He felt terrible (see Psalm 32:1–11). David did hide his sin until the prophet Nathan came on God’s command. Nathan accused David. What did David do? He could deny his sin, he could kill the prophet—he had the power to do that. But no, God is at work here: David breaks down and says, “I have sinned against the Lord.” But Nathan answers him, “The Lord also has put away your sin” (2 Samuel 12:13). No more blaming. God is so good (compare Micah 7:18–19).
1 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions.