2 Samuel Chapter 12: The Passivity of David

In 2 Sam 12, we see how God’s judgement was finally pronounced on David. This was done in a form of parable spoken by Prophet Nathan, to which David responded readily, showing clearly what his values were. Unfortunately, though, we see that David chose to do the wrong thing in the previous chapter.

It was not so much a case whereby David only realized he did the wrong thing when confronted by Nathan. Based on his response to Nathan and the fact that his sins were committed in secret (v12), David actually knew what he did was wrong but did not repent or acknowledge his mistakes until Nathan confronted him. This was at least 9 months after his affair with Bathsheba, given that the child had already been born. After judgement was pronounced and the child turned ill, David pleaded with God (v16). This was also the first time David attempted to reach God in these two chapters.

Does his behaviour remind us of ourselves? Perhaps subconsciously we know we are doing something against God or have not gotten rid of our sinful behaviours. But as God is silent, we do not see the need to take actions against our wrong ways of life. It is only when we are get punished or rebuked for our actions, that we repent and plead with God to have mercy.

In the latter half of this chapter, we see Joab calling David out to battle against Rabbah (2 Sam 12:6-8). This was the same battle that the Israelites were involved in many months earlier (2 Sam 11:1). It was not an easy battle, given that it took so long, and the Israelites lost some men to the Ammonites (2 Sam 11:17). As to why David chose to sit out of this battle until he was called, it remains unclear. But it does seem that in this battle, David was lacking the heart for God he once had. He did not seem concerned that the Ammonites prevailed against Joab and took the lives of his soldiers (2 Sam 11:25), unlike Uriah whose heart remained on the battlefield though he physically returned home (2 Sam 11:11).

This chapter is marked by David’s passivity. We see him doing the right things only when pushed by others. He was pushed to repentance by Nathan’s parable and God’s punishment. He was pushed to fight against Rabbah when called by Joab. As to why David behaved uncharacteristically in this time, we do not know. But in this time where David turned passive in his faith, fighting neither against his lusts nor the enemies of God, he gave an opportunity for God’s enemies to blaspheme against Him.

It is not easy to always remain zealous in faith. We will face situations during which we are fatigued and lack the strength to serve God. In such times, we must recognize that we are in spiritual danger, and call out to God. May God continually give us strength to be active in our faith, in terms of reflecting and spiritual nurture, as well as in serving Him.

•