One of the most compelling stories in the Bible is the confrontation between the prophet Nathan and King David regarding his sin with Bathsheba. This moment, recorded in 2 Samuel 12, highlights themes of sin, accountability, repentance, and God’s mercy.
This topic explores the background of the story, Nathan’s parable, David’s response, and the lessons it teaches about morality, justice, and redemption.
The Background: David’s Sin with Bathsheba
Before Nathan’s confrontation, King David had committed a grave sin. While his army was at war, David stayed behind in Jerusalem. One evening, he saw a beautiful woman named Bathsheba bathing. Overcome by desire and power, he summoned her to the palace and committed adultery with her.
Bathsheba later became pregnant, and in an attempt to cover up his sin, David arranged for her husband, Uriah, to be killed in battle. After Uriah’s death, David married Bathsheba, thinking his actions would remain hidden.
However, God saw everything and sent the prophet Nathan to confront David about his wrongdoing.
Nathan’s Confrontation: The Parable of the Rich Man and the Poor Man
Nathan approached David with a parable, a common way for prophets to deliver messages. He told David:
“There were two men in a certain town, one rich and the other poor. The rich man had many sheep and cattle, but the poor man had only one little ewe lamb that he loved like a daughter. One day, the rich man took the poor man’s lamb to prepare a meal for his guest instead of using his own livestock.” (2 Samuel 12:1-4)
David’s Reaction to the Story
Upon hearing the story, David became furious. He declared that the rich man deserved death and should repay the poor man four times over for his cruelty.
At this moment, Nathan delivered the powerful truth:
“You are the man!” (2 Samuel 12:7)
Nathan revealed that David was the rich man in the parable-he had taken Bathsheba, the wife of another man, and caused Uriah’s death. Nathan then pronounced God’s judgment on David’s household.
God’s Judgment on David
Nathan conveyed God’s message of judgment, stating that because