and sent a message by Nathan the prophet. So he called his name Jedidiah, because of the LORD.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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2 Samuel 12:25
What does 2 Samuel 12:25 mean?
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2 Samuel 12:25
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Here's a thought on that verse: The unexpected part here is that David didn't name his son Solomon himself; he entrusted that profoundly significant act to Nathan the prophet. This shows that even in moments of deep personal loss and divine promise, God's prophetic word and appointed messengers held the ultimate authority in naming and declaring His will.
and sent a message by Nathan the prophet. So he called his name Jedidiah, because of the LORD.
English Standard Version (ESV)
David, after grieving the death of his first son with Bathsheba, is now blessed with another son, Jedidiah. The prophet Nathan, who had previously confronted David about his sin with Bathsheba, is involved in naming this new child, signifying God's continued presence and favor despite the past. This moment marks a turning point, showing God's redemptive work even after profound sin and judgment.
David and Bathsheba experienced immense grief. Yet, in the midst of their pain, a new life emerged, carrying a name directly from the Lord.
This verse reveals a tender moment of divine intervention. After the tragic death of their first child, David and Bathsheba had another son. While David named him Solomon, the text tells us that God Himself gave the child a special name: Jedidiah. This name, meaning 'Beloved of the Lord,' was spoken through the prophet Nathan. It wasn't just a label; it was a divine declaration of affection and a promise of God's favor on this child, even amidst the ongoing consequences of David's sin. It shows God's grace extending even into difficult circumstances.
We see Nathan the prophet playing a crucial role here. What does this tell us about the function of prophets in ancient Israel?
Nathan the prophet isn't just delivering a name; he's acting as God's authorized voice. This highlights a key role of prophets in the Old Testament: to communicate God's will, His judgment, and His promises directly to His people. They weren't simply predicting the future; they were conduits for God's present message. In this case, Nathan conveys God's grace and a specific blessing to David and Bathsheba through the naming of their son. It underscores the importance of listening to and obeying the word delivered through God's appointed messengers.
Understand the original words
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nabi' · Hebrew Noun
A person chosen by God to receive divine revelation and communicate it to His people, serving as a mediator and spokesperson for the Almighty.
YdidYah · Hebrew Proper Noun
A name meaning 'Beloved of the LORD,' signifying a person who is the special object of God's affection, favor, and providential care.
The naming of Solomon as Jedidiah, meaning 'Beloved of the Lord,' signifies God's grace and ongoing covenant faithfulness, even after David's grave sins and the tragic death of their first child.
c. 992 BC
David becomes King of Israel
David, previously a warrior and fugitive, is anointed King over all Israel, establishing his reign and the united monarchy.
c. 990 BC
David commits adultery with Bathsheba
While his army is at war, David sees Bathsheba bathing, commits adultery with her, and she becomes pregnant.
c. 990 BC
David arranges Uriah's death
To cover up his sin, David plots to have Bathsheba's husband, Uriah the Hittite, killed in battle, which succeeds.
c. 990 BC
Nathan confronts David
The prophet Nathan boldly confronts David with a parable, leading David to confess his sin and repent.
c. 990 BC— this verse
First son of David and Bathsheba dies
The child born from David and Bathsheba's adultery falls gravely ill, and despite David's fervent prayers, the infant dies.
c. 989 BC
Birth of Solomon (Jedidiah)
After the period of mourning, David comforts Bathsheba, and she conceives again, bearing a son named Solomon, also called Jedidiah by the LORD.
This passage echoes the sentiment of God's deep love, stating that David's son Solomon was chosen by the LORD 'to build a house for the LORD.' This highlights the divine purpose behind the child's life, a theme also present in the naming of Jedidiah.
Matthew 1:21The angel's announcement that Jesus would be named 'Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins' parallels the naming of Jedidiah. Both names are given with a specific divine reason and purpose tied to God's plan for His people.
Isaiah 9:6This prophecy speaks of a child who will be called 'Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.' This foretells a son of David who embodies God's presence and care, similar to how Jedidiah means 'beloved of the LORD'.
John 3:16Jesus' own words, 'For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son,' directly connect to the meaning of Jedidiah ('beloved of the LORD'). It powerfully affirms God's profound love as the ultimate motivation for His actions and gifts.
Here's a thought on that verse:
The unexpected part here is that David didn't name his son Solomon himself; he entrusted that profoundly significant act to Nathan the prophet. This shows that even in moments of deep personal loss and divine promise, God's prophetic word and appointed messengers held the ultimate authority in naming and declaring His will.
David, after grieving the death of his first son with Bathsheba, is now blessed with another son, Jedidiah. The prophet Nathan, who had previously confronted David about his sin with Bathsheba, is involved in naming this new child, signifying God's continued presence and favor despite the past. This moment marks a turning point, showing God's redemptive work even after profound sin and judgment.
David, after grieving the death of his first son with Bathsheba, is now blessed with another son, Jedidiah. The prophet Nathan, who had previously confronted David about his sin with Bathsheba, is involved in naming this new child, signifying God's continued presence and favor despite the past. This moment marks a turning point, showing God's redemptive work even after profound sin and judgment.
"and sent a message by Nathan the prophet. So he called his name Jedidiah, because of the LORD." — Here's a thought on that verse:
The unexpected part here is that David didn't name his son Solomon himself; he entrusted that profoundly significant act to Nathan the prophet. This shows that even i…
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Last reviewed October 2026