Call Us: 423 661-4734 | Email: requests@comeandreason.com      
Did God Kill David’s Baby?

Did God Kill David’s Baby?

Dr. Jennings,

I came across a statement… in the book Patriarchs and Prophets, page 722, “The sentence of death was transferred from David to the child of his sin.”   I found this statement most disturbing in the light of the fact that I believe that God does not punish; and he does not punish the innocence for the guilty.  Additionally, I don’t understand the transference of the sin of a parent to his or her child. Can you shed some light on this statement?
GB

Thanks for another great question. Let’s read the quotation with a little more context:
 
Though there would be found none in Israel to execute the sentence of death upon the anointed of the Lord, David trembled, lest, guilty and unforgiven, he should be cut down by the swift judgment of God. But the message was sent him by the prophet, “The Lord also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die.” Yet justice must be maintained. The sentence of death was transferred from David to the child of his sin. Thus the king was given opportunity for repentance; while to him the suffering and death of the child, as a part of his punishment, was far more bitter than his own death could have been. The prophet said, “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.” — Patriarchs and Prop[hets, pg 722.2
 
Wow, on the surface this appears a very troubling passage because one could misconstrue the problem with sin to be an offended governing authority, which inflicts penalties, and in this case the governing authority, instead of inflicting the penalty upon the guilty, executed an innocent baby for the crimes of the father.
 
But, as with everything we read, including the Bible, we must ask not only what was said, but what does it mean. Language can easily be misconstrued to connote erroneous ideas. This is especially true if we read passages in isolation or come to the text with preconceived ideas.
 
You were right to be repulsed by the idea that the child was executed for the sin of David. Does anyone really believe it is just to kill an innocent baby for the sin of the father? The Bible certainly doesn’t:
 
The soul who sins is the one who will die. The son will not share the guilt of the father, nor will the father share the guilt of the son. The righteousness of the righteous man will be credited to him, and the wickedness of the wicked will be charged against him. Ezekiel 18:20
 
If the passage from Patriarchs and Prophets contains spiritual truth it could only have come from the Holy Spirit for spiritual things are spiritually discerned (1Cor 2:14,15). The Holy Spirit will not contradict Himself and since the Bible tells us that sin and guilt are not transferred from father to son, we know that the troubling quotation cannot mean God transferred guilt, sin ,and punishment from David to his baby. Unless one claims Patriarchs and Prophets supersedes the Bible, which of course we would never do.
 
So whatever the meaning of the passage, if it is from the Holy Spirit, it cannot mean God is punishing the child for the sin of the father. So what is going on? The context reveals that the author of the passage is elaborating on the mindset of King David and those who lived at that time in Earth’s history. At that time in Earth’s history people attributed to God that which God allowed, but did not directly cause. An example of this would be the death of King Saul, who was king prior to David. King Saul committed suicide and the Bible faithfully records this, but the Bible also describes Saul’s suicide as God killing him:
 
Saul said to his armor-bearer, “Draw your sword and run me through, or these uncircumcised fellows will come and run me through and abuse me.” But his armor-bearer was terrified and would not do it; so Saul took his own sword and fell on it. When the armor-bearer saw that Saul was dead, he too fell on his sword and died with him. So Saul and his three sons and his armor-bearer and all his men died together that same day. 1Sam 31:4-6
 
Saul died because he was unfaithful to the Lord; he did not keep the word of the Lord and even consulted a medium for guidance, and did not inquire of the Lord. So the Lord put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse. 1Chron 10:13,14.
 
Now, did God actually put Saul to death? Was an angel sent from heaven to force Saul down on his sword against his will, or did Saul choose to end his own life? Then why does the Bible say “the Lord put him to death?” Because at this time in the Bible God is described as doing what He permits.
 
Because the Christian author in the commentary you have quoted is elaborating on David’s experience and mindset, she is utilizing the same principle the Bible uses and which was commonly understood at that time in human history of ascribing to God that which He permits.
 
But who actually pronounced the “sentence of death” for the crime? King David did when he answered Nathan as to what should happen to the sheep owner who slaughtered the servant’s only ewe lamb (2Sam 12:5). It was King David’s understanding of what justice looked like that caused a sentence of death to be pronounced.
 
We are not told what actually caused the infant’s death, only that the infant died and God did not intervene to stop this death, despite David’s prayers. The pronouncement of the prophet that the child would die was an announcement of what God foreknew would transpire, a prediction of future events. It was not a judicial finding with subsequent execution by God. It did not mean God would kill the child or cause the child’s death, but rather that God knew the child would die and God would not intervene to miraculously save the child. Why didn’t God choose to save the infant?
 
