2 Samuel 12:26 - Meaning and Application

We have here an account of the conquest of Rabbah and other Ammonite cities. Although this comes after the birth of David’s child, it was probably won much earlier, soon after Uriah’s death, perhaps while Bathsheba was still mourning him. God was very kind to give David this success against his enemies, even though he had sinned at that very time and had used the Ammonites’ sword in Uriah’s murder.

By rights, God could have turned that same sword into trouble for David and his kingdom from then on. Instead, he broke it and made David’s own sword win, even before David repented, so that God’s kindness might lead him to repentance. David had good reason to admit that God had not dealt with him according to his sins (Psalm 103:10).

Joab, David’s army commander, acted honestly and honorably. After he captured the city of waters, the royal city where the palace stood and which supplied the rest of the city with water, he sent for David to come in person and finish the victory (2 Samuel 12:26-28). In this he showed himself a faithful servant, one who wanted his master’s honor and his own only as it served that. He sets an example for the servants of the Lord Jesus to seek his honor in all they do: Not to us, but to your name, give glory.

David, however, seems to have been too proud and too harsh in this event, and not as humble or tender as he should have been. He seems too eager for the crown of the king of Ammon (2 Samuel 12:30). Because it was very valuable and set with precious stones, David wanted it placed on his head, but it would have been better to cast it at God’s feet and to bow low under his guilt. A heart truly humbled by sin is dead to worldly glory and looks on it with holy contempt.

He also seems to have been too severe with his prisoners of war (2 Samuel 12:31). If, after a long and costly siege, he had put to death in battle those found fighting, that would have been severe enough. But to kill them afterward in cold blood, with saws and harrows, tearing them to pieces, did not fit the man who had promised to sing of mercy as well as judgment when he took up rule (Psalm 101:1).

If he had made examples only of those who had abused his messengers, or had planned or helped in that crime, that might have been seen as necessary justice and a warning to other nations. But to deal so harshly with all the Ammonite cities, meaning the garrisons or soldiers in those cities, was extremely severe. It shows that David’s heart was still not softened by repentance. If it had been, his compassion would not have been shut up like this. It also shows that he had not yet fully tasted mercy, for one who has received mercy should be more ready to show mercy.