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2 Samuel 12:18

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does 2 Samuel 12:18 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And it came to pass on the seventh day, that the child died. And the servants of David feared to tell him that the child was dead; for they said, Behold, while the child was yet alive, we spake unto him, and he hearkened not unto our voice: how will he then vex himself, if we tell him that the child is dead!” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And it came to pass on the seventh day, that the child died. And the servants of David feared to tell him that the child was dead; for they said, Behold, while the child was yet alive, we spake unto him, and he hearkened not unto our voice: how will he then vex himself, if we tell him that the child is dead!
2 Samuel 12:18 — American Standard Version

Context — 2 Samuel 12

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
15And Nathan departed unto his house. And Jehovah struck the child that Uriah`s wife bare unto David, and it was very sick.
16David therefore besought God for the child; and David fasted, and went in, and lay all night upon the earth.
17And the elders of his house arose, [and stood] beside him, to raise him up from the earth: but he would not, neither did he eat bread with them.
18And it came to pass on the seventh day, that the child died. And the servants of David feared to tell him that the child was dead; for they said, Behold, while the child was yet alive, we spake unto him, and he hearkened not unto our voice: how will he then vex himself, if we tell him that the child is dead!
19But when David saw that his servants were whispering together, David perceived that the child was dead; and David said unto his servants, Is the child dead? And they said, He is dead.
20Then David arose from the earth, and washed, and anointed himself, and changed his apparel; and he came into the house of Jehovah, and worshipped: then he came to his own house; and when he required, they set bread before him, and he did eat.
21Then said his servants unto him, What thing is this that thou hast done? thou didst fast and weep for the child, while it was alive; but when the child was dead, thou didst rise and eat bread.
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And it came to pass on the seventh day, that the child died, etc.] Not the seventh day from its being taken ill, but from its birth; for it cannot be thought that David should fast seven days: and the servants of David feared to tell him that the child was dead; lest he should be overwhelmed with too much sorrow: for they said, behold, while the child was yet alive, we spake unto him; to rise from the ground, and eat food: and he would not hearken unto our voice; we could not prevail upon him to do the one nor the other: how will he then vex himself if we tell him that the child is dead? or should we acquaint him with it, “he will do mischief” f190 to himself, to his body; he will tear his…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Seventh day - From the beginning of the distemper. 2 Kings (2 Samuel) 12:20”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“seventh day: vex, Heb. do hurt to, Sa2 12:18; Num 20:15 2 Kings (2 Samuel) 12:20”
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Related study paths

Read 2 Samuel 12 in contextBrowse Hebrew word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification