David’s Four Lambs

Intro: Read vv. 6-7 (cf. Exo. 22:1). God’s words through Nathan cut like a knife to the core of David’s heart. His penitent prayer is recorded in Psalm 51. As a result of his confession and his plea for mercy, God revoked part of David’s judgment (See vv. 5 & 13). David would not die as a result of his sin; but his own verdict of four lambs for one was still in effect! Let us examine how David paid four lambs for the one he had taken.

I. LAMB #1 – DAVID’S SON BORN TO BATHSHEBA

A. The pronouncement (2 Sam. 12:14)

B. The fulfillment (2 Sam. 12:18a)

C. David gave up his first son born to Bathsheba (2 Sam. 12:15-23). So that is one lamb down with three more to go!

II. LAMB #2 – DAVID’S OLDEST SON, AMNON

A. Amnon (David’s firstborn son to Ahinoam) violated his sister Tamar. Absalom kept silent but plotted to kill Amnon. Two years passed before Absalom achieved his evil plan. At the sheep shearing time, Absalom gave a feast for all the sons of David including Amnon. Poor Amnon, it was his “last supper.” Absalom’s men brutally murdered him! (See 2 Sam. 13:1-29)

B. Absalom had two years in which to become: (1) Tender and forgiving; or (2) Much bitter and vengeful. Sadly, Absalom chose to be filled with rebellion, hatred and eventually murder.

C. So the second lamb was paid. Two down with two to go.

III. LAMB #3 – DAVID’S THIRD SON, ABSALOM

A. Absalom’s mother was Maacah. After his cruel murder of Amnon: (1) Absalom fled from his father David. Allowed to return to Jerusalem later, he soon led a rebellion against his father; (2) Hence, David sent his forces under the leadership of Joab to put down the rebellion and restore peace and order; (3) But David gave very clear orders that Absalom be dealt with gently and that no one harm him at all times.

B. Then: (1) David’s forces crushed the insurgents led by Absalom. (2) In fleeing, Absalom was caught by his long hair on a tree. Upon that being reported to Joab, he took three spears and thrust them through Absalom’s heart while he was still alive on the tree (See 2 Sam. 18:9-18 esp. vv. 14-15).

C. David would later ask when the runners arrived, “Is the young man Absalom safe?” (2 Sam. 18:29, 32). Sorry David, Absalom was lamb #3! David’s third lamb has been paid. That is, three lambs down with just one to go. Who can it be now?

IV. LAMB #4 – DAVID’S FOURTH SON, ADONIJAH.

A. Adonijah’s mother was Haggith. (1) While King David lay seriously ill and at the point of death in Jerusalem, Adonijah took advantage of the situation and tried to proclaim himself king over Israel in his father’s place; (2) Bathsheba (Solomon’s mother), seeing the gravity of the situation, went to David and convinced him to appoint Solomon as king and David did so. Soon King David died, but there was yet a last lamb to die.

B. Once established as king of Israel, Solomon ordered the death of his brother Adonijah (See 1 Kgs. 2:12-25).

C. Adonijah was David’s 4th lamb. Four down and no more to go. The guilty had paid four for one in the debt he owed!

Conclusion: Review 2 Sam 12:6. David broke three of the 10 commandments: the 10th (coveting his neighbor’s wife); the 7th (adultery); and the 6th (murder). This 6th was a cover-up to the other two (10th & 7th). See Gal. 6:7; Hos. 8:7a.

Among the lessons to be learned from these events is one that teaches us that a person’s sin extends far beyond himself: (1) It affects his family, friends, and often his neighbor; (2) David complicated the result of his sin by his pious act in judgment, not realizing that he was in fact condemning himself and his own family! (Job 9:20; Matt. 7:1-2; 12:36-37); (3) Sin always has long-term consequences. It destroys lives.

God in His mercy has a solution for the sin-problem of man:

1. Faith destroys the love of sin (1 John 5:4);

2. Repentance destroys the practice of sin (2 Cor 7:9-10);

3. Forgiveness destroys the guilt of sin (Eph. 1:7);

4. Resurrection destroys the penalty of sin (1 Cor 15:22).

Sin must be paid for; and there are only two ways to pay:

1. You can pay for it yourself in Hell. Ignoring the love of God and the finish work of Christ will exactly do that to you!

2. Or…allow Christ to pay for your sins with His own blood. Heeding the Gospel call will provide that payment for your sins.

Sinner or saint, only Christ’s blood can cleanse you from sin!