The Old Testament text from 2 Samuel continues to relate stories of David and his unique brand of kingship over Israel. This week for the second time the prophet Nathan appears on the scene. There is some suggestion that Nathan's sudden appearance should be seen as a later insertion into the continuing story of David's scandalous behavior with Bathsheba and its consequences. Nathan's presence serves to reveal the shameful nature of David's sin and explains the punishments that follow.

Although only mentioned a few times, Nathan is obviously a highly respected court official. David's reliance upon Nathan's words and in-sights (see 2 Samuel 7:1ff) reveals a working partnership between the two leaders as they both listen for the word of the Lord. Here in chapter 12, despite David's royal sta…