2 Samuel 12:21

Then said his servants unto him, What thing [is] this that thou hast done? thou didst fast and weep for the child, [while it was] alive; but when the child was dead, thou didst rise and eat bread.

Then said {H559} his servants {H5650} unto him, What thing {H1697} is this that thou hast done {H6213}? thou didst fast {H6684} and weep {H1058} for the child {H3206}, while it was alive {H2416}; but when the child {H3206} was dead {H4191}, thou didst rise {H6965} and eat {H398} bread {H3899}.

His servants asked him, "What are you doing? You fasted and wept for the child while it was alive; but now that the child is dead, you get up and eat food!"

“What is this you have done?” his servants asked. “While the child was alive, you fasted and wept, but when he died, you got up and ate.”

Then said his servants unto him, What thing is this that thou hast done? thou didst fast and weep for the child, while it was alive; but when the child was dead, thou didst rise and eat bread.

Commentary

Context

This verse captures the bewilderment of King David's servants after the death of the child born from his union with Bathsheba. Following the prophet Nathan's stern rebuke and prophecy of judgment (2 Samuel 12:14), David had spent seven days in intense mourning, fasting, and prayer for the child's life (2 Samuel 12:16). His servants were deeply concerned, fearing he would harm himself. However, upon hearing of the child's death, David immediately rose, washed, changed clothes, worshipped the Lord, and ate. This stark contrast in behavior—intense mourning while the child was alive versus composure after its death—was perplexing to them, prompting their question in this verse.

Key Themes

  • Acceptance of God's Will: David's actions demonstrate a profound submission to divine sovereignty. While there was hope, he earnestly pleaded with God; once God's decree was clear and final, he accepted it.
  • The Nature of Grief: This passage offers a powerful insight into a healthy response to grief. David mourned deeply and prayed passionately while there was a possibility of a different outcome, but once the reality was set, he moved toward acceptance and worship.
  • Faith and Hope: David's prayer was an act of faith, believing God could intervene. His subsequent acceptance was also an act of faith, trusting God's wisdom even in sorrow.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew terms used here emphasize the depth of David's initial distress. "Fast" (צום, tsom) denotes a deliberate abstinence from food for spiritual purposes, often accompanied by prayer and humility. "Weep" (בכה, bakah) signifies profound sorrow and lamentation. The servants' questioning highlights the stark and unexpected shift from this intense personal anguish to a return to normal activities, which David explains in the subsequent verses (2 Samuel 12:22).

Practical Application

David's response provides a valuable model for dealing with loss and unanswered prayers. It teaches us:

  • To Pray Earnestly: While there is hope, it is right to pray with all our heart for God's intervention.
  • To Accept God's Outcome: When God's will becomes clear, even if it is painful, we are called to accept it with faith and trust in His ultimate wisdom. David's ability to worship the Lord even in loss is a testament to his deep faith.
  • To Move Forward: While grief is a necessary process, we are not meant to remain in despair. David's action of rising and eating symbolizes a healthy transition from intense mourning to renewed life and continued service to God.
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Cross-References

  • 1 Corinthians 2:15 (2 votes)

    But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.