Nathan's Oracle (2 Samuel 7) and Its Interpreters

Book excerpt: This book offers a new analysis of Nathan's Oracle in 2 Samuel 7 and its echoes in the books of Samuel, Kings, and Chronicles. First, it deals separately with the main issues raised in 2 Samuel 7: the disqualification of David as temple builder and the nature of the Divine promise made to him that the House of David will rule forever. In dealing with both elements similar texts from the Ancient Near East are consulted. After a thorough analysis of these two elements, an intertextual study is offered in which the allusions to Nathan's Oracle in the Books Samuel, Kings, and Chronicles are discussed. The purpose is to define the various functions of these allusions or echoes. This evaluation takes into account the changing circumstances of the Davidic dynasty, as well as the different agendas of the books in which Nathan's Oracle is incorporated in.