For we must needs die The argument of this verse seems to be, that since life is uncertain and cannot be restored, and since God Himself sets the example of mercy, David should be reconciled to his son at once, before it is too late. For the simile of water spilt, cp. Psalms 58:7.

neither doth God respect any person This translation cannot be defended. Better: and God doth not take away life, but deviseth devices (lit. thinketh thoughts, cp. 2 Samuel 14:13) to the end that he may not [utterly] banish a banished one. The statement is quite general, but contains a pointed allusion to God's mercy in sparing David's own life when he had deserved death for adultery and murder, and devising a plan to bring him to repentance and so restore him to His presence.

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