Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Mercy (01/15/26)
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TITLE: This Man Deserves to Die! | Previous Challenge Entry
By Bridget Bewick
01/22/26 -
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The king leans in, not to miss a word. He was a shepherd once, and sheep still interest him.
This one little ewe lamb was like a daughter to the poor man. He fed it from his table, with his children. It slept in his arms.
The king smiles. He is remembering nights on cold hillsides, cradling an orphaned lamb for warmth.
Near this poor man there lived a rich man. It is like a story that we tell our children, but now a prophet tells it to a king.
There comes a traveller, of course there does. He is visiting the rich man, expecting a hearty meal of welcome. But the rich man is not a good man.
A shadow passes over the king’s brow.
In fact, the rich man was a very wicked man indeed. He did not touch a hoof of his own flock or herd to feed his guest. He took the one little ewe lamb from his poor neighbour.
“Stop!” the king is on his feet and thunder gathers in his eyes. “This cannot be! This man deserves to die.”
The prophet is on his feet now too, pushing the king back into his chair. From here Nathan looks to be the one with authority, honour even, rather than the king.
“You are that man,” he says quietly. “Listen now to what the Lord, the God of Israel says.”
The prophet speaks the words of God. He tells the king of all that God has given him. Kingdom, houses, wives.
The king nods, a little movement, but enough to be seen.
There is nothing that God would not withhold from the king, if ever he asked.
The king’s lips move, perhaps he is mouthing thanks.
Now the prophet’s tone changes and he begins to recite the failings of the king. He has despised the Lord. He has done what is evil in His sight.
The king looks bewildered and begins to speak.
The prophet holds up his hand and continues. He tells the king what he has done. He has used war to kill his friend and he has taken his friend’s wife to his own bed.
The king has dropped to his knees and he is groaning.
The prophet stands over the king an declares the judgement of God. Blow upon blow of disaster to come upon the king’s house. And with every blow the king shrinks.
The king knows the final judgement. Has he not pronounced it himself?
“This man deserves to die!”
Before the gaze of God, the king knows that he is lost.
Death circles.
“I have sinned against the Lord,” he says, and waits for the justice of God.
Nathan kneels down beside the king and whispers in his ear.
“The Lord has put away your sin, you shall not die.”
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Well-written entry