Nathan’s direct statement

When David declared the death sentence in anger, Nathan applied the parable and said, “You yourself are the man.” Then he spoke on behalf of the God of Israel, saying the following (speaking in the first person on behalf of God is a characteristic of the prophets of Israel). The “rich man” in the parable referred to David. David had been made rich in every respect. (1) David was anointed as king of Israel and was delivered from the hand of Saul. (2) David was given his master’s house and his wives. In the customs of the ancient Middle East, it was the right of the new king to inherit the former king’s property and harem. (3) Furthermore, David was given the houses of Israel and Judah. (4) And if that had been too little, the Lord could have added much more to it for David. (5) Nevertheless, David despised the word of the Lord. In other words, he sinned against the Lord. David had broken at least three of the Ten Commandments: the sixth (the sin of murder), the seventh (the sin of adultery), and the tenth (the sin of coveting).

The Lord’s judgement

Judgment from the Lord is pronounced concerning David’s sin. (1) Because David unjustly used the sword, the sword will now bring harm to his household again and again. (2) David’s wives will be taken from him and given to someone very close to him. (3) David committed his sin in secret, but this man will violate David’s wives in broad daylight and in full view. This is fulfilled in 16:22. It is certain that sin is forgiven through repentance. However, that does not mean the consequences of the sin disappear. David committed sin to satisfy a momentary desire. As a result, he will have to reap the consequences of that sin for many years. We must not take sin lightly or play with it. Doing so will require a price far too heavy to bear. Let us learn a lesson from David’s failure. Let us give thanks that we have been made rich in the Lord.