1 Kings 1:23
ESV
And they told the king, "Here is Nathan the prophet." And when he came in before the king, he bowed before the king, with his face to the ground.
NIV
And the king was told, "Nathan the prophet is here." So he went before the king and bowed with his face to the ground.
NASB
They informed the king, saying, 'Nathan the prophet is here.' And when he came into the king’s presence, he prostrated himself before the king with his face to the ground.
CSB
and it was announced to the king, "The prophet Nathan is here." He came into the king’s presence and paid homage to him with his face to the ground.
NLT
The king’s officials told him, 'Nathan the prophet is here to see you.' Nathan went in and bowed before the king with his face to the ground.
KJV
And they told the king, saying, Behold Nathan the prophet. And when he was come in before the king, he bowed himself before the king with his face to the ground.
NKJV
So they told the king, saying, “Here is Nathan the prophet.” And when he came in before the king, he bowed down before the king with his face to the ground.
What does 1 Kings 1:23 mean?
As a prophet of the Lord God of Israel, Nathan had been called upon several times to bring difficult messages to King David. This required him to approach the king with respect and honor, as he does in this verse, but also to communicate both the content and the tone of God's messages to the king. Nathan did so most famously when challenging David over his sin against Bathsheba and the murder of her husband (2 Samuel 11–12). Prior to that, though, Nathan also had the privilege of reporting God's amazing promise to establish David's kingdom and to bless the son who would inherit David's throne (2 Samuel 7).Today, Nathan wants to make sure David's plans come to fruition. He knows David has vowed to make Solomon king in accordance with God's will (1 Chronicles 28:5). But David is so weak and old that he doesn't know that another son, Adonijah, is trying to assume the crown. Nathan needs delicacy and respect to encourage David to rise and fight one more battle.
Nathan began by coaching Bathsheba. She was to reveal what was going on and warn David that she and Solomon are at risk (1 Kings 1:11–21). As she leaves, he makes his own case, not by arguing, but by challenging David to affirm his wishes and show loyalty to those who are still loyal to him (1 Kings 1:24–27).
