Due to David’s sin with Bathsheba, 2 Sam. 12:15-18 says that the child that Bathsheba bore to David died. God struck the child with illness and the child died. How can a loving God take the life of an innocent child as an act of punishment upon David?

– Cyril, South Africa

DR. GEORGY’S RESPONSE:

The Bible gives the assurance to a believer that death is not the end. Isa. 7:16 describes an age before a child is morally accountable, specifically, “before the child shall know to refuse the evil and choose the good.” God took the child’s life as an act of punishment upon David himself. It was not a judgement upon the child. Probably, the child was spared a life of sorrow and shame as the illegitimate child of the illicit relationship of David and Bathsheba. In spite of such a harsh punishment, David’s trust in a loving God is seen in 2 Sam. 12:22, 23. While the child was alive, David fasted and wept, hoping that God would be gracious to him and spare the child. But when the child died, David knew that the child was taken to heaven and that it was with God. He also believed that he will one day be reunited with his child in heaven. He believed in life after death (Ps. 16:10-11).