2 Samuel 12:6
ESV
and he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity."
NIV
He must pay for that lamb four times over, because he did such a thing and had no pity."
NASB
So he must make restitution for the lamb four times over, since he did this thing and had no compassion.'
CSB
Because he has done this thing and shown no pity, he must pay four lambs for that lamb."
NLT
He must repay four lambs to the poor man for the one he stole and for having no pity.'
KJV
And he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity.
NKJV
And he shall restore fourfold for the lamb, because he did this thing and because he had no pity.”
What does 2 Samuel 12:6 mean?
David is outraged. He believes the prophet Nathan has reported an abuse of power by a rich man against a poor man in David's kingdom. David said that the rich man who stole the poor man's beloved lamb to feed a guest deserves to die (2 Samuel 12:1–5). The statement is a legal exaggeration; Mosaic law does not condemn a thief to death. David's years defending lambs against injury, drought, bears, and lions no doubt inspire his reaction (1 Samuel 17:34–36). David knows the Mosaic law, however, and declares the proper judgment (Exodus 22:1).The fact that David knows the law about theft, however, makes his situation more horrific. Nathan's story is a parable; David is the rich man. But he didn't steal a sheep; he took a woman, slept with her, and murdered her husband (2 Samuel 11). In addition to breaking the Commandment against stealing, he coveted and committed adultery and murder.
Nathan has David backed into a corner. David had given no thought to the rights and honor of Bathsheba or Uriah. He only thought of his own inconveniences and desires. His rage is ready to be redirected to himself, not just for his sin against his people, but his rebellion against His God.
God gave David the kingdom. David murdered Uriah to keep it. God will allow David's son to take it away (2 Samuel 12:11–12).
