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

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Samuel 12:15. It's a really important and somewhat surprising story in the Bible. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Story: Uriah was a servant of David. He was a trusted man, but he wasn't entirely loyal to David. He had a wife – Ruth. This woman bore David a son, Ahaziah. Something terrible happened. The pregnancy went wrong. Ruth died giving birth. The LORD intervened. God, in his power and wisdom, struck the child that Ruth bore into David. It wasn’t a punishment; it was a way of protecting David and ensuring his family's safety. Let’s unpack it further: “And Nathan departed unto his house.” This tells us that Nathan, David’s uncle, was visiting his home. “And the LORD struck the child that Uriah’s wife bare unto David…” This is the core of the verse. The Lord didn't just accidentally cause this to happen. He directly intervened and caused it. It wasn’t a random event; God was actively involved in protecting David. "...and it was very sick." This emphasizes the seriousness of what happened – Ruth died, and her child suffered greatly. What's the point of this story? This is a powerful example of God’s providence – his careful planning and working behind the scenes to protect His people. It shows that God loves his family more than even David himself. It also highlights that He can work in mysterious ways, sometimes with unexpected consequences, but always for good. Important Note: This story is a bit complex and has been interpreted in different ways throughout history. It’s often seen as a reminder of God's watchful care over his people. --- Do you want me to explain any of these points further? For example, would you like me to: Explain the context of this story within the larger narrative of David and his life? Discuss the different interpretations of this verse?