2 Samuel 12 18

2 Samuel 12:18 kjv

And it came to pass on the seventh day, that the child died. And the servants of David feared to tell him that the child was dead: for they said, Behold, while the child was yet alive, we spake unto him, and he would not hearken unto our voice: how will he then vex himself, if we tell him that the child is dead?

2 Samuel 12:18 nkjv

Then on the seventh day it came to pass that the child died. And the servants of David were afraid to tell him that the child was dead. For they said, "Indeed, while the child was alive, we spoke to him, and he would not heed our voice. How can we tell him that the child is dead? He may do some harm!"

2 Samuel 12:18 niv

On the seventh day the child died. David's attendants were afraid to tell him that the child was dead, for they thought, "While the child was still living, he wouldn't listen to us when we spoke to him. How can we now tell him the child is dead? He may do something desperate."

2 Samuel 12:18 esv

On the seventh day the child died. And the servants of David were afraid to tell him that the child was dead, for they said, "Behold, while the child was yet alive, we spoke to him, and he did not listen to us. How then can we say to him the child is dead? He may do himself some harm."

2 Samuel 12:18 nlt

Then on the seventh day the child died. David's advisers were afraid to tell him. "He wouldn't listen to reason while the child was ill," they said. "What drastic thing will he do when we tell him the child is dead?"

2 Samuel 12 verses

2 Samuel 12 18 Meaning

2 Samuel 12:18 states that on the seventh day after his fervent intercession, David’s child conceived through Bathsheba died, as prophesied by Nathan. David’s servants, observing their master’s profound distress and self-affliction while the child was alive, became deeply fearful of communicating the news of the child’s death, anticipating an even more catastrophic emotional and possibly physical reaction from him.

2 Samuel 12 18 Context

The narrative of 2 Samuel 12:18 follows David’s egregious sins of adultery with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband, Uriah the Hittite. Nathan the prophet confronted David, pronounces God’s judgment, which included that "the sword shall never depart from thy house" (2 Sam 12:10) and that the child born of the adulterous union "shall surely die" (2 Sam 12:14). Immediately following this prophecy, the child became sick. In response, David engaged in an intense period of fasting and lying on the ground, humbly beseeching God for the child’s life for seven days. This act of deep humility and earnest prayer, despite God's clear decree, demonstrates David’s desperate hope and love, while also acknowledging divine sovereignty. His servants observed this extreme devotion and affliction, which heightened their anxiety about delivering the eventual bad news of the child’s demise. The verse thus captures the peak of this agonizing wait and the fearful anticipation of David’s reaction once the inevitable occurred.

