The shepherd's choice isn't just about practicality; it reveals a deep-seated disregard for the poor man, treating his single, precious lamb as less valuable than a hair on his own head. This wasn't just taking something; it was taking everything that lamb meant to its owner, highlighting a shocking lack of empathy.
Now there came a traveler to the rich man, and he was unwilling to take one of his own flock or herd to prepare for the guest who had come to him, but he took the poor man’s lamb and prepared it for the man who had come to him.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse is part of Nathan the prophet's parable to King David, who has secretly committed adultery with Bathsheba and had her husband Uriah killed. Nathan tells a story about a rich man who has many sheep but cruelly steals the single, beloved lamb belonging to a poor man to feed a visitor. This parable sets up David's righteous anger, completely unaware that he's condemning himself before Nathan reveals the truth.
Imagine hosting a party, but instead of using your own resources, you steal your neighbor's prize possession. That's the shocking heart of this story.
Nathan the prophet uses a parable to expose King David's sin. The rich man in the story represents David, who had plenty of wealth and wives.
David's Abundance
David, as king, had immense resources. He could have easily provided for any guest, or satisfied any desire, without harming anyone.
The Cost to the Poor
But the rich man takes the one precious lamb belonging to the poor man. This lamb was likely vital to the poor man's livelihood – his only source of milk, wool, or perhaps even a beloved pet. It was his one thing.
The parable highlights the injustice: the rich man, out of sheer selfishness and lack of consideration, destroys the livelihood of someone far less fortunate.
What drives someone to commit such a cruel act? This parable reveals a deep-seated lack of empathy and respect for others.
The core of the rich man's sin isn't just taking the lamb, but his unwillingness to use his own abundant resources. This points to a profound selfishness.
Lack of Consideration
He didn't care about the poor man's loss. His comfort and convenience were all that mattered.
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The parable is so powerful because it forces us to see this kind of behavior clearly, stripped of excuses. It's a mirror reflecting a heart that has forgotten its responsibility to others, especially the vulnerable.
The parable Nathan tells is deeply rooted in the social and economic realities of ancient Israel, where the stark contrast between the powerful elite and the vulnerable poor was a significant concern.
c. 1010-1000 BC
David's Reign as King
David is established as the unified King of Israel, ruling from Jerusalem. This period marks a high point of national power and prosperity.
c. 1005 BC
David and Bathsheba Affair
King David sees Bathsheba bathing, commits adultery with her, and then arranges for her husband Uriah to be killed in battle.
c. 1004 BC— this verse
Nathan Confronts David
The prophet Nathan is sent by God to confront David about his sin, presenting him with a parable.
c. 1004 BC
David's Repentance
Upon hearing Nathan's parable and realizing his sin, David confesses and repents, but is told his actions have severe consequences.
c. 1003 BC
Death of David's Infant Son
The child born from David and Bathsheba's adultery dies, a direct consequence of David's sin as prophesied by Nathan.
This passage directly echoes the injustice described in 2 Samuel, outlining the severe penalties for stealing and the restitution required for an animal, highlighting the gravity of the rich man's crime.
Ezekiel 18:5-9These verses describe a righteous man who upholds justice and fairness, providing a stark contrast to the rich man's exploitative actions and painting a picture of what true righteousness looks like in practice.
Amos 5:11-12The prophet Amos condemns similar behavior, denouncing those who trample on the poor and extort them, revealing that this kind of oppressive injustice was a recurring problem in ancient Israel.
Luke 10:29-37The parable of the Good Samaritan, while different in its specific details, powerfully illustrates the opposite of the rich man's heart; it calls for radical compassion and action towards those in need, regardless of social standing.
The shepherd's choice isn't just about practicality; it reveals a deep-seated disregard for the poor man, treating his single, precious lamb as less valuable than a hair on his own head. This wasn't just taking something; it was taking everything that lamb meant to its owner, highlighting a shocking lack of empathy.
This verse is part of Nathan the prophet's parable to King David, who has secretly committed adultery with Bathsheba and had her husband Uriah killed. Nathan tells a story about a rich man who has many sheep but cruelly steals the single, beloved lamb belonging to a poor man to feed a visitor. This parable sets up David's righteous anger, completely unaware that he's condemning himself before Nathan reveals the truth.
This verse is part of Nathan the prophet's parable to King David, who has secretly committed adultery with Bathsheba and had her husband Uriah killed. Nathan tells a story about a rich man who has many sheep but cruelly steals the single, beloved lamb belonging to a poor man to feed a visitor. This parable sets up David's righteous anger, completely unaware that he's condemning himself before Nathan reveals the truth.
"Now there came a traveler to the rich man, and he was unwilling to take one of his own flock or herd to prepare for the guest who had come to him, but he took the poor man’s lamb and prepared it for the man who had come to him.”" — The shepherd's choice isn't just about practicality; it reveals a deep-seated disregard for the poor man, treating his single, precious lamb as less valuable than a hair on his own head. This wasn't…
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Last reviewed October 2026
