2 Samuel 12:7

And Nathan said to David, Thou [art] the man. Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I anointed thee king over Israel, and I delivered thee out of the hand of Saul;

And Nathan {H5416} said {H559} to David {H1732}, Thou art the man {H376}. Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068} God {H430} of Israel {H3478}, I anointed {H4886} thee king {H4428} over Israel {H3478}, and I delivered {H5337} thee out of the hand {H3027} of Saul {H7586};

Natan said to David, "You are the man. "Here is what ADONAI, the God of Isra'el says: 'I anointed you king over Isra'el. I rescued you from the power of Sha'ul.

Then Nathan said to David, “You are that man! This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you from the hand of Saul.

And Nathan said to David, Thou art the man. Thus saith Jehovah, the God of Israel, I anointed thee king over Israel, and I delivered thee out of the hand of Saul;

Commentary

2 Samuel 12:7 is a profoundly pivotal moment in the biblical narrative, marking the direct confrontation between God's prophet Nathan and King David concerning David's grievous sins of adultery with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband, Uriah. After cleverly telling a parable about a rich man who unjustly took a poor man's single lamb, Nathan delivers the searing indictment: "Thou art the man." This declaration reveals David's hypocrisy and self-deception, immediately followed by a reminder of God's immense favor and blessings bestowed upon him.

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse is the climax of a dark period in David's reign, detailed in 2 Samuel chapter 11. While his army was at war, David remained in Jerusalem, leading to his moral downfall. The prophet Nathan's role was crucial; as God's messenger, he had the authority to speak truth to power, even to the king. In ancient Israel, prophets often served as the conscience of the nation and its leaders, ensuring accountability to God's covenant. Nathan's parable (found in 2 Samuel 12:1-4) was a masterful rhetorical device designed to elicit an honest, righteous judgment from David, which then turned back upon him.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Confrontation and Accountability: The phrase "Thou art the man" is a stark reminder that no one, regardless of status or power, is above God's law or beyond His judgment. God holds even His chosen leaders accountable for their actions.
  • Hypocrisy and Self-Deception: David's indignant response to the injustice in Nathan's parable highlights how easily one can condemn the sins of others while being blind to, or excusing, one's own greater transgressions.
  • God's Faithfulness Amidst Human Failure: Even in condemnation, God reminds David of His past faithfulness: "I anointed thee king over Israel, and I delivered thee out of the hand of Saul." This underscores God's grace and sovereignty in choosing and protecting David, even as David faltered significantly. It sets the stage for David's genuine repentance (see Psalm 51 for his prayer of confession).
  • The Role of the Prophet: Nathan exemplifies the courage and necessity of a prophet to speak God's truth directly and without fear, challenging injustice and calling for righteousness.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase translated "Thou art the man" (אַתָּה הָאִישׁ, 'attah ha'ish) is incredibly direct and forceful. There's no ambiguity; it's a blunt, personal accusation. The KJV translation captures this directness perfectly, making it one of the most memorable and impactful statements in the Old Testament. The term "anointed" (Hebrew: מָשַׁח, mashach) refers to the ceremonial pouring of oil, symbolizing divine selection and empowerment for a specific office, in this case, kingship, as seen when Samuel anointed David in 1 Samuel 16:13.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a timeless lesson for all believers:

  • It reminds us that God sees all our actions, even those hidden from human eyes, and holds us accountable.
  • It warns against self-righteousness and the danger of judging others while overlooking our own flaws. We are called to first remove the plank from our own eye.
  • It highlights the importance of having trusted spiritual advisors or friends who can speak difficult truths to us when we stray.
  • Even when confronted with our deepest failures, God's past faithfulness and deliverance should serve as a foundation for repentance and a reminder of His enduring character. While sin has consequences (as seen in 2 Samuel 12:10-14), God's grace offers a path to forgiveness and restoration for the truly repentant heart.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Matthew 14:14 (6 votes)

    And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick.

  • 1 Samuel 16:13 (5 votes)

    Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.

  • 2 Samuel 22:1 (4 votes)

    ¶ And David spake unto the LORD the words of this song in the day [that] the LORD had delivered him out of the hand of all his enemies, and out of the hand of Saul:

  • 2 Samuel 7:8 (3 votes)

    Now therefore so shalt thou say unto my servant David, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, I took thee from the sheepcote, from following the sheep, to be ruler over my people, over Israel:

  • 1 Samuel 19:10 (3 votes)

    And Saul sought to smite David even to the wall with the javelin; but he slipped away out of Saul's presence, and he smote the javelin into the wall: and David fled, and escaped that night.

  • 1 Samuel 19:15 (3 votes)

    And Saul sent the messengers [again] to see David, saying, Bring him up to me in the bed, that I may slay him.

  • 1 Samuel 23:26 (3 votes)

    And Saul went on this side of the mountain, and David and his men on that side of the mountain: and David made haste to get away for fear of Saul; for Saul and his men compassed David and his men round about to take them.