2 Samuel 12:25

KJV

And he sent by the hand of Nathan the prophet; and he called his name Jedidiah, because of the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he sent {H7971} by the hand {H3027} of Nathan {H5416} the prophet {H5030}; and he called {H7121} his name {H8034} Jedidiah {H3041}, because of the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and sent through Natan the prophet to have him named Y'didyah [loved by God], for ADONAI's sake.

Berean Standard Bible

and sent word through Nathan the prophet to name him Jedidiah because the LORD loved him.

American Standard Version

and he sent by the hand of Nathan the prophet; and he called his name Jedidiah, for Jehovah’s sake.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 12:25 marks a profound moment of divine grace and covenant faithfulness following King David's grievous sin with Bathsheba and the tragic death of their first child. This verse introduces the birth of their second son, who would later be known as Solomon, but is here given the divine name Jedidiah through Nathan the prophet. This naming, meaning "beloved of the LORD," signifies God's personal affection and renewed favor, demonstrating that even amidst severe judgment and human brokenness, God's redemptive plan and covenant promises endure, offering a powerful testament to His mercy and initiative in restoration.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows a period of intense divine judgment and David’s profound repentance. Chapter 11 details David’s adultery with Bathsheba and his orchestration of Uriah’s death. Chapter 12 opens with Nathan the prophet confronting David through a parable, leading to David’s confession ("I have sinned against the LORD," [2 Samuel 12:13](/2_samuel/12-13 "2 Samuel 12:13 - David's Confession")). Despite David’s repentance, the consequences of his sin are severe, culminating in the death of the first child born to David and Bathsheba ([2 Samuel 12:18](/2_samuel/12-18 "2 Samuel 12:18 - Death of David's First Child")). Verse 24 describes Bathsheba conceiving again and giving birth to a son whom David named Solomon. Verse 25 then adds a crucial detail: God's direct involvement in naming this child "Jedidiah" through Nathan, highlighting divine favor and setting the stage for the future king who would build the Temple and secure the Davidic dynasty. This sequence underscores the interplay of divine justice, human repentance, and God's enduring grace.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern cultures, names were highly significant, often reflecting character, destiny, or circumstances surrounding a birth. A name bestowed by a deity, especially through a prophet, carried immense weight and indicated divine election or special favor. David’s reign was a pivotal time for Israel, establishing Jerusalem as its capital and consolidating the kingdom. However, his personal failures, particularly with Bathsheba, threatened the stability of his house and the covenant promises. The naming of Jedidiah by God Himself, through Nathan, served as a public and theological declaration of God's continued commitment to David's lineage, despite the recent moral catastrophe. This act would have been understood by the Israelite audience as a powerful sign of God's redemptive work, ensuring the continuation of the royal line and the fulfillment of the [Davidic Covenant](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant") which promised an eternal dynasty.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several overarching themes in 2 Samuel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Mercy and Forgiveness** even in the face of egregious sin. While judgment was exacted, God’s grace is also profoundly demonstrated through the gift of this new child and His personal naming of him. Secondly, it underscores **God's Sovereignty and Initiative** in His redemptive plan. The phrase "he called his name Jedidiah, because of the LORD" emphasizes that this naming was not David's choice but God's direct intervention, signifying His continued purpose for David's house. Thirdly, it speaks to **Hope and Future Promise**. The birth of Jedidiah (Solomon) is a beacon of hope after a period of intense sorrow and judgment, foreshadowing the building of the Temple and the continuation of the Davidic line, which is central to God's covenant with David ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - God's Promise to David")). This child represents the future, a testament to God's faithfulness to His promises despite human failings.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Jedidiah (Hebrew, _Yedidyah'_):** This name, meaning "beloved of the LORD" or "friend of Yahweh," is profoundly significant. It is not the name David gave the child (Solomon, meaning "peaceful"), but a name given directly by God through Nathan. This divine appellation signifies God's special affection, favor, and choice for this son, especially remarkable given the circumstances of his parents' union. It declares God's personal delight in him, setting him apart as one uniquely cherished by the Almighty.
* **Nathan (Hebrew, _Natan'_):** Nathan, whose name means "He (God) has given," serves as God's trusted messenger and prophet. His role here is crucial, as he is the instrument through whom God's divine will and special naming are conveyed. Nathan previously delivered God's judgment to David regarding his sin (2 Samuel 12:1-14) and the promise of the Davidic covenant (2 Samuel 7). His involvement in this verse underscores the divine origin and authority of the naming of Jedidiah, ensuring that it is understood as a direct revelation from God.
* **because of the LORD (Hebrew, _ba'avur YHWH'_):** This phrase is pivotal, explicitly stating the reason and source of the name Jedidiah. It indicates that the name was given "on account of the LORD," "for the LORD's sake," or "by the LORD's will." It emphasizes that the initiative and motivation for this special naming came solely from God. It is not a human decision but a divine declaration of favor and purpose, highlighting God's sovereign involvement in the life and destiny of this child, who would become the next king and Temple builder.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he sent by the hand of Nathan the prophet;":** This clause refers to God, the "he," sending Nathan. It establishes Nathan's role as the divine messenger, emphasizing that the subsequent action—the naming of the child—is not a human decision but a direct command or revelation from God. This highlights God's active involvement and communication with humanity through His chosen servants.
* **"and he called his name Jedidiah,":** The "he" here refers to God, who, through Nathan, bestows the name Jedidiah. This is a divine naming, distinct from the name Solomon given by David and Bathsheba in the preceding verse. The name Jedidiah, meaning "beloved of the LORD," signifies God's personal affection and favor for this child, marking him as special in God's eyes despite the sinful circumstances of his conception.
* **"because of the LORD.":** This concluding phrase provides the ultimate reason and authority for the naming. It clarifies that the name Jedidiah was given not due to any human merit or desire, but solely because of God's own will, purpose, and love. It underscores God's initiative, demonstrating His enduring faithfulness to His covenant promises and His capacity for grace and restoration even after severe judgment.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several significant literary devices. **Symbolism** is prominent in the name Jedidiah itself, which serves as a powerful symbol of divine favor, forgiveness, and new beginnings after a period of judgment. The very act of God bestowing this name through Nathan symbolizes God's continued presence and commitment to David's lineage, despite David's profound moral failure. There is also a clear **Contrast** between the death of the first child, a consequence of sin, and the divine naming of the second child, Jedidiah, which represents God's grace and the continuation of His redemptive plan. This contrast highlights the dual nature of God's justice and mercy. Furthermore, the verse contains **Foreshadowing**, as the divine favor shown to Jedidiah (Solomon) anticipates his future role as king, the builder of the Temple, and the one through whom the Davidic covenant's promises of a lasting dynasty would be fulfilled.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Samuel 12:25 stands as a profound testament to God's character, particularly His unwavering faithfulness and boundless mercy. Despite David's heinous sins of adultery and murder, which brought severe consequences upon his household, God demonstrates His redemptive power by initiating a new beginning through the birth and divine naming of Jedidiah. This act underscores that God's covenant promises are not contingent on human perfection but on His own steadfast character. It reveals a God who, while just in His judgments, is also rich in compassion, always seeking to restore and fulfill His purposes, even through broken vessels. The divine naming of "Beloved of the LORD" is a powerful declaration of God's initiative in grace, a tangible sign that His love prevails over human failure and that His plans for redemption continue to unfold.

