2 Samuel 11:26-12:10, 13-15
Proper 6C

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11:26 When the wifeI of UriahII heardIII

Notes on verse 11:26a

I “wife” = ishshah. From ish (man); perhaps from enosh (human, humankind, mortal); from anash (to be weak, sick, or frail). This is woman, wife, or female.
II “Uriah” = Uriyah. From ur (fire, light, the east); {from or (to be or become light, shine)} + Yah (the shortened form of the name of the God of Israel; God, Lord); {from YHVH (proper name of the God of Israel; God, Lord; the self-existent or eternal one); from havah (to become) or hayah (to be, become, happen)}}. This is Uriah or Urijah, a name meaning “flame of the Lord,” “the Lord is light,” “light of the Lord.” See https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Uriah.html 
III “heard” = shama. This is to hear, call, consent, or consider. It implies listening intelligently, giving attention, and, because of these two factors, obedience and action are often implied.

thatIV her husbandV was dead,VI she made lamentationVII for him.VIII 

Notes on verse 11:26b

IV {untranslated} = Uriyah. Same as “Uriah” in v11:26. See note II above.
V “husband” = ish. Related to “wife” in v11:26. See note I above.
VI “dead” = mut. This is to die in a literal or figurative sense. It can also refer to being a dead body.
VII “made lamentation” = saphad. This is to wail, mourn. Properly, it is lamenting by tearing one’s hair and beating one’s chest. It implies wailing.
VIII “him” = baal. From baal (to marry, have dominion, be master). This is lord, owner, ally, master, or archer, husband.

27 When the mourningIX was over,X DavidXI sentXII

Notes on verse 11:27a

IX “mourning” = ebel. From abal (to mourn, bewail). This is mourning or lamentation.
X “was over” = abar. This is to pass over or cross over. It is used for transitions, whether literal or figurative. It can also mean to escape, alienate, or fail. This is the root verb from which “Hebrew” is drawn.
XI “David” = David. From the same as dod (beloved, love, uncle); the root may mean to boil, which is used figuratively to describe love. So, this implies someone you love such as a friend, a lover, or a close family member like an uncle. David’s name likely means something like “beloved one.”
XII “sent” = shalach. This is to send out, away, send for, forsake. It can also mean to divorce or set a slave free.

and broughtXIII her to his house,XIV and she becameXV his wife and boreXVI him a son.XVII

Notes on verse 11:27b

XIII “brought” = asaph. This is to gather, assemble, or bring. It can also mean to take away, destroy, or remove.
XIV “house” = bayit. Probably from banah (to build, make, set up, obtain children; to build literally or figuratively). This is house, court, family, palace, temple.
XV “became” = hayah. Related to “Uriah” in v11:26. See note II above.
XVI “bore” = yalad. This is to bear or bring forth. It can mean to act as midwife or to show one’s lineage. This is often used for birth or begetting.
XVII “son” = ben. Related to “house” in v11:27. From banah (see note XIV above). This is son, age, child. It is son in a literal or figurative sense.

But the thingXVIII that David had doneXIX displeasedXX

Notes on verse 11:27c

XVIII “thing” = dabar. From dabar (to speak, declare, discuss). This is speech, a word, a matter, an affair, charge, command, message, promise, purpose, report, request. It is a word, which implies things that are spoken of in a wide sense.
XIX “done” = asah. This is to make, do, act, appoint, become in many senses.
XX “displeased” = ra’a’. From ra’a’ (to be evil, bad, afflict; properly, to spoil – to destroy by breaking into pieces; figuratively, to cause something to be worthless; this is bad in a physical, social, or moral sense; that which displeases, to do harm or mischief, to punish or vex). This is evil, injury, brining pain, adversity, wrong.

theXXI Lord,XXII 12:1 and the Lord sent NathanXXIII to David. He cameXXIV to him and saidXXV to him,

Notes on verses 11:27c-12:1a

XXI {untranslated} = ayin. This is eye in a literal or figurative sense so eye, appearance, favor, or a fountain (the eye of the landscape).
XXII “Lord” = YHVH. Related to “Uriah” in v11:26 & “became” in v11:27. See note II above.
XXIII “Nathan” = Nathan. From natan (to give, put, set, offer; to give literally or figuratively). This is Nathan, meaning “given” or “[God] gives.”
XXIV “came” = bo. This is to enter, come in, advance, fulfill, bring offerings, enter to worship, attack. It can also have a sexual connotation.
XXV “said” = amar. This is to speak, say, answer, command, promise, report.

