2 Samuel 12:22
ESV
He said, "While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept, for I said, ‘Who knows whether the Lord will be gracious to me, that the child may live?’
NIV
He answered, "While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept. I thought, ‘Who knows? The Lord may be gracious to me and let the child live.’
NASB
And he said, 'While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept; for I said, ‘Who knows, the Lord may be gracious to me, and the child may live.’
CSB
He answered, "While the baby was alive, I fasted and wept because I thought, ‘Who knows? The Lord may be gracious to me and let him live.’
NLT
David replied, 'I fasted and wept while the child was alive, for I said, ‘Perhaps the Lord will be gracious to me and let the child live.’
KJV
And he said, While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept: for I said, Who can tell whether God will be gracious to me, that the child may live?
NKJV
And he said, “While the child was alive, I fasted and wept; for I said, ‘Who can tell whether the Lord will be gracious to me, that the child may live?’
What does 2 Samuel 12:22 mean?
David has lived in full dependence and obedience towards God since he was a shepherd boy fighting lions and bears (1 Samuel 17:34–35). His crimes against Uriah and Bathsheba are a significant exception to the pattern of his life. David violated God's law and did what the Lord had said was evil (2 Samuel 12:9). As a result, Uriah, Bathsheba, David, and Bathsheba's son all suffered.But David's rebellion was temporary. The moment he is convicted of sin, he repents with great humility and God forgives him (2 Samuel 12:13; Psalm 51). David's sincere repentance is why he's still known as the man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14).
David's faith in and faithfulness to God return when he repents. While his son lays sick, David is fully convinced that the Lord can be merciful and save him. David believes God hears his cries. So, he prays. While the boy lives, hope remains that the Lord might give him grace. David continues to pray and weep and fast until the Lord's answer becomes final (2 Samuel 12:14–19).
When the boy dies, David's petition changes to praise (2 Samuel 12:20). His advisors and servants are confused, thinking this is the time for mourning. They don't understand that even more than the life of the child, David wants reconciliation with his God: "Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit" (Psalm 51:7).
The prayer of faith doesn't insist that God say yes to every request. The prayer of faith is about believing that God cares for us and hears us, but also that He will do what is right and best because He is God.
