Read 2 Samuel 12, Daniel 2, and Mark 12.
This devotional is about 2 Samuel 12.
Here in 2 Samuel 12, David was confronted about his adultery and murder (vv. 1-9) and learned what the long-range results of his sins would be (vv. 10-12). David repented when confronted with his sin and he received assurance of the Lord’s forgiveness (v. 13). But, the Lord told David, through Nathan, that there would be one more consequence for his sin–a nearly-immediate one–the death of his infant son that he conceived in his sin with Bathsheba (v. 14).
The baby was born healthy; however, after receiving the Lord’s word, the baby became sick, according to verse 15. David gave himself over to praying, pleading for the Lord to have mercy and spare this child’s life. Verses 16 and 17 describe how David refused food and sleep, and even wore the dreaded sackcloth that was uncomfortable to wear and symbolized deep sorrow. Nobody could get David to stop pleading with God to save this child’s life. David’s emotions at this time were so deep and raw that the people around him were afraid to tell him about the child’s death, fearing that David might take his own life (v. 18).
When he learned of the baby’s death, however, David did not do something extreme. Instead, he went back to his life. He pulled himself together, got cleaned up, went and worshipped in the tabernacle, and ate a meal (v. 20). The people in David’s life who saw this couldn’t make sense of what they were seeing. David’s reaction was the opposite of what they expected. Finally, someone asked him to explain himself in verse 21.
Verses 22-23 give us David’s reply: “He answered, ‘While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept. I thought, “Who knows? The Lord may be gracious to me and let the child live.’”‘ 23 But now that he is dead, why should I go on fasting? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me.” This reply contains some theology that may help you in three very different, but important ways. The truth behind David’s words may help you in your prayer life, may comfort you if you’ve ever lost a child, and may also help you if you are mourning the loss of anyone in your life.
First, it is always appropriate to ask God for healing mercy. We Christians have learned to pray for God’s will to be done. That is biblical; Jesus told us to pray for that in “The Lord’s Prayer” (Matt 6:10, et al). But I think sometimes that Christians think that praying for the Lord’s will means that we can’t ask him for what we want. David had already been told that it was the Lord’s will for his baby to die, but he still cried out for the Lord’s mercy on the baby’s life. We cannot pray righteously for something that is sinful, but there is nothing wrong with–and everything right with–directly, earnestly, and repeatedly asking God for what you want. Just be certain that you will accept God’s answer if, in his will, his answer is, “No.” That’s what David did here in 2 Samuel 12:22-23.
Second, this text suggests that there is hope of salvation for those who die in infancy. We know that sin and guilt are imputed to all human beings from conception (Ps 51:5, Rom 5:12). We also know that people are judged by God according to their words (Matt 12:37) and works (Rev 20:12). Christ died for our sins, so when we trust in him, our sinful words and works are forgiven. But what about children who have not said a sinful word or committed a sinful act? They were conceived with Adamic guilt, but have not committed any sins yet. Likewise, they were not able to hear and understand the gospel, much less accept or reject it. So what happens to babies, small children, and people who are mentally incapable of understanding the gospel? At the end of verse 23, David said, “I will go to him, but he will not return to me.” Some interpret this to mean that David is saying, “He died, and I’m going to die someday, too.” But several verses in David’s Psalms indicate his faith in life after death. See, for instance, Psalm 17:15. So, David is indicating here faith in God’s salvation for his infant son. Let that give you hope if you’ve ever lost a child. God is merciful and, I believe, he will justify every child who has died in infancy.
Third, mourning is natural, normal, and human. But, mourning will end at some point. David and Bathsheba were, undoubtedly, heartbroken and sad for quite a while after their son died. But, while the grief may never have fully gone away, there was a point where grieving ended and joy returned (see v. 24a). When you and I lose someone we love–whether an infant, a spouse, a parent, or a friend, there will be sadness and mourning. But, there will also come a time when you feel good again. Don’t feel guilty about that! Ecclesiastes 3:4 says that there is “a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time dance.” Take time to feel grief and to mourn the loss of someone you love. But, don’t stay mired in grief forever.
May the Lord take these thoughts and use them to help you pray, give you comfort, and help you process grief. This life is full of sorrows, but faith in God will carry you through them.