“There wereXXVI twoXXVII menXXVIII in a certainXXIX

Notes on verse 12:1b

XXVI “were” = hayah. Same as “became” in v11:27. See note XV above.
XXVII “two” = shenayim. From sheni (double, again, another, second); from shanah (to fold, repeat, double, alter, or disguise). This is two, both, second, couple.
XXVIII “men” = enosh. Related to “wife” and “husband” in v11:26. See note I above.
XXIX “certain” = echad. Perhaps from achad (to unify, continue on a path; figuratively, to gather one’s thoughts). This is the number one, first, united. It can also be alone, altogether, a certain, a few.

city,XXX the oneXXXI richXXXII and the otherXXXIII poor.XXXIV 

Notes on verse 12:1c

XXX “city” = iyr. From uwr (to awaken or wake oneself up). This can mean excitement in the sense of wakefulness or city. Properly, this is a place that is guarded. Guards kept schedules according to watches. This sense of the word would include cities as well as encampments or posts that were guarded.
XXXI “one” = echad. Same as “certain” in v12:1. See note XXIX above.
XXXII “rich” = ashir. From ashar (to be rich, gain, accumulate). This is rich in a literal or figurative sense. It can also be noble or a rich person.
XXXIII “other” = echad. Same as “certain” in v12:1. See note XXIX above.
XXXIV “poor” = rush. This is in want, lack, poor, needy.

The rich man hadXXXV veryXXXVI manyXXXVII flocksXXXVIII and herds,XXXIX 

Notes on verse 12:2

XXXV “had” = hayah. Same as “became” in v11:27. See note XV above.
XXXVI “very” = meod. Perhaps from the same as uwd (firebrand, a poker). This is very, greatly, exceedingly. It can also mean vehemence, force, abundance.
XXXVII “many” = rabah. This is increasing in any aspect whether quantity, authority, size, quality, greatness, etc.
XXXVIII “flocks” = tson. This is a flock of sheep and goats.
XXXIX “herds” = baqar. From baqar (to plow, break forth; figuratively, to inquire, inspect, consider). This is cattle – an animal used for plowing.

but the poor man had nothingXL but one littleXLI ewe lambXLII that he had bought.XLIII

Notes on verse 12:3a

XL “nothing” = ayin + kol. Ayin is perhaps from a word that means to be nothing. This means nothing, none, non-existent. It can also simply mean not or are not. Kol is from kalal (to complete). This is all or every.
XLI “little” = qatan. From quwt (grieved, cut off, to detest). This is least, small, young, little one. It is literally smaller whether in amount or size. Figuratively it is smaller in the sense of younger or less important.
XLII “ewe lamb” = kibsah. 8x in OT. From the same as kebes (young male sheep – having just reached the age where it can butt other sheep). This is a ewe lamb.
XLIII “bought” = qanah. This is to acquire, create, purchase, own. Its root may mean to smith or to produce.

He brought it up,XLIV and it grew upXLV with him and with his children;XLVI, XLVII

Notes on verse 12:3b

XLIV “brought…up” = chayah. This is to live or keep alive in a literal or figurative sense. So, it can be revive, nourish, or save.
XLV “grew up” = gadal. This is to grow up, become great, become wealthy – to advance. The root meaning may be to twist in the sense of the process of growing.
XLVI “children” = ben. Same as “son” in v11:27. See note XVII above.
XLVII {untranslated} = yachad. From yachad (to join, be united). This is a unit, both, altogether, unitedness, alike.

it used to eatXLVIII of his meager fareXLIX and drinkL from his cupLI

Notes on verse 12:3c

XLVIII “eat” = akal. This is to eat, devour, burn up, or otherwise consume. It can be eating in a literal or figurative sense.
XLIX “meager fare” = path. 15x in OT. From pathath (to crumble, open, break). This is a piece, morsel, or fragment.
L “drink” = shathah. This is to drink literally or figuratively. It could also be a drinker.
LI “cup” = kos. This is a cup or it could refer to an owl since theirs eyes look similar to cups.

and lieLII in his bosom,LIII and it was like a daughterLIV to him. 

