The Nathan-David Confrontation (2 Sam 12:1-15a)

The study focuses on the parable of Nathan and the subsequent condemnation of King David. The author works with the hypothesis that it is not sufficient to limit the episode to the Succession Narrative. It acquires its full meaning only when considered in the context of the Deuteronomistic History within which it plays a very significant role.

The study discusses the Old Testament's parable of Nathan and the subsequent condemnation of King David. The intriguing episode of the Prophet Nathan pronouncing judgment on the erring King David has always attracted the interest of the exegete and various researchers have used different methods to separate the condemnation of King David from the ancient author. This study presents a synchronic reading of the canonical text that reveals the episode as the mirror image of the oracle of eternal dynasty pronounced to David by the same prophet in the Second Book of Samuel 7. It is indeed the work of the deuteronomistic writer who has adapted an oracle against the dynasty of David and trimmed it to the advantage of his hero in the unfolding of history.

Autorentext

James Donkor Afoakwah is a priest of the Archdiocese of Cape Coast, Ghana. He studied Philosophy in Accra, Theology in Cape Coast, holds a Licentiate in Sacred Scriptures from the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome and a PhD from the Eberhard Karl's University in Tübingen, Germany.

Inhalt
Contents: The parable of Nathan The dynasty of David Prophet-King relationship The image of David in the Deuteronomistic corpus The image of Nathan in the Deuteronomistic history The kingship of David and the parable of Nathan.