^{14 Ref} Howbeit, because by this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of Jehovah to blaspheme, the child also that is born unto thee shall surely die.

^{15 Ref} And Nathan departed unto his house. And Jehovah struck the child that Uriah's wife bare unto David, and it was very sick.

^{16 Ref} David therefore besought God for the child; and David fasted, and went in, and lay all night upon the earth.

^{17 Ref} And the elders of his house arose, `and stood' beside him, to raise him up from the earth: but he would not, neither did he eat bread with them.

^{18 Ref} And it came to pass on the seventh day, that the child died. And the servants of David feared to tell him that the child was dead; for they said, Behold, while the child was yet alive, we spake unto him, and he hearkened not unto our voice: how will he then vex himself, if we tell him that the child is dead!