Notes on verse 12:3d

LII “lie” = shakab. This is to lie down, lodge. It is lying for sleep, sex, or other reasons.
LIII “bosom” = cheq. Root may mean to enclose. This is bosom in a literal or figurative sense. So, this could be arms, lap, or midst. It can also be care or cherish.
LIV “daughter” = bat. Related to “house” and “son” in v11:27. From ben (see note XVII above). This is daughter in a literal or figurative sense.

Now there came a travelerLV to the rich man,LVI and he was loathLVII to takeLVIII one of his own flock or herd

Notes on verse 12:4a

LV “traveler” = helek. 2x in OT. From halak (to go, come, walk; to walk literally and figuratively; of people and animals; how we walk according to God’s way or against it; the walk of life). This is a journey, traveler, or a flowing.
LVI “man” = ish. Same as “husband” in v11:26. See note V above.
LVII “was loath” = chamal. This is to spare, commiserate, show compassion.
LVIII “take” = laqach. This is to take, accept, carry away, receive. It can also have the sense of take a wife or take in marriage.

to prepareLIX for the wayfarerLX who had come to him, but he took the poor man’sLXI lamb and prepared that for the guestLXII who had come to him.” 

Notes on verse 12:4b

LIX “prepare” = asah. Same as “done” In v11:27. See note XIX above.
LX “wayfarer” = orach. 5x in OT. From arach (to go, travel, wander). This is a road that is widely used, highway, caravan, traveler, troop.
LXI “man’s” = ish. Same as “husband” in v11:26. See note V above.
LXII “guest” = ish. Same as “husband” in v11:26. See note V above.

Then David’s angerLXIII was greatlyLXIV kindledLXV against the man.LXVI

Notes on verse 12:5a

LXIII “anger” = aph. From anaph (to be angry; properly, breathing hard as a signifier of being enraged). This properly refers to the nose or nostril and by extension the face. It can specifically refer to anger or wrath as one breathes hard and nostrils flare in times of great anger.
LXIV “greatly” = meod. Same as “very” in v12:2. See note XXXVI above.
LXV “kindled” = charah. Perhaps related to charar (to be hot, burn, glow, melt, be scorched; figuratively, to incite passion, be angry). This is to be displeased, burn with anger, glow, become warn. Figuratively it is a blaze of anger, zeal, or jealousy.
LXVI “man” = ish. Same as “husband” in v11:26. See note V above.

He said to Nathan, “As the Lord lives,LXVII the manLXVIII who has done this deservesLXIX to die;LXX 

Notes on verse 12:5b

LXVII “lives” = chay. Related to “brought…up” in v12:3. From chayah (see note XLIV above). This is alive, living, lifetime. It can also be used to describe someone’s age. It can refer to animals, plants, water, or a company or congregation of people. It is life in a very broad sense.
LXVIII “man” = ish. Same as “husband” in v11:26. See note V above.
LXIX {untranslated} = ben. Same as “son” in v11:27. See note XVII above.
LXX “die” = mavet. Related to “was dead” in v11:26. From muth (see note VI above). This can be death, deadliness, the dead, or the place where the dead go. It can be used figuratively for pestilence or ruin.

he shall restoreLXXI the lamb fourfoldLXXII becauseLXXIII he did this thing and because he had no pity.”LXXIV

Notes on verse 12:6

LXXI “restore” = shalam. This is to be complete or sound – to have safety mentally, physically, or extending to one’s estate. So, if these things are safe and complete, the implication is that one would be friendly; and, if being friendly, one would make amends and that friendship would be reciprocated. This is the root verb that “shalom” comes from, the Hebrew word for peace.
LXXII “fourfold” = arbatayim. 1x in OT. From arba (four); perhaps from raba (to make square or be four-sided). This is fourfold.
LXXIII “because” = eqeb. 15x in OT. Perhaps from aqab (to assail, supplant, overreach, follow or grab someone’s heel, to trip someone up); perhaps from aqeb (heel, hind part, hoof, rear guard of an army, one who lies in wait, usurper). This is a heel as the final part of something i.e. the result, consequence, or reward. It can also be used as an adverb to mean as ever.
LXXIV “had…pity” = chamal. Same as “was loath” in v12:4. See note LVII above.

