Some people think that the God of the Old Testament is cruel, and the God of the New Testament is kind. Such thinking demonstrates ignorance of God’s immutable character and of the Word of God. God’s character is consistent throughout all eternity. And there are marvelous examples of His lovingkindness and justice in both the Old and New Testaments. Today we see an example of the severity and kindness of God.

Under the Law, David’s sins of adultery and murder each carried a death sentence. But when David confessed his sin, Nathan told him, “The LORD has taken away your sin. You are not going to die.” David must have breathed a sigh of relief. Then Nathan continued, “But because by doing this you have made the enemies of the LORD show utter contempt, the son born to you will die.” This tells us that news of David’s transgression had spread to the enemies of Israel. They were probably mocking David, as the world often mocks notable Christians who fall into sin. But worse than this, they showed utter contempt for the LORD. Perhaps they were saying, “The God of Israel is supposedly a holy God but look at his servant David!” Or maybe they were saying, “Why should we keep the LORD’s commandments when He lets people get away with murder!” God would spare David, but in order to prove His justice, God would take the life of David and Bathsheba’s son. This is the severity of God.

But after this child died, David comforted Bathsheba and lay with her so that she conceived again.

“So she bore a son, and he called his name Solomon. Now the LORD loved him, and He sent word by the hand of Nathan the prophet: So he called his name Jedidiah, because of the LORD.” (2 Samuel 12:24–25, NKJV)

Solomon means “peace”. David now had peace with God, for his sins had been forgiven (Psalm 32:1). The LORD loved Solomon and called him Jedidiah, which means “beloved of the LORD”. This is the kindness of God. God would choose Solomon to reign on David's throne and build the temple in Jerusalem. Amazing grace!

“Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen, but God’s kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness.” (Romans 11:22, ESV)