Scripture: II Samuel 12:1-14

Aim: To help the pupil understand that secret sins may be brought to light by someone else for the purpose that those who have sinned may repent. Also to show that sins has an awful fruit.

Golden Text: “Howbeit, because by this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme, the child also that is born unto thee shall die” (II Samuel 13:14).

The prophet Nathan was a faithful prophet to Jehovah. He was also a good friend of David, the king of Israel. It seems that they had been close friends for a long time. This incident shows us that regardless of friendship, following the commandments of the Lord is the most important thing in the life. Being a faithful friend may sometimes require that unpleasant positions may have to be taken in order to be an obedient servant of God.

David had stayed home from going to battle with the army of Israel. He observed a beautiful woman bathing a rooftop near the palace. David probably knew her already. He called for her to come to the palace where they committed adultery.

Later he was informed that Bathsheba, wife of a soldier in Israel’s army was pregnant. David called for her husband, Uriah, to be sent home. He refused to go home and sleep with his wife. David became angry and sent a message by the hand of Uriah that Commander Joab should arrange for Uriah to be killed in battle. This Joab did then informed David.

David married Bathsheba seeking to keep his sin secret. After the baby is born, Nathan was sent by Jehovah to confront David with his sin of adultery and murder.

I. Nathan told David a story (II Samuel 12:1-4). Two men lived in the same town. One was very poor. He owned one female sheep that was a pet for his family (vs. 1-3). The sheep was very precious to him and the family.

One was a rich man who owned many animals. This rich man had a visitor come, and the rich man made a feast for the visitor. He went and took the pet sheep from the poor man and used it as a part of the feast (vs. 4).

II. David made an angry response to the story (II Samuel 12:5-6). I guess you could say that David just flat got mad! He was angry at the rich man, whom was so rude and uncaring. He swore, “As the Lord liveth, the man that hath done this thing shall surely die: And he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity.”

David was severe in his judgment: death for stealing a sheep, and having no pity of the people from which he stole. He certainly understood that the rich man had sinned grievously.

III. Nathan informed David that he was that rich man (II Samuel 12:7-9). Nathan pointed to David and said, “Thou art the man.” David had taken the wife of Uriah and then had Uriah murdered. He had shown no pity or compassion on this good man.

Sins, though covered up, will usually come to light sooner or later, and it may be a friend, neighbor or family member that brings it to light. When the thing is confronted, repentance should follow immediately in order for forgiveness and cleansing from the sin.

IV. Nathan gave David the consequences God would bring upon him (II Samuel 12:10-14). Sin always has some sort of payment, and it is usually severe. First, David had trouble within his household and in his family from that time on (vs. 10-12). Second, the child would die (vs. 13-14).

The reason for this judgment was stated. David had despised the Lord in his sin (vs. 10). This tells us that our sins come from our rebellion against God! David had his sin forgiven by the Lord (vs. 13). David confessed his sin and repented. That will remove the burden of sin, but it will not remove the consequences of sin. It is much better not to sin in the first place.