2 samuel 12:25 - and he sent by the hand of Nathan the prophet, and he named him Jedidiah, for Yahweh’s sake.

Generated Verse: 2 samuel 12:25

What does "2 samuel 12:25" mean?


This verse, 2 Samuel 12:25, is a significant and touching moment in the story of David, Bathsheba, and their son. Let's break it down:

"And he sent by the hand of Nathan the prophet..." After the death of their first child (a consequence of David's sin with Bathsheba and the killing of Uriah), David and Bathsheba had another son. God sends a message through the prophet Nathan. This highlights God's continuing interaction and involvement in David's life, even after David's repentance. It also emphasizes the importance of prophets as messengers of God's will.

"...and he named him Jedidiah, for Yahweh’s sake." This is the key to understanding the verse.

Jedidiah (יְדִידְיָה) means "beloved of Yahweh" or "friend of the Lord." God, through Nathan, dictates the child's name.
"For Yahweh's sake" (לְמַעַן יְהוָה, lema`an YHWH) is crucial. It explains why God chose this name. God isn't just bestowing a random name. It indicates God's renewed favor and love toward David. Despite David's grievous sins, God still loves him. It is a sign of reconciliation. The name serves as a promise of God's grace and acceptance of the child. It is meant to emphasize that even after sin, reconciliation and restoration are possible through God's mercy. It's a demonstration that God is not holding the past against David.

In summary, the verse means:

God sent the prophet Nathan to David, instructing him to name his newborn son Jedidiah, which means "beloved of the Lord." This name was given by God specifically to signify God's continued love, forgiveness, and favor towards David after his repentance for his sins with Bathsheba. It serves as a reminder of God's grace and the possibility of reconciliation even after significant wrongdoing. The name is a tangible sign of God's renewed relationship with David.

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