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2 Samuel 12:2

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does 2 Samuel 12:2 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “The rich man had exceeding many flocks and herds;” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

The rich man had exceeding many flocks and herds;
2 Samuel 12:2 — American Standard Version

Context — 2 Samuel 12

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
1And 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.
2The rich man had exceeding many flocks and herds;
3but 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.
4And there came a traveller unto the rich man, and he spared to take of his own flock and of his own herd, to dress for the wayfaring man that was come unto him, but took the poor man`s lamb, and dressed it for the man that was come to him.
5And 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 12:12 Samuel 12:3 →
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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
“The rich [man] had exceeding many flocks and herds.] In which the wealth of men lay in those times and countries; these in the parable signify David’s wives and concubines, which were many; he had six wives in Hebron, and he took more wives and concubines out of Jerusalem, when he was come from Hebron, (<100302>2 Samuel 3:2-5 5:13); and besides his master’s, or Saul’s wives, given to him, (<101208>2 Samuel 12:8).”
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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
“Many flocks - Noting David's many wives and concubines. 2 Kings (2 Samuel) 12:3”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“exceeding: Sa2 12:8, Sa2 3:2-5, Sa2 5:13-16, Sa2 15:16; Job 1:3 2 Kings (2 Samuel) 12:3”
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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