Day 49: 2 Samuel 7:17

Nathan spoke all these words and this entire vision to David (v. 17).

The prophet Nathan emerged as a new figure in Israel’s history. God sovereignly raised prophets to serve as His voice to Israel. God apparently never intended for civil leaders to have absolute and unquestioned authority. They were to listen to the voice of God through His Word and through His prophets.

Samuel was God’s prophet through whom He spoke to King Saul. Elijah and Elisha were God’s prophets through many years during the Jewish monarchy. Nathan served as the prophet in the royal court of David. These prophets were called to issue the word and will of God, not necessarily the message leaders wanted to hear.

David did not consider himself to be above reproach or the need for advice. The statement David made to Nathan in the verses we looked at yesterday (2 Sam. 7:1–2) assumed the question, “What am I to do about the ark of God?” His sudden sense of audacity drew him to accountability.

But sometimes even a fellow believer can offer wrong advice. We are wise to make sure a fellow believer’s advice agrees with God’s Word.

Nathan’s initial response to David was mistaken. “Whatever you have in mind, go ahead and do it, for the Lord is with you” (v. 3). God taught both the king and his prophet a gentle lesson on making assumptions.

To David, God said, “Don’t assume that every bright and noble idea in a godly man’s mind is of Me.” Good ideas and God’s ideas are often completely different. To Nathan, God said, “Don’t assume that a leader I have chosen is always right.” The Lord can be “with” a man while that same man can make a decision “without” God.

We will discover a primary reason why God wanted to dissuade Nathan from thinking David’s actions were always right. God was preparing Nathan in advance for a time when he would have to confront and rebuke David. Thankfully, at this point, the hearts of both men were right toward God. Their motive was right even if their move was wrong.