2 Samuel 12:3

but the poor man had nothing except one small ewe lamb that he had bought. He raised it, and it grew up with him and his children. It shared his food and drank from his cup; it slept in his arms and was like a daughter to him.

Study Bible

but the poor man had nothing except one small ewe lamb that he had bought.
This phrase highlights the stark contrast between the rich and the poor, a common theme in biblical narratives. The poor man's possession of only one small ewe lamb underscores his poverty and vulnerability. In ancient Israel, sheep were valuable assets, and owning even one lamb was significant for a poor man. This lamb symbolizes the man's limited wealth and deep personal attachment, as he had invested in it by purchasing it. The imagery of a lamb is also significant in biblical typology, often representing innocence and sacrifice, foreshadowing Christ as the Lamb of God (John 1:29).

He raised it, and it grew up with him and his children.
The relationship between the man and the lamb is depicted as familial and nurturing. Raising the lamb alongside his children suggests a deep bond and affection, elevating the lamb from mere property to a beloved family member. This reflects the cultural practice of shepherding in ancient Israel, where animals were often integral to family life. The nurturing aspect can be seen as a metaphor for God's care for His people, as seen in Psalm 23, where the Lord is described as a shepherd.

It shared his food and drank from his cup;
This phrase illustrates the intimacy and care the man had for the lamb, treating it as an equal rather than livestock. Sharing food and drink signifies a close relationship, akin to that of family members. In the cultural context, sharing a meal was a sign of fellowship and trust. This imagery can be connected to the communal aspects of the early Christian church, where believers shared meals and resources (Acts 2:44-46).

it slept in his arms and was like a daughter to him.
The lamb's place in the man's arms signifies protection, love, and tenderness, akin to a parent-child relationship. This deep emotional connection emphasizes the man's affection and the lamb's importance in his life. The comparison to a daughter highlights the depth of the bond and the man's sense of responsibility and care. This can be seen as a reflection of God's love for His children, as expressed in passages like Isaiah 49:15, where God's care is likened to that of a mother for her child.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Nathan
A prophet sent by God to confront King David about his sin with Bathsheba and the murder of Uriah. Nathan uses a parable to reveal David's wrongdoing.

2. David
The King of Israel who committed adultery with Bathsheba and orchestrated the death of her husband, Uriah. He is the recipient of Nathan's parable.

3. The Rich Man
A character in Nathan's parable representing David. He has many flocks and herds but takes the poor man's only lamb.

4. The Poor Man
A character in Nathan's parable representing Uriah. He has only one ewe lamb, which he cherishes deeply.

5. The Ewe Lamb
Symbolizes something precious and beloved, akin to Uriah's wife, Bathsheba, in the parable.

Teaching Points

The Value of Repentance
Nathan's confrontation leads David to repentance, showing the importance of acknowledging sin and seeking God's forgiveness.

God's Justice and Mercy
The parable illustrates God's justice in addressing sin and His mercy in offering a path to redemption.

The Consequences of Sin
David's actions had severe consequences, reminding us that sin affects not only the sinner but also those around them.

Cherishing What is Precious
The poor man's love for his ewe lamb teaches us to value and protect the blessings God has given us.

The Role of Accountability
Nathan's role emphasizes the importance of having godly accountability in our lives to help us stay on the right path.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Nathan's parable in 2 Samuel 12:3 help us understand the gravity of David's sin?

2. In what ways can we apply the concept of repentance, as seen in David's response, to our own lives?

3. How does the account of the poor man's ewe lamb challenge us to evaluate what we hold dear and how we treat those blessings?

4. What can we learn from Nathan's approach to confronting David about his sin, and how can we apply this in our relationships?

5. How do the themes of justice and mercy in this passage connect with other biblical teachings on God's character?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 51
David's psalm of repentance, which he wrote after Nathan confronted him. It reflects David's remorse and desire for forgiveness.

Exodus 22:1
Discusses restitution for theft, which parallels the injustice done to the poor man in Nathan's parable.

Matthew 18:12-14
The parable of the lost sheep, which highlights the value of each individual, similar to the poor man's love for his ewe lamb.