Study Desk

And Nathan went to his house, and Jehovah struck the boy whom the former wife of Uriah had borne to David. And it became sick.

And David sought God for the child. And David fasted a fast, and went in and stayed the night, and lay on the earth.

And the elders of his house rose up toward him, to raise him up from the earth. But he was not willing; and he ate no bread with them.

And it happened on the seventh day, the boy died. And David's servants feared to tell him that the boy was dead, for they said, Behold, while the boy was alive, we spoke to him, and he would not listen to our voice. And how shall we say tohim, The boy is dead? Then he may do harm.

And David saw that his servants were whispering among themselves. And David understood that the boy was dead. And David said to his servants, Is the boy dead? And they said, He is dead.

And David rose up from the earth, and bathed, and anointed. And he changed his clothing, and came into the house of Jehovah, and worshiped. And he came to his house, and commanded, and they brought bread for him; and he ate.

And his servants said to him, What is this thing you have done? You fasted and wept because of the living boy, yet when the boy is dead, you have risen up and have eaten food?

And he said, While the boy was alive, I fasted and wept. For I said, Who knows? Jehovah may be gracious to me and the boy may stay alive.

And now he has died. Why this, that I should fast? Am I able to bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.

And David comforted his wife Bathsheba. And he went in to her, and lay with her. And she bore a son, and he called his name Solomon. And Jehovah loved him,

and sent by the hand of Nathan the prophet, and called his name Jedidiah, because of Jehovah.