2 Samuel 12:16 · KJV

"David therefore besought God for the child; and David fasted, and went in, and lay all night upon the earth."

King James Version

Passage Context

¹⁴Howbeit, because by this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme, the child also that is born unto thee shall surely die.

¹⁵And Nathan departed unto his house. And the LORD struck the child that Uriah's wife bare unto David, and it was very sick.

¹⁶David therefore besought God for the child; and David fasted, and went in, and lay all night upon the earth.

¹⁷And the elders of his house arose, and went to him, to raise him up from the earth: but he would not, neither did he eat bread with them.

¹⁸And it came to pass on the seventh day, that the child died. And the servants of David feared to tell him that the child was dead: for they said, Behold, while the child was yet alive, we spake unto him, and he would not hearken unto our voice: how will he then vex himself, if we tell him that the child is dead?

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Reflection Questions

How do you seek God in times of crisis?

What does fasting mean for you in your spiritual life?

When have you felt desperate enough to seek God earnestly?

Life Application

faith

In times of trouble, turn to prayer and fasting as a way to deepen your relationship with God.

grief

Allow yourself to grieve and seek God’s comfort during difficult times.

People in This Verse

DavidBoth

The second king of Israel, known for his leadership, poetry, and a heart for God. He is a central figure in both Jewish and Christian traditions.

First appearance: 1 Samuel 16:1

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