2 Samuel 12:23 — Meaning and Application

2 Samuel 12:1

"And the LORD sent Nathan unto David. And he came unto him, and said unto him, There were two men in one city; the one rich, and the other poor."

2 Samuel 12:2

"The rich {man} had exceeding many flocks and herds:"

2 Samuel 12:3

"But the poor {man} had nothing, save one little ewe lamb, which he had bought and nourished up: and it grew up together with him, and with his children; it did eat of his own meat, and drank of his own cup, and lay in his bosom, and was unto him as a daughter. {meat: Heb. morsel}"

2 Samuel 12:4

"And there came a traveller unto the rich man, and he spared to take of his own flock and of his own herd, to dress for the wayfaring man that was come unto him; but took the poor man's lamb, and dressed it for the man that was come to him."

2 Samuel 12:5

"And David's anger was greatly kindled against the man; and he said to Nathan, {As} the LORD liveth, the man that hath done this {thing} shall surely die: {shall...: or, is worthy to die, or, is a son of death}"

2 Samuel 12:6

"And he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity."