2 Samuel 12:1–23

The Sorrow of King David-William B. Hole

The Lord sent a prophet, Nathan, to call David to repentance 2 Samuel 12:1–4.  being a diplomatic man, used a parable to illustrate David's sin. David was incensed over the the rich man’s actions against the poor man in the parable, but did not liken it unto himself 2 Samuel 12:5–6. David’s actions had been like the rich man’s, because he took Uriah's only lamb 2 Samuel 12:7–9. When Nathan was required to put subtly aside and state point blank the plain truth, David reacted humbly and honestly to the Lord’s rebuke 2 Samuel 12:13.

David failed to recognize that he was represented by the rich man in the parable, because he had covered up his sin for so long. We sometimes are like David and unable to recognize our own sinfulness, because of rationalization and deception.

2 Samuel 12:10–14 “David, … though highly favored of the Lord (he was, in fact, referred to as a man after God’s own heart), yielded to temptation. His unchastity led to murder, and as a consequence, he lost his families and his exaltation” (Marion G. Romney, Ensign, May 1979, 42).

Immorality today has the same consequences it always has: broken hearts, diseased bodies, shattered families, and sometimes cover-ups that lead to greater sin. If those involved do not repent, long-term effects are the same as they were for David. But Unlike Saul, David did repent.

Once again the scriptures illustrate that God's commands are for our happiness. Since He created us, He knows exactly what actions will make us happy.