2 Samuel 12:19-23

David's Child Dies

19 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." 20 Then David arose from the earth n and washed and anointed himself and changed his clothes. And he went into the house of the Lord o and worshiped. He then went to his own house. And when he asked, they set food before him, and he ate. 21 Then his servants said to him, "What is this thing that you have done? You fasted and wept for the child while he was alive; but when the child died, you arose and ate food." 22 He said, "While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept, for I said, p 'Who knows whether the Lord will be gracious to me, that the child may live?' 23 But now he is dead. Why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, q but he will not return to me."

  1. Cross References
    Ruth 3:3
    Wash therefore and anoint yourself, and put on your cloak and go down to the threshing floor, but do not make yourself known to the man until he has finished eating and drinking.
  2. Cross References
    Job 1:20
    Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshiped.
  3. Cross References
    Jonah 3:9
    Who knows? God may turn and relent and turn from his fierce anger, so that we may not perish.
  4. Cross References
    Job 7:8 - 10
    The eye of him who sees me will behold me no more; while your eyes are on me, I shall be gone.
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.