Howbeit, 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.
Ver. 14. Howbeit, because by this deed, &c.] Thus, though the Lord was a God that forgave David, yet took he vengeance of his scandalous and reproachful practices. Psa 99:8 Such sins seldom go unpunished, because of the offence and the evil example that is in them. If sins committed be pardoned, yet sins may be punished: that is, sins committed by example from others: like as a father may be spared, and his children executed.
Occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme.] To lay reproach upon religion, and to rail against God, as if he were the author, or, at least, the abettor of such wickedness. See Isa 52:5 Ezekiel 36:20; Ezekiel 36:23 Romans 2:24. This the Jews at this day all chillul hashem, a profaning of God's name; and this they account one of the greatest sins that can be. a
The child also that is born unto thee shall surely die.] This, though in some respects it was a mercy to David, - for how could he ever have looked upon this child without grief and shame? - yet, considering the dear affection he bare to it, and the manifestation of the divine displeasure in the death of it, he took on exceedingly. So true is that of an ancient, b Etiam post veniam impetratam nunquam deerit nobis flendi materia, donec Deus eadem benignitate lacrymas nostras abstergat, qua et peccatum remisit: Even after sins pardoned, there will be continual cause of weeping, till such time as God, who hath remitted our sins, shall, by the same grace, have wiped away all tears from our eyes.
a Leo Modena.
b Marulus.