A Tale of Two Prophets

by Nathan Shaw

The Bible reveals that the relationship between rulers and prophets is important and strategic. Although the books of 1 and 2 Kings outline the history of Israel’s kings, it is Israel’s prophets who shift the narrative in dramatic ways. Without these prophets 1 and 2 Kings would tell a completely different story. Two prominent examples stand out at the beginning and end of 1 Kings. They are the prophets Nathan and Elijah. These two prophets are not usually considered together, but the writer of 1 Kings highlights them intentionally.

Nathan: Establishing Dynasty

Nathan was a trusted prophet in David’s royal court. When David expressed his desire to build a house for God, Nathan encouraged him to do it. Concerning this issue Nathan specifically told David, “for the Lord is with you” (2 Samuel 7:3). That night God spoke to Nathan—it would not be David, but rather his son, who would build the house for God. Nathan was not deemed a false prophet for prophesying wrongly. Instead he became God’s messenger for the moment. God insisted that rather than David build a house for God, God would build a house for David. For David, “build a house” meant building a temple for God. For God, “build a house” meant building a dynasty for David. Nathan prophesied that God would raise up and establish David’s successor (2 Samuel 7:12). About thirty years later Nathan would be strategic in the fulfillment of this prophecy.

The first few verses of 1 Kings describe David as very old and in a weakened condition. David’s son, Adonijah, decided to take advantage of the situation by gaining the support of many high ranking officials and setting himself up as king. As soon as Nathan found out about Adonijah’s treachery he took immediate action. He advised Bathsheba to go before David and say, “My lord the king, did you not swear to me your servant: ‘Surely Solomon your son shall be king after me, and he will sit on my throne’? Why then has Adonijah become king?” (1 Kings 1:13). While Bathsheba was still speaking to David, Nathan burst in and confirmed everything she had just said. David—awakened from his apathy—immediately arranged for Solomon to be crowned king.

If Nathan had not taken action, Solomon would not have become king, and the entire narrative of 1 and 2 Kings would have been completely different. God had already prophesied that He Himself would raise up and establish Solomon, and yet Nathan’s actions were a strategic part of the prophecy’s fulfillment.

Elijah: Pushing Back Dark Powers

Elijah appeared out of no where. “And Elijah the Tishbite, of the inhabitants of Gilead, said to Ahab, ‘As the LORD God of Israel lives, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, except at my word’” (1 Kings 17:1 italics added). Elijah’s words were a direct challenge to Baal who was the god of the rain clouds. Elijah had no authority before Ahab and his royal court, but it is clear from his words “before whom I stand” that Elijah stood before God and His heavenly court. Three and a half years later Elijah gathered the nation at Mount Carmel where he challenged, defeated and killed the prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18).

Immediately Elijah prayed and rain clouds started to form. Ahab rode with speed to his palace at Jezreel. The impending rain would have made travel by chariot impossible. Elijah, energized by God, ran ahead of the chariot. Running in front of the king’s chariot was a privileged position. Elijah’s action anticipated that he would be welcomed into Ahab’s royal court. Instead, Jezebel vowed to kill him. In fear, Elijah fled for his life. He immediately became very depressed and wanted to die. God instructed His depressed prophet to anoint Hazael as king of Syria, Jehu as king of Israel, and Elisha as prophet in his place. They would finish what Elijah had started (1 Kings 19).

Elijah continued to confront Ahab (1 Kings 21:17-29) and then Ahab’s son, Ahaziah (2 Kings 1). When Ahaziah died childless his brother Jehoram became king. It says of Jehoram, “He did evil in the sight of the LORD, but not to the same degree as his father [Ahab] and mother [Jezebel]. He did remove the sacred pillar of Baal that his father had made” (2 Kings 3:2). In Jezebel’s heyday she systematically killed the prophets of the Lord. During Jehoram’s reign prophets of the Lord were once again able to go about freely in public (2 Kings 6:1-2). Elijah played a strategic role in confronting Ahab, Jezebel and Ahaziah. After Elijah was taken to heaven, Jehu killed Jehoram and Jezebel, ending Ahab’s dynasty in the northern kingdom of Israel (2 Kings 9).

Prophets, Kings and Contentions

Much contention surrounded the United States 2020 presidential election. The contention was not surprising considering the intensity of the spiritual battle. The contention also surrounded prophets and prophecies. Specific God-ordained assignments often cause prophets to see things in certain ways. By discerning and understanding these specific assignments, much unnecessary contention can be averted. Some times prophets say things that turn out to be wrong. And some times prophets say things that look wrong at the time, but ultimately turn out to be right. In both these situations we are tested by our reactions.

Nathan wrongly prophesied that David would build a house for God. But Nathan had a specific assignment to watch over David’s dynasty, and David’s dynasty would in fact be a custodian of God’s house for many generations. Elijah wrongly assumed that Jezebel’s reign of terror would be abandoned after the prophets of Baal were destroyed. But Elijah had a specific assignment to confront Jezebel and anoint those who would bring about her demise.

Relationships between prophets and kings are still important today. Understand that a “king” can be any type of leader or influencer. Nathan and Elijah both played strategic roles that shifted the narratives in their respective generations. So much was at stake in Israel. Regardless, righteous leaders were established and dark powers were pushed back. It is also true that so much is at stake in today’s world. The battle is huge and the consequences are dire. Regardless, righteous leaders will be established and dark powers will be pushed back. God has appointed and anointed many Nathans and Elijahs. They will not be intimidated by contention, and neither should we.

© 2024 Nathan Shaw.

Related Articles:
Mantles and Influence (2017)
Removing Jezebel's Influence from the Land (2019)
A New Generation of Freedom Fighters (2019)
Mantles and Seats (2023)

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