* [Deuteronomy 7:7-8](/deuteronomy/7-7 "Deuteronomy 7:7-8 - God's Love and Faithfulness")
* [Psalm 51:1-2](/psalms/51-1 "Psalm 51:1-2 - David's Prayer for Mercy")
* [Romans 5:20-21](/romans/5-20 "Romans 5:20-21 - Grace Abounds Over Sin")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse offers immense comfort and hope to all who grapple with the weight of their past failures. It reminds us that even when our sins have brought about painful consequences, God's mercy is deeper and His grace is more profound than our deepest transgressions. David, a man after God's own heart, fell spectacularly, yet God did not abandon him or His covenant promises. Instead, through the divine naming of Jedidiah, God signaled a new chapter, a fresh outpouring of favor. This teaches us that true repentance, as exemplified by David's contrite heart (see [Psalm 51](/psalms/51 "Psalm 51 - David's Prayer of Repentance")), opens the door for God's restorative work. We are called to humble ourselves, confess our sins, and trust in God's unfailing love, knowing that He is faithful to forgive and to continue His good work in us, bringing beauty from ashes and hope from despair. Our identity is ultimately found not in our performance, but in being "beloved of the LORD" through His grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's naming of Jedidiah, despite David's recent sin, challenge your understanding of divine justice and mercy?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to experience God's "new beginning" or "restoration" after a period of failure or judgment?**
* **What does it mean for you personally to be "beloved of the LORD," and how does this truth impact your self-perception and relationship with God?**
* **How does David's repentance, followed by God's grace in this verse, encourage you to confess your own sins and trust in God's forgiveness?**

