Charles Ellicott Commentary 2 Samuel 12:14

"Howbeit, because by this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of Jehovah to blaspheme, the child also that is born unto thee shall surely die." — 2 Samuel 12:14 (ASV)

Thou hast given great occasion. —Although David was forgiven, yet because his sin had brought great scandal on the church, it was necessary that he should suffer publicly the consequences of that sin. We can see that this was especially important in David’s case, both for the vindication of God’s justice, and to destroy the hope that other sins also might go unpunished; yet it is not to be forgotten that the effect of sin generally is similar.

The far greater part of David’s sufferings were from what are called “the natural consequences” of his sin, i.e., from consequences which flowed from it under the immutable laws of the world’s moral government. These laws are always in force and bring home the earthly consequences of sin, even if the sinner has repented and been forgiven.

The child also that is born. —The death of a little infant in the harem of a great Eastern monarch might seem of small significance, and merely a light punishment; David, however, saw it in its true light—as an evidence of God’s unalterable purpose and a sign of the greater judgments that must come upon him. The people also, no doubt, saw and felt the appropriateness of this punishment.