“David prayed to God on behalf of the child; David fasted, then came and lay all night on the ground.”-2 Samuel 12:16
Once David heard his newborn had fallen ill, he immediately started praying and fasting.
This worried his royal court.
They wondered what was going on.
It wasn’t like David stayed up all night praying and fasting every time one of his children got sick.
David was well aware that due to his sin, this poor child had been marked for death.
He hoped that by showing great humility, the Lord might change his mind and show mercy.
Of course, the royal court had no idea of the divine curse on David’s household.
However, in verse 19, something even more mysterious happened.
After receiving word of the child’s death, David’s actions took a 180-degree turn.
He picked himself up, bathed, ate, and returned to his normal routine as if nothing had happened.
This confused his court even more.
Normally, people grieve and mourn AFTER a death.
Yet, David was doing the complete opposite.
I’ll explain this in a second, but let’s look at another thing.
The statement “On the seventh day, the child died” holds great significance.
There is some argument about this.
Did it mean the baby passed away exactly on the 7th day?
Or whether he was only one week old when he perished?
Either way, it doesn’t matter.
The number 7 here indicates that, as tragic as it was, the child’s death was ordained by God.
There was nothing that could be done.
David’s court also would’ve understood the spiritual importance of the seventh day even if they weren’t sure of the specifics.
Now, let’s get to the question of why David didn’t properly mourn after the child passed?
The answer is that the child was not yet a month old.
In those days, an infant wasn’t considered a full “human” until at least one month in age.
Therefore, David broke no law or tradition when he didn’t mourn.
Of course, there would’ve been much sorrow expressed…
But this was different than entering into an official period of mourning.
So what’s the takeaway for today?
Sometimes, no matter how hard we pray, fast, or plead…
God’s answer is FINAL.
David shows us that humility before God doesn’t always change the outcome…
But it can change us.
When the answer is “no”…
Faith means getting up…
Washing our face…
And moving forward in trust…
Trust that God is still just…
Still good…
And still in control.
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