### FAQ
**Why did God give Solomon two names, Jedidiah and Solomon?**

Answer: The child born to David and Bathsheba was given two significant names, each with a distinct origin and meaning. In [2 Samuel 12:24](/2_samuel/12-24 "2 Samuel 12:24 - Birth of Solomon"), David and Bathsheba named their son Solomon (Hebrew, _Shelomoh_), which means "peaceful" or "peace." This name likely reflected their desire for peace after a tumultuous period of sin and judgment, and it also foreshadowed his reign as a king of peace, in contrast to David's reign of warfare. However, in [2 Samuel 12:25](/2_samuel/12-25 "2 Samuel 12:25 - Jedidiah's Naming"), God Himself, through Nathan the prophet, gave the child the name Jedidiah (Hebrew, _Yedidyah_), meaning "beloved of the LORD" or "friend of Yahweh." This divine naming was a direct declaration of God's special affection and favor for the child, signaling His continued covenant faithfulness to David's line despite David's recent sins. The two names highlight both human hopes and divine purposes: Solomon for his future reign of peace, and Jedidiah for God's personal love and choice.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The divine naming of Jedidiah, "beloved of the LORD," profoundly foreshadows Jesus Christ, the ultimate "Beloved Son" of God. Just as Jedidiah (Solomon) was chosen by God as the heir to David's throne and the builder of God's Temple, so too is Jesus the true Son of David, the promised King whose kingdom will have no end ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "Luke 1:32-33 - The Son of David")). Jesus is repeatedly affirmed as God's "Beloved Son" at His baptism ([Matthew 3:17](/matthew/3-17 "Matthew 3:17 - Jesus' Baptism")) and transfiguration ([Matthew 17:5](/matthew/17-5 "Matthew 17:5 - The Transfiguration")), signifying God's supreme delight and approval. Furthermore, while Solomon built a physical temple, Jesus declared Himself to be greater than the Temple ([Matthew 12:6](/matthew/12-6 "Matthew 12:6 - Jesus, Lord of the Sabbath")) and is the chief cornerstone of the spiritual temple, the Church, built of living stones ([Ephesians 2:20-22](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20-22 - Christ the Cornerstone")). As the "Prince of Peace" ([Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Prince of Peace")), Jesus embodies the meaning of Solomon's name, bringing true and lasting peace between God and humanity through His atoning sacrifice ([Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Reconciliation Through Christ")). Thus, Jedidiah's divine favor and future role point directly to Christ, in whom all God's promises find their ultimate "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises in Christ")).

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

2 Samuel 7:4

¶ And it came to pass that night, that the word of the LORD came unto Nathan, saying,

Nehemiah 13:26

Did not Solomon king of Israel sin by these things? yet among many nations was there no king like him, who was beloved of his God, and God made him king over all Israel: nevertheless even him did outlandish women cause to sin.

1 Kings 1:11

¶ Wherefore Nathan spake unto Bathsheba the mother of Solomon, saying, Hast thou not heard that Adonijah the son of Haggith doth reign, and David our lord knoweth [it] not?

Matthew 17:5

While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.

1 Kings 1:23

And they told the king, saying, Behold Nathan the prophet. And when he was come in before the king, he bowed himself before the king with his face to the ground.

Matthew 3:17

And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

2 Samuel 12:1

¶ And the LORD sent Nathan unto David. And he came unto him, and said unto him, There were two men in one city; the one rich, and the other poor.