Ten Men: The Rich Connections Every Man Needs (A Study of King David)Sample

Powerful Prophets (David & Nathan)

Can you imagine how Nathan must have felt when God spoke to him about the king’s sin? Second Samuel 12:1 says, “So the LORD sent Nathan the prophet” (NLT).This was a dangerous assignment for Nathan. He was confronting a king who was actively covering up his sin. Nathan truly deserved a medal for taking on this task. Everyone needs a prophet like Nathan from time to time.

Nathan began his confrontation with a God-given story. He told David about a rich man who abused his power. This wealthy man owned many sheep and cattle, yet he stole a little lamb belonging to his poor neighbor. (See 2 Samuel 12:1–4.) David was so furious that he wanted to kill the rich man and pay back the poor man four times over. Nathan said to David, “You are that man!” (2 Samuel 12:7 NLT). Four words and David was pulled from the shadows into the light. The king was exposed. This was like a doctor placing his lamp above a wound, allowing surgery to begin. David’s healing could finally start.

Through Nathan, God told David, “You did it secretly, but I will make this happen to you openly in the sight of all Israel” (2 Samuel 12:12 NLT). David was torn asunder. It had to be painful—but it also had to be a relief. There will be consequences, but David’s future would be lived in the light of authenticity. The prophet spoke, and the king didn’t have to hide anymore.

Second Samuel 12:13 says, “Then David confessed to Nathan, ‘I have sinned against the LORD.” (NLT). The words David had feared saying flowed across his lips and found their way into the prophet’s ears. A great weight was lifted. Psalm 32:5 describes what David felt at that moment: “Then I let it all out; I said, “I’ll come clean about my failures to GOD.” Suddenly the pressure was gone—my guilt dissolved, my sin disappeared” (Psalm 32:5 MSG).

Relief is not a strong enough word to describe what David was experiencing. He threw himself at the court’s mercy, even if it cost him his kingdom and his life—at least he would be free. He deeply and fully repented and was led to a place of freedom by the obedience of a brave prophet. Nathan continued to be involved with David’s kingdom throughout his life, but this was his most significant contribution. He helped rescue the king.