Nathan said to David, “You are the man!LXXV ThusLXXVI says the Lord, the GodLXXVII of Israel:LXXVIII

Notes on verse 12:7a

LXXV “man” = ish. Same as “husband” in v11:26. See note V above.
LXXVI “thus” = koh. Perhaps from ki (that, for when, certainly) + hu (he, she, it). This is like this, thus, here, now.
LXXVII “God” = Elohim.
LXXVIII “Israel” = Yisrael. Related to “God” in v12:7. From sarah (to persist, exert oneself, contend, persevere, wrestle, prevail) + El (see note LXXVII above). This is Israel, meaning God strives or one who strives with God; new name for Jacob and for his offspring. This refers to the people and to the land.

I anointedLXXIX you kingLXXX over Israel, and I rescuedLXXXI you

Notes on verse 12:7b

LXXIX “anointed” = mashach. This is smear, paint, spread, or paint. It can also be to rub with oil or, otherwise stated, to anoint. This implies a consecration. This root verb is where the word “messiah” comes from.
LXXX “king” = melek. From malak (to be or become king or queen, to rise to the throne, to be crowned; by implication, to take counsel). This is king or royal.
LXXXI “rescued” = natsal. This is to snatch someone or something away in a good sense – as rescue, defend, or deliver – or in a bad sense – as strip or plunder.

from the handLXXXII of Saul;LXXXIII I gaveLXXXIV you your master’sLXXXV house and your master’s wives into your bosom

Notes on verses 12:7c-8a

LXXXII “hand” = yad. This is hand, ability, power. Hand in a literal sense, but also what one can do or the means by which one does it.
LXXXIII “Saul” = Shaul. From shaal (to ask, inquire, beg, borrow, desire, request; can also mean demand). This is Saul or Shaul, meaning “asked of the Lord.”
LXXXIV “gave” = natan. Related to “Nathan” in v12:1. See note XXIII above.
LXXXV “master’s” = adon. From a root that means ruling or being sovereign. This is lord, master, or owner.

and gave you the house of Israel and of Judah,LXXXVI and if that had been too little,LXXXVII I would have addedLXXXVIII as much more.LXXXIX 

Notes on verse 12:8b

LXXXVI “Judah” = Yehudah. Probably from yadah (to throw one’s hands into the air in a gesture of praise); from yad (hand). This is Judah, meaning “praised.”
LXXXVII “too little” = me’at. From ma’at (being or becoming small, decrease, diminish, pare off). This is a little or few, lightly little while, very small matter.
LXXXVIII “added” = yasaph. This is to add, increase, continue, exceed.
LXXXIX “as much more” = hennah + hennah. Literally, “like them and like them.”

WhyXC have you despisedXCI the wordXCII of the Lord, to do what is evilXCIII

Notes on verse 12:9a

XC “why” = maddua. From mah (what, how long) + yada (to know, be aware, see and so understand – includes observation, care, recognition; can also be used as a euphemism). This is why or how.
XCI “despised” = bazah. This is to despise, hold in contempt, disesteem, or a person who is vile.
XCII “word” = dabar. Same as “thing” in v11:27. See note XVIII above.
XCIII “evil” = ra’. Related to “displeased” in v11:27. From ra’a’ (see note XX above). This is bad, disagreeable, that which causes pain, misery, something having little or no value, something that is ethically bad, wicked, injury, calamity. This refers to anything that is not what it ought to be – a natural disaster, a disfigurement, an injury, a sin.

in his sight?XCIV You have struck downXCV Uriah the HittiteXCVI

Notes on verse 12:9b

XCIV “sight” = ayin. Same as {untranslated} in v11:27. See note XXI above.
XCV “struck down” = nakah. This is to hit whether lightly or severely. It can be used in a literal or figurative sense. So, this could be beat, punish, give wounds, kill, or slaughter.
XCVI “Hittite” = Chitti. From cheth (Heth or Cheth; one of Canaan’s sons from whom perhaps the Hittites descend) OR from hatat (terror, lacking strength or courage); perhaps from hata (to seize; often used of coals from a fire). This is Hittite – perhaps meaning terrors or terrible. See https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Hittite.html#.XyMgpp5KhPY

with the swordXCVII and have taken his wife to be your wife and have killedXCVIII him with the sword of the Ammonites.XCIX 

Notes on verse 12:9c

XCVII “sword” = chereb. From charab (to attack, slay). This is any sharp instrument like a sword, dagger, axe, or mattock.
XCVIII “killed” = harag. This is to strike with deadly intent so it can be kill, destroy, murder, or put to death.
XCIX “Ammonite” = ben + Ammon. Literally, “children of Ammon.” Ben is the same as “son” in v11:27. See note XVII above. Ammon is from im (with, against, before, beside); {perhaps from amam (to darken, hide, associate; creating shadows by huddling together)} OR from am (people or nation; a tribe, troops or armies, or figuratively to refer to a flock of animals); {from amam (see above)}. This is Ammon, Ammonite; perhaps meaning “tribal”

10 Now, therefore,C the sword shall neverCI departCII from your house, forCIII you have despised me and have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your wife.” 

