שמואל ב, פרק י״ב, פסוק י״ז

Consumed by sorrow, David lies on the ground and fasts. The respected members of his household approach him, attempting to lift him up and offer him nourishment. However, David completely rejects their efforts and refuses to rise [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. The primary approach among commentators notes that he is offered a very small amount of food, yet he refuses to taste even a single bite [מצודת ציון, רד״ק]. His stubborn insistence on afflicting himself deeply worries his men, who fear that his heavy grief might drive him to self-harm.

Despite the intensity of his actions, this period of fasting and lying on the ground likely lasts for only a day or two. The child passes away on the seventh day, which refers to the seventh day from birth, rather than the seventh day of the illness. This specific timeline explains David's sudden change in behavior following the tragedy. Because the infant dies before reaching eight days of age and before being circumcised, there is no formal legal obligation for David to observe traditional mourning practices.

Consequently, the moment the child dies, David immediately stops his self-affliction. He stands up, washes himself, and goes to the house of God. By doing so, he fully accepts the divine judgment, showing gratitude to God for the bad just as one would give thanks for the good [אברבנאל].