21 Then [a]said his servants unto him, What thing is this that thou hast done? thou didst fast and weep for the child while it was alive, but when the child was dead, thou didst rise up, and eat meat,

22 And he said, While the child was yet alive, I fasted, and wept: for I said, Who can tell whether God will have mercy on me, that the child may live?

23 But now being dead, wherefore should I now fast? [b]Can I bring him again anymore? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.

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Footnotes

  1. 2 Samuel 12:21 As they which considered not that God granteth many things to the sobs and tears of the faithful.
  2. 2 Samuel 12:23 By this consideration he appeased his sorrow.

21 His attendants asked him, “Why are you acting this way? While the child was alive, you fasted and wept,(A) but now that the child is dead, you get up and eat!”

22 He answered, “While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept. I thought, ‘Who knows?(B) The Lord may be gracious to me and let the child live.’(C) 23 But now that he is dead, why should I go on fasting? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him,(D) but he will not return to me.”(E)

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