Gapping for Gravitas in 2 Samuel 12

JOZEF SEDMAK / ALAMY

Following David’s liaison with Bathsheba in 2 Samuel 11, he is confronted by the prophet Nathan in the following chapter. Nathan’s cutting parable drives home David’s wrongdoing, and the exchange produces two climactic moments: first, Nathan’s arresting condemnation, “You are the man!” and, second, David’s contrite response, “I have sinned against the Lord.” Both of these utterances are set off by white spaces in the manuscripts.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ARDON BAR-HAMA, SPONSORED BY GEORGE S. BLUMENTHAL

PHOTOGRAPH BY BRUCE AND KENNETH ZUCKERMAN, WEST SEMITIC RESEARCH, IN COLLABORATION
WITH THE ANCIENT BIBLICAL MANUSCRIPT CENTER / COURTESY THE NATIONAL LIBRARY OF RUSSIA