Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - 2 Samuel 12:8
(8) Thy master’s wives.—In 2 Samuel 12:7-8 the prophet enumerates the chief favours and blessings shown to David, and these are so brought out as to show not only his base ingratitude, but also the unreasonableness of this particular sin. We are told of only one wife of Saul (1 Samuel 14:50) and of one concubine (2 Samuel 3:7) who was taken by Abner. If he had others, David certainly could not have taken them until more than seven and a half years after Saul’s death. The prophet refers to the... read more
John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 12:1-31
David’s Repentance and Pardon. The Capture of Rabbah4. To dress for the wayfaring man] We may notice Eastern ideas of hospitality: cp. Genesis 18:3-5. 5. Shall surely die] David’s impulsive temper breaks out again: cp. 1 Samuel 25:22.11. For the fulfilment of this threat, see 2 Samuel 16:21, 2 Samuel 16:22. David’s repentance secured the forgiveness of God, but it did not avert the punishment of his sin. 13. Thou shalt not die] This was the punishment David himself had pronounced on the... read more