It was the “judgment” of God! Given the circumstances, it was God’s “judgment” that this was the most redemptive action for all involved. To intervene and save the child would give an artificial validation to sin and suggest that sin is without consequence. To allow the child to fall into the death of sleep brought home to David the reality of sin’s deadliness.
 
God as the great architect of life is constantly at work diagnosing (making judgments) about what is wrong and providing interventions designed to heal and restore. In the Bible these interventions are often called judgments of God, designed to bring people to repentance, not to punish and harm.
 
He [Elijah] fully believed that God would humble apostate Israel, and that through judgments they would be brought to repentance. — Prophets and Kings, pg 122.
 
God “judged” (determined) that allowing the infant son of David to sleep in death would be the most therapeutic event for this situation to bring conviction to David and for those alive at that time, and serve as a reminder to mankind down through history that one cannot break the design template for life (God’s law) without deadly consequence. And, in fact, David was brought to repentance and saved from his sin, while the infant had no sin of its own from which to repent. The infant “fell asleep” into the first death from which resurrection occurs. We are told that on resurrection morning babies will be brought to their mother’s arms. There is no reason to believe this infant will not rise in the resurrection of the righteous to be raised by Bathsheba in a world without sin.
 
Thus God evaluated a situation in which sin (selfishness) had infected his creature (David’s heart, mind,  andcharacter ), resulting in violations of love (adultery, murder), with subsequent infestation into the hearts of others (Absalom, etc.) and threatened to spread further and cause more pain and suffering. God therefore sent the prophet to confront David in love. David pronounces a judgment of death. God permits the child of David’s sin to die the death of sleep, from which the child will rise again and live eternally in a world free of sin, but this “judgment” brought David to conviction and repentance, so that David’s heart was changed and he too will be eternally saved.
 
Finally, the “warning” associated with the loss of the child taught the lesson that violations of God’s law causes pain, suffering, and death, protecting all those who hear the story from repeating David’s folly. 
 
Email me the blog whenever a new one is published.

Donate online, securely via PayPal using your credit or debit card (no PayPal account needed, unless you want to set up a monthly, recurring payment).


cancel recurring payment

 

Want to use zelle instead?
See how on our
Support and Donations page.

Upcoming Events

calendar

Testimonial Post Slider

Testimony 48

I just want to tell you how blessed I have been reading “The Remedy!” It has become a daily part of my devotional relationship with God. In it I have found a God of love and a God that loves me! The bible has come alive for me! It is the first time that I can say that I have felt hope fill my heart as I have read God’s word. This is good news I can share! Thank you, Dr Jennings! Thank you for your heart for others. I can’t put into words how this has set me free! It has strengthened my trust and love for God.

Jason H.

 

Testimony 69

After reading your book, ‘Could It Be This Simple,’ someone was explaining Christianity in a way that made sense to me for the first time in my life. One morning, I simply prayed “I’m sorry and I love you.” As soon as I silently said that, I could literally feel God’s presence and light flood down on me from above and fill me up with love and joy. I sat there crying my eyes out, because I was so overpowered with this feeling of love and joy. It was just so incredible. I hope that more people can read this book and get a blessing from it. It’s really amazing.

Rachael H.

Testimony 8

Thank you for the ministry you are sharing with us, it is a real blessing to us and especially to my husband and myself! You are encouraging us to think for ourselves and not just to except everything, without thinking it through, with God’s word!

M.K., USA

 

Testimony 70

I have been watching you for many years and have learned to love God with all my heart. I was raised by a loving Christian mother that had been lied to about who God really was, so our religious upbringing was hell fire and damnation. As soon as I was old enough and moved out, I not only left the church, I ran as fast as I could to get away from it. Sad to say, it wasn’t until the past couple of years that I learned and understand who my Father really is and how much He loves me. I understand God’s Design Laws (which make sense) and when I’m teaching my church Bible study class, I’m able to really put to use the things I’ve been learning and Holy Spirit is leading. Thank you for introducing me to my Father of true, pure love. Everyday with Him is new and exciting. One thing that breaks my heart is that I didn’t know Him sooner. God Bless you and your ministry!

Judy Phelps, Reno, NV, USA

Testimony 68

Your message of design law vs imperial law is so uplifting and makes so much sense- it is a game changer for me. The fact that Jesus’s death is not a big payment by an angry God is , quite frankly, a relief.

Laura G., London, Ontario, Canada

 

Testimony 71

When I was 9 years old, I remember setting at our devotional table with a hunger and thirst for God that wanted more, deeper, BETTER. I can remember literally crying and pounding on the table, “I know these teachers didn’t mean to give us error. They taught what THEY had been TAUGHT, but didn’t ANYBODY READ THE BOOK?!?!?” It mattered to me then. It mattered to me as a teenager. It matters now as I teach bible classes. It didn’t have to be so hard as I watched so many give up and lay God’s great plan and gift of salvation aside as being “impossible.” Then, a friend sent me a link to Come And Reason’s website. I grew excited. YES! FINALLY! Then another friend told me to stay away, saying her son had just broken up with a girl because she was involved with Come And Reason and that “Tim Jennings preaches a false gospel.” But, AFTER many years of developing an authentic and, dare I say FUN relationship with Jesus, through the Holy Spirit I see this message has been around a LONG time, since the apostle Paul, Ellen White, Graham Maxwell, Ray Foucher, and yourself (though I admit, you’ve made me back up, rewind and replay the clips, and get out my well-worn Bible on a few things.) I’m so thankful I have found LIGHT during these DARK days. I am not alone.

Vicki DiNitto

Testimony 25

I just want to say thank you so much for your conversations via YouTube. I regularly tune in to your lectures, “Let’s Talk” sessions, and many others. Through these I’ve found greater depth and meaning to God’s word. Thanks for all that you do and please continue. I’m currently working in the middle of Silicon Valley at Stanford University. I feel like God really has me in the right place right now and I’m sensing that your teachings might be part of it.

B. F., Silicon Valley, CA, USA

 

Testimony 12

I have been really blessed reading your response to the various questions on your site.

K.C., OH, USA

 

Testimony 13

I borrowed “Healing The Mind” DVDs from a friend and showed them at my home for a small gathering of women friends. Neither of my friends are Adventist, but they both enjoyed and embraced the messages you taught. In fact, one of the ladies prayed out loud in our group and that was the first time she had ever had public prayer.

J.B. ,Dalles, OR, USA

 

Testimony 20

I just wanted to personally thank you for your teachings and insight into scripture. I came across your website via my cousin who suggested I look into “Healing the Mind” information. My youngest daughter has been struggling over the last couple of years and it all came to a head this spring. When I started listening to the “Healing the Mind” lectures my own life began to be transformed. I began sharing with all my daughters the concepts you laid out so clearly. I ordered your book and soaked it up. I just want to say “Thank You!” My walk with the Lord has been refreshed and renewed. Your obedience to the Lord is a blessing to so many.

R. K., Anderson, SC, USA

 

Testimony 43

Two years ago I stumbled upon your book, “Could It Be This Simple,” and then found “The God-Shaped Brain” videos on YouTube, your bible study class, and the ‘Come And Reason’ mobile app. I shared your book with a friend and after nine months of showing love, patience, and kindness this person has been changed by the love of God, too. The same love that healed me, I now express to other women in tangible ways, such as to a Baptist woman with high anxiety and childhood trauma. She was extremely happy and relieved when I shared about the so-called “judgment of God” and burning in hell. She had no desire to serve a God that was so harsh. I have repeated the phrase dozens of times to her. “What we believe has power over us, but we have power over what we believe…”

This message that you are sharing has changed my life. I will continue to serve other women and bring this message of God’s healing love to their lives by sharing your books, YouTube videos, and The Remedy Bible app. Keep up the good work. Don’t be discouraged. God is doing a mighty work in and through this ministry!

Jill L., Midwest, USA

 

Testimony 16

Your seminars are still inspiring and changing our lives and we continue to share the principles we have learned from you. Your ministry has changed our lives!

E.W.

 

Testimony 17

The blessings of clarity and understanding you and your class inspire me to take from the word of God have impressed upon me so greatly the true, loving character of our Creator. I have found amazing freedom and joy through building a stronger, more intentional relationship with Him. What is new is that this is now a relationship built on love, reverence and respect rather than fear and obligation, and as such my eyes have been slammed OPEN as I am continually impressed by the manifestations of God’s true character in His provisions for fallen man.

T.E.H., Salt Lake City, UT, USA

 

Testimony 14

We really appreciate your views on the judgment and they make good sense considering our free choice.

Anonymous

 

Testimony 58

I have been watching your videos in The Power of Love seminar and I must say these have liberated me and have improved my relationship with the Lord. I am no longer terrified of him as I was before following your teachings.

Thando N., South Africa