And he said, While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept: for I said, Who can tell whether GOD will be gracious to me, that the child may live?
And he said, 'While the child was still alive, I fasted and cried, because I thought, Who knows? Maybe God will show me mercy and let the child live.'
David is explaining why he fasted and wept while his son was dying - he hoped God might show mercy and spare the child's life.
📚 Historical Context
In the biblical narrative, King David had committed adultery with Bathsheba and arranged for her husband Uriah's death, which led to God's judgment through the prophet Nathan, resulting in the illness of their child. David responded by fasting and praying intensely, hoping for God's mercy to spare the child's life. This moment highlights David's repentance and dependence on divine grace during a time of personal crisis in ancient Israel.
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