Book of 2 Samuel - Chapter 12 - Verse 18

Upon the seventh day after his child fell ill, King David's servants were in turmoil, as the child ultimately passed away. They feared telling David of the child's death, as they remembered how he had ignored their previous warnings about the child's condition when he was alive. They worried about the reaction he would have when he learned of the child's passing. The servants were concerned that David would be devastated and blame himself for not listening to their earlier caution. This fear and hesitation to reveal the tragic news show the compassion and understanding the servants had for David's emotional state. This verse highlights the complexities of human relationships and the difficulties people face when dealing with grief and loss.

One theological interpretation of this verse could be that it reflects the complexity of human emotions and relationships in the face of death. The servants' fear of telling David about the child's death shows their concern for his well-being and their understanding of his potential reaction to the news. This can be seen as a demonstration of the servants' loyalty to David and their desire to protect him from further grief. Additionally, this verse highlights the theme of the consequences of one's actions, as the child's death may be interpreted as a result of David's sin. In terms of word studies, the use of the word "vex" here could be significant. In Hebrew, the word used can also mean "trouble" or "disturb," further emphasizing the servants' apprehension about delivering the news to David. This verse serves as a reminder of the complexities of human relationships and the impact of sin on one's life.