage through which the ultimate King would come. The verse beautifully illustrates that God's mercy triumphs over judgment, offering a pathway to restoration for those who genuinely repent.

* [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant and Promise of a Successor")
* [Psalm 51:1-19](/psalms/51-1 "Psalm 51 - David's Prayer of Repentance and God's Mercy")
* [Romans 5:20-21](/romans/5-20 "Romans 5:20-21 - Where Sin Increased, Grace Abounded")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse offers immense comfort and profound theological insight for believers today. It reminds us that God's grace is not contingent on our perfection but is freely given to the repentant heart. Even when we face the painful consequences of our sins, God's capacity for forgiveness and restoration remains boundless. David and Bathsheba's story, culminating in the birth of Solomon, illustrates that God can bring new beginnings and purpose out of our deepest failures and losses. It encourages us to embrace repentance, trust in God's sovereign plan, and find hope in His ability to redeem even the most broken circumstances. Just as God loved Solomon despite the tumultuous context of his birth, He extends His love and favor to us, inviting us into His redemptive narrative and promising peace even amidst our personal and collective storms.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the birth of Solomon, following David's sin and the death of the first child, demonstrate God's profound grace and faithfulness?**
* **In what ways does this passage encourage us to seek comfort and new beginnings in God after experiencing loss or facing the consequences of our own failures?**
* **What does the phrase "the LORD loved him" teach us about God's sovereign choice and His ability to work His purposes through imperfect people?**
* **How can we apply the theme of "peace" (Solomon's name) to our own lives, especially when navigating periods of turmoil or regret?**

### FAQ
**Why did God "love" Solomon despite the sinful circumstances of his parents' union?**

Answer: This question touches on the profound mystery of God's sovereignty and grace. While God clearly judged David's sin (evidenced by the death of the first child), His love for Solomon demonstrates that His redemptive plans are not thwarted by human failure. God's love for Solomon was a sovereign choice, part of His larger covenant faithfulness to David and the promise of an enduring dynasty ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")). It shows that God can bring good out of challenging circumstances and choose to bless individuals according to His divine will, not based on human merit or the purity of their origins. Solomon's birth was essential for the continuation of the royal line that would eventually lead to the Messiah.

**What is the significance of Solomon's name, especially given the events that preceded his birth?**

Answer: The name "Solomon" (Hebrew: _Shelomoh_) is derived from the Hebrew word _shalom_, meaning "peace" or "completeness." This naming is profoundly significant and ironic given the turmoil, strife, and divine judgment that immediately preceded his birth due to David's adultery and murder. David's choice to name him Solomon likely reflects a longing for peace and a new beginning after such a devastating period. Prophetically, it also foreshadows Solomon's reign, which would indeed be characterized by unprecedented peace and prosperity, a stark contrast to the constant warfare that marked much of David's rule. This name serves as a powerful symbol of God's ability to bring order and tranquility out of chaos.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The birth of Solomon, "loved by the LORD" despite the sinful context, serves as a powerful type and shadow of the ultimate Son of David, Jesus Christ. Solomon, whose name means "peace," reigned in a period of unprecedented peace and built the first Temple in Jerusalem. This foreshadows Jesus, the true [Prince of Peace](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - The Prince of Peace"), who establishes an eternal kingdom of peace and justice, far surpassing Solomon's earthly reign. While Solomon built a physical temple, Jesus declared Himself the true Temple, stating, "[Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up](/john/2-19 "John 2:19 - Jesus Refers to His Body as the Temple"), speaking of His body and resurrection. Furthermore, Solomon's inclusion in the Davidic line, as noted in [Matthew 1:6](/matthew/1-6 "Matthew 1:6 - Solomon in Jesus' Genealogy"), underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promise to David—that a descendant would sit on his throne forever. This promise finds its ultimate and eternal fulfillment not in Solomon, but in Jesus, whose kingdom "will have no end" ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "Luke 1:32-33 - The Eternal Reign of Christ")). Thus, 2 Samuel 12:24 points beyond a temporary earthly peace and a physical temple to the eternal peace and spiritual dwelling found in Christ, the Beloved Son of God.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 1:6

And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of her [that had been the wife] of Urias;

1 Chronicles 28:5

And of all my sons, (for the LORD hath given me many sons,) he hath chosen Solomon my son to sit upon the throne of the kingdom of the LORD over Israel.

1 Chronicles 28:6

And he said unto me, Solomon thy son, he shall build my house and my courts: for I have chosen him [to be] my son, and I will be his father.

1 Chronicles 3:5

And these were born unto him in Jerusalem; Shimea, and Shobab, and Nathan, and Solomon, four, of Bathshua the daughter of Ammiel:

1 Chronicles 29:1

¶ Furthermore David the king said unto all the congregation, Solomon my son, whom alone God hath chosen, [is yet] young and tender, and the work [is] great: for the palace [is] not for man, but for the LORD God.

2 Samuel 7:12

And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom.

1 Chronicles 22:9

Behold, a son shall be born to thee, who shall be a man of rest; and I will give him rest from all his enemies round about: for his name shall be Solomon, and I will give peace and quietness unto Israel in his days.