2 Samuel 12 18 Word analysis

• And it came to pass: (וַיְהִי wayəhî) A common Hebrew temporal marker, indicating a sequential development in the narrative, suggesting the natural progression of events. It marks the fulfillment of the preceding actions and the divine decree.
• on the seventh day: (בַּיּוֹם הַשְּׁבִיעִי bay·yō·wm haš·šə·ḇî·‘î) The number seven often signifies completion or divine action in biblical contexts (e.g., creation, covenants, periods of judgment/suffering). Here, it marks the end of David's period of intense fasting and supplication, symbolizing the full completion of God's declared judgment and a definitive close to a period of uncertainty.
• that the child died: (וַיָּמֹת הַיֶּלֶד way·yā·mōṯ hay·yeleḏ) A blunt, direct statement, conveying the tragic and irreversible outcome. It underscores the fulfillment of Nathan's prophecy and the reality of divine judgment. The yeleḏ (child) refers to a male infant, and its death is presented as a finality.
• And the servants of David feared: (וַיִּרְאוּ עַבְדֵי דָוִד way·yi·rə’ū ‘aḇ·dê dā·wiḏ) This highlights the immediate, strong emotion of dread among the palace staff. Their fear indicates their keen awareness of David's intense nature, particularly his deep love and volatile reactions, implying concern for his well-being or even their own.
• to tell him: (לְהַגִּיד לוֹ lə·haġ·gîḏ lō) Refers to the daunting task of delivering the grim news directly to the king, a role that often carried risks for the bearer of bad tidings in ancient Near Eastern courts.
• that the child was dead: (כִּי מֵת הַיָּלֶד kî mêṯ hay·yā·leḏ) Reinforces the object of their fear—the definitive status of the child, known only to them at this point, but about to be revealed to David.
• for they said, Behold: (כִּי אָמְרוּ הִנֵּה kî ’āmə·rū hin·nêh) Introduces the reasoning behind their apprehension, showcasing their predictive capacity and intimate knowledge of David's temperament. 'Behold' draws attention to their observation.
• while the child was yet alive: (בְּהָיוֹת הַיֶּלֶד חַי bə·hā·yōṯ hay·yeleḏ ḥay) Sets up the comparison point—David’s extreme distress even during the period of hope, emphasizing the intensity of his character.
• we spake unto him, and he would not hearken unto our voice: (דִּבַּרְנוּ אֵלָיו וְלֹא שָׁמַע בְּקוֹלֵנוּ dib·bar·nū ’ê·lāw wə·lō šā·ma‘ bə·qō·lê·nū) Reveals David's all-consuming focus on intercession. He was so absorbed in prayer and grief that he ignored the advice, comforting words, or even practical counsel of his most trusted advisors, underscoring the depth of his internal turmoil.
• how much more will he vex himself: (מַה־רָּעָה יַעֲשֶׂה כִּי הַיָּלֶד מֵת mah-rā·‘āh ya‘ă·śeh kî hay·yā·leḏ mêṯ) This rhetorical question encapsulates their magnified fear. The phrase "vex himself" (literally "what evil/calamity will he do/make/behave?") implies not just deeper sorrow, but potentially destructive or uncontrolled actions, reflecting fear of a self-harming reaction, overwhelming despair, or possibly violent outbursts born of extreme anguish.

2 Samuel 12 18 Bonus section

• Theological Implication of "Seventh Day": The "seventh day" is more than just a duration; it carries theological weight. In biblical narratives, events that occur or culminate on the seventh day often signify a completion of a divine act or judgment, or the end of a trial, suggesting that God’s decree has reached its final appointed time, much like the completion of creation or the days of purification.
• Sovereignty of God vs. Human Intercession: This verse provides a powerful example of the boundary between human prayer and divine sovereignty. David prayed earnestly and sacrificially, but God’s declared judgment stood. This illustrates that while prayer is vital for communion and often changes circumstances, it cannot coerce God or nullify His revealed will, particularly concerning prophetic decrees. It reminds us that prayer is to align with God's will, not to dictate it.
• Fear as Practical Wisdom: The servants' fear was rooted in practical observation of David's extreme and all-consuming grief, reflecting a realistic assessment of human psychological responses to profound loss. Their concern wasn't just about their safety but about their king's emotional and physical state, highlighting their loyalty and shrewd understanding of David's personality and potential for immense sorrow.
• The Weight of Leadership: The verse implicitly reveals the isolation that can come with leadership. Despite his numerous servants, none dared to approach him with the painful truth, underscoring the unique burden and loneliness often associated with kingship.

2 Samuel 12 18 Commentary

2 Samuel 12:18 is a pivotal verse, marking the fulfillment of God’s painful decree upon David due to his sins. It profoundly illustrates the principle of consequences for transgression, even after repentance, affirming that divine forgiveness does not always negate earthly repercussions. The death of the child serves as a public sign that David’s actions had caused blasphemy among the nations (2 Sam 12:14). Furthermore, the verse offers a deeply human portrayal of King David. His week-long, desperate fasting reveals his fervent desire for mercy and perhaps a longing for a divine reversal of the decree, yet ultimately it highlights God's sovereignty and the unwavering nature of His word. The fear of David's servants underscores his human capacity for profound, potentially overwhelming grief and despair, contrasting with his subsequent unexpected composed response upon hearing the news, revealing a king capable of submitting to God’s will.