2 Samuel 12:19
ESV
But when David saw that his servants were whispering together, David understood that the child was dead. And David said to his servants, "Is the child dead?" They said, "He is dead."
NIV
David noticed that his attendants were whispering among themselves, and he realized the child was dead. "Is the child dead?" he asked. "Yes," they replied, "he is dead."
NASB
But when David saw that his servants were whispering together, David perceived that the child was dead; so David said to his servants, 'Is the child dead?' And they said, 'He is dead.'
CSB
When David saw that his servants were whispering to each other, he guessed that the baby was dead. So he asked his servants, "Is the baby dead?" "He is dead," they replied.
NLT
When David saw them whispering, he realized what had happened. 'Is the child dead?' he asked. 'Yes,' they replied, 'he is dead.'
KJV
But when David saw that his servants whispered, David perceived that the child was dead: therefore David said unto his servants, Is the child dead? And they said, He is dead.
NKJV
When David saw that his servants were whispering, David perceived that the child was dead. Therefore David said to his servants, “Is the child dead?” And they said, “He is dead.”
What does 2 Samuel 12:19 mean?
When Nathan confronted David with his sins (2 Samuel 12:9) against Bathsheba and Uriah, he outlined several punishments. Each echoed a sin David committed against Uriah: his life would be filled with violence, people from his own household would betray him, his wives would be humiliated in public. Also, the baby Bathsheba carried would die (2 Samuel 12:1–14). David took away Uriah's right to have a child with his wife. Now, God takes David's child.When the baby fell sick, David relied on what he knew about God. He fasted and prayed, lying on the ground. God had already forgiven him (2 Samuel 12:13). God's mercy is great (Psalm 51:1). David knew there was a chance God would have mercy over his son. Royal servants and elders are concerned. They need their king to eat and fulfill the duties of his position. When the boy dies, they're even more worried (2 Samuel 12:18).
David hears their whispering and guesses at the subject. He rises, washes, and eats. He even goes to the tent of God and worships. David tells the servants that while the boy lived, there was a chance. Now that the boy is gone, David will accept God's judgment. He will see his son again after he dies (2 Samuel 12:20–23).
God could have saved David's son and maintained His integrity. Hundreds of years later, Isaiah the prophet will tell good King Hezekiah that God says he will die. Hezekiah will beg God for a longer life. God will agree (2 Kings 20:1–7). Numbers 23:19 says that God does not change His mind, and it's true. But sometimes, His revelations are only part of the picture and don't reveal His full intentions. With Hezekiah, God had a greater purpose that was served by Hezekiah's understanding that only God can bring life. With David, the baby's death is essential for God's plan.
