The prophet Natan of THE SECRET CHORD does not train under a master, nor does he serve at temple as a young boy in preparation for a life of service to King David. The war mongering of David as he expands his empire is what awakes the Name, and the Name demands to be heard. Natan is helplessly in thrall to the mighty and frightening higher power and also to his much loved and dynamic King. The Name speaks through Natan at times of crisis, and provides him with frightening visions of what is to come for the King of the Israelites But the Name does not always want Natan always to speak of what he hears. Sometimes Natan must stay mute, and bear witness only to the history changing events as they unfold.