That same night the Lord spoke to Nathan with a message for David. saying, Why do you want to build me a house to live in? I've gone from tent to tent ever since the time I brought the children of Israel out of Egypt. Have I ever complained that someone hasn't built me a house of cedar? I took you from tending sheep to be ruler over my people Israel. I was with you wherever you went, I've destroyed all your enemies and made your name famous. I will make for my people a permanent place of their own, and their enemies won't afflict them anymore like before and since the time I appointed judges over Israel. I will establish your family. 

Notice how God is using Nathan, to speak to David. The Lord could have just spoke to David himself, but He chose not to. Perhaps he wanted to assure that Nathan was a witness. Prophecy ... It still happens today. God may use several different ways to speak to us … Through other people, circumstances, angels, miracles, visions, dreams, the Bible, or through the Holy Spirit. God isn't limited in the vast amount of ways He can communicate a message to us. There were obviously Prophets used during the Old Testament to convey God’s message to people. Are there still prophets used TODAY? 

Check out this study and find out for yourself:

The Lord continued his message to David through Nathan, saying "When you die, your son will be your heir, and I will establish his kingdom. He will build a temple for me, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. I will be his father, and he shall be my son. If he sins, I will correct him, but my love and mercy will never leave him as I took it from Saul. Your house and your kingdom shall be established for ever before you.” 

Great Scott … What a promise!!! Not only will David’s son build an earthly temple of the Lord, but the throne of David will continue on through his posterity for ever!