Notes on verse 12:10

C “now, therefore” = attah. Perhaps from et (a period or season; whenever or continually); probably from anah (to answer, sing, announce); from ad (forever, all, old); from adah (to pass on, advance, decorate oneself). This is now, from now on.
CI “never” = load + olam. Ad is until, as far as. Olam is a long scope of time whether in the past (antiquity, ancient time) or in the future (eternal, everlasting).
CII “depart” = sur. This is to turn aside in a literal or figurative sense – to depart, decline, rebel, remove, or withdraw.
CIII “for” = eqeb. Same as “because” in v12:6. See note LXXIII above.

13 David said to Nathan, “I have sinnedCIV against the Lord.”

Nathan said to David, “NowCV the Lord has put awayCVI your sin;CVII you shall not die.CVIII 

Notes on verse 12:13

CIV “sinned” = chata. This is properly to miss, and so figuratively it is used for sinning, bearing the blame. It implies a forfeiture or loss of something.
CV “now” = gam. This is also, moreover, again.
CVI “put away” = abar. Same as “was over” in v11:27. See note X above.
CVII “sin” = chatta’ah. Related to “sinned” in v12:13. From chata (see note CIV above). This is sin itself as well as punishment for sin. It is sometimes used specifically to refer to sin that is habitual.
CVIII “die” = mut. Same as “was dead” in v11:26. See note VI above.

14 Nevertheless,CIX because by this deedCX you have utterly scornedCXI , CXII

Notes on verse 12:14a

CIX “nevertheless” = ephes. From aphes (to finish, fail, stop, come to nothing, disappear). This is an end, ceasing, no further. It is often used to refer to the ends of the earth.
CX “deed” = dabar. Same as “thing” in v11:27. See note XVIII above.
CXI “utterly scorned” = naats + naats. This is to spurn, reject, provoke, abhor, treat with contempt. It can also mean bloom or flourish. The word is repeated twice – the first time as an Infinitive Absolute. The Infinitive Absolute serves to emphasize the sentiment of the word. It is rather like Foghorn Leghorn’s speech pattern, “I said, I said.”
CXII {untranslated} = oyeb. From ayab (to hate or be hostile to). This is a foe or enemy as one that you are hostile to.

the Lord,CXIII the child bornCXIV to you shall die.”CXV 15 Then Nathan wentCXVI to his house.

Notes on verses 12:14b-15a

CXIII {untranslated} = gam. Same as “now” in v12:13. See note CV above.
CXIV “born” = yillod. Related to “bore” in v11:27. 4x in OT. From yalad (see note XVI above). This is was born.
CXV “die” = mut + mut. Same as “was dead” in v11:26. See note VI above. The word is repeated twice – the first time as an Infinitive Absolute. The Infinitive Absolute serves to emphasize the sentiment of the word. It is rather like Foghorn Leghorn’s speech pattern, “I said, I said.”
CXVI “went” = halak. Related to “traveler” in v12:4. See note LV above.

The Lord struckCXVII the childCXVIII whom Uriah’s wife bore to David, and it became very ill.CXIX

Notes on verse 12:15b

CXVII “struck” = nagaph. This is to strike, beat, hurt, stumble, defeat, inflict disease.
CXVIII “child” = yeled. Related to “bore” in v11:27 & “born” in v12:14. From yalad (see note XVI above). This is something born – so, offspring, youth, fruit. It is the same word used in Isaiah 9:6 “for a child will be born to us.”
CXIX “became very ill” = anash. Related to “wife” and “husband” in v11:26 & “men” in v12:1. 9x in OT. See note I above.


Image credit: “Mosaic of a Shepherd Holding a Lamb in His Arms” by Jan Frearks van der Bij,1965.