¹⁵ After Nathan had gone home, the Lord struck^(A) the child that Uriah’s wife had borne to David, and he became ill.

¹⁶ David pleaded with God for the child. He fasted and spent the nights lying^(A) in sackcloth^[a] on the ground.

²³ But now that he is dead, why should I go on fasting? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him,^(A) but he will not return to me.”^(B)