Charles Ellicott Commentary 2 Samuel 12
Charles Ellicott Commentary
2 Samuel 12
Charles Ellicott Commentary
2 Samuel 12
"And Jehovah sent Nathan unto David. And he came unto him, and said unto him, There were two men in one city; the one rich, and the other poor." — 2 Samuel 12:1 (ASV)
Sent Nathan: Nathan was already on intimate terms with David, and recognised by him as a prophet (2 Samuel 7:1–17).
"The rich man had exceeding many flocks and herds;" — 2 Samuel 12:2 (ASV)
There were two men. —The parable is designed to bring out David’s indignation against the offender without being so clear as to awaken at first any suspicion of a personal application. It does not allude to the special crimes of David, but to the meanness and selfishness of the transaction—qualities which David was still in a condition to appreciate. For a similar use of parables see 2 Samuel 14:2–11; 1 Kings 20:35–41.
"but the poor man had nothing, save one little ewe lamb, which he had bought and nourished up: and it grew up together with him, and with his children; it did eat of his own morsel, and drank of his own cup, and lay in his bosom, and was unto him as a daughter." — 2 Samuel 12:3 (ASV)
It grew up together. — “All these circumstances are exquisitely contrived to heighten the pity of the hearer for the oppressed, and his indignation against the oppressor.” — Speaker’s Commentary.
"And David`s anger was greatly kindled against the man; and he said to Nathan, As Jehovah liveth, the man that hath done this is worthy to die:" — 2 Samuel 12:5 (ASV)
Was greatly kindled. —David’s generous impulses had not been extinguished by his sin, nor his warm sense of justice; his naturally quick temper (1 Samuel 25:13; 1 Samuel 25:22; 1 Samuel 25:33) at once roused his indignation to the utmost.
"and he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity." — 2 Samuel 12:6 (ASV)
Fourfold. —In exact accordance with the Law (Exodus 22:1). The Septuagint (in most copies “sevenfold,” compare to Proverbs 6:31) and the Chaldee (“fortyfold”) have expressed more of human indignation; but David knew the Law too well to change its terms.
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