Abstract
At several pivotal moments in David’s life Nathan the prophet appears in the king’s presence (invited or otherwise). This article examines three episodes where Nathan and David interact: 2 Samuel 7, 2 Samuel 12 and 1 Kings 1. An analysis of Nathan’s conduct indicates that he possesses both a political resourcefulness and a literary creativity. The suggestion is made that all three of the ‘Nathan narratives’ are intricately linked, and when they are read together, a coherent portrait of the prophet emerges. The conclusion is that Nathan is a complex character who is incrementally developed between the ‘dynastic oracle’ in 2 Samuel 7 and the accession of Solomon in 1 Kings 1.
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