2 Samuel 12:23

23 But now he is dead, why should I fast? can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he will not return to me.

2 Samuel 12:23 Meaning and Commentary

2 Samuel 12:23

But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast?
&c.] And pray; it is to no purpose, no end can be thought to be answered by it:

can I bring him back again?
from the state of the dead, bring him to life by fasting, and praying, and weeping; that is not to e expected:

I shall go to him;
to the state of the dead, to the grave, where his body was, or would be; to heaven and eternal happiness, where his soul was, as he comfortably hoped and believed: from whence it appears, that the Old Testament saints did not suppose an annihilation at death; but believed the immortality of the soul, a future state after death of eternal life and bliss:

but he shall not return to me;
in the present mortal state, though at the resurrection they should meet again.

2 Samuel 12:23 In-Context

21 Then said his servants to him, What thing is this that you have done? you did fast and weep for the child, while it was alive; but when the child was dead, you did rise and eat bread.

22 He said, While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept: for I said, Who knows whether Yahweh will not be gracious to me, that the child may live?

23 But now he is dead, why should I fast? can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he will not return to me.

24 David comforted Bath-sheba his wife, and went in to her, and lay with her: and she bore a son, and he called his name Solomon. Yahweh loved him;

25 and he sent by the hand of Nathan the prophet; and he named him Jedidiah, for Yahweh's sake.