Nathan is a prominent prophet in the Bible who played a crucial role during the reign of King David. His actions and counsel had a significant impact on the history of Israel, and his story offers valuable lessons about truth, justice, and humility. Below are 10 fascinating facts about Nathan in the Bible, accompanied by scripture references.
1. Nathan Was a Prophet During King David's Reign
Nathan is introduced as a prophet during the reign of King David. His role was to speak God's word to the king, providing guidance, correction, and support in times of need.
Scripture Reference: 2 Samuel 7:2 – "He said to Nathan the prophet, 'Here I am, living in a house of cedar, while the ark of God remains in a tent.'
2. Nathan Delivered God's Covenant to David
One of Nathan’s most notable moments came when he delivered God's promise to King David. In 2 Samuel 7, Nathan was sent by God to convey a message that God would establish David’s throne forever. This prophecy was a critical part of God’s covenant with David.
Scripture Reference: 2 Samuel 7:16 – "Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever."
3. Nathan Confronted King David Over His Sin with Bathsheba
Nathan is perhaps best known for his confrontation of King David after David’s affair with Bathsheba and the subsequent murder of her husband, Uriah. Through a parable, Nathan confronted David’s sin and called him to repentance.
Scripture Reference: 2 Samuel 12:7 – "Then Nathan said to David, 'You are the man! This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you from the hand of Saul.'
4. Nathan Used a Parable to Reveal David's Sin
To confront David without directly accusing him, Nathan used a parable about a rich man who took a poor man's only lamb. This parable highlighted David’s injustice, leading to David’s recognition of his wrongdoings.
Scripture Reference: 2 Samuel 12:1-4 – "The Lord sent Nathan to David. When he came to him, he said, 'There were two men in a certain town, one rich and the other poor.'
5. Nathan Played a Key Role in Solomon's Kingship
Nathan helped ensure that Solomon, the son of Bathsheba, succeeded David as king. When Adonijah, another of David’s sons, attempted to take the throne, Nathan, along with Bathsheba, went to David to remind him of his promise to make Solomon king.
Scripture Reference: 1 Kings 1:11-13 – "Then Nathan spoke to Bathsheba, the mother of Solomon. 'Have you not heard that Adonijah, the son of Haggith, has become king, and our lord David knows nothing about it?'
6. Nathan Was a Trusted Advisor to King David
Nathan's role as a prophet went beyond just delivering messages. He was a trusted advisor to King David, offering guidance on matters of great importance, including decisions about the future of Israel.
Scripture Reference: 2 Samuel 7:17 – "Nathan reported to David all the words of this entire revelation."
7. Nathan Had a Family Line of Prophets
Nathan’s descendants continued to serve as prophets in Israel. His lineage played an important part in the spiritual leadership of Israel.
Scripture Reference: 1 Chronicles 3:5 – "These were the children of David, who were born to him in Hebron: the first was Amnon, the second Daniel, the third Absalom son of Maacah, the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur, the fourth Adonijah the son of Haggith, the fifth Shephatiah the son of Abital, the sixth Ithream by his wife Eglah."
8. Nathan's Role in the Ark of the Covenant
Nathan was involved in important events surrounding the Ark of the Covenant. He advised David about building a permanent temple for the Ark, though God later told David that his son Solomon would be the one to build it.
Scripture Reference: 1 Chronicles 17:4-5 – "Go and tell my servant David, 'This is what the Lord says: You are not the one to build me a house to dwell in.'
9. Nathan Spoke for God During the Establishment of the Temple
Although Nathan was not allowed to build the temple himself, he played a crucial role in the early discussions about its establishment, conveying God’s message to David about the temple’s future.
Scripture Reference: 1 Chronicles 17:13 – "I will be his father, and he will be my son. I will not take my love away from him, as I took it away from your predecessor."
10. Nathan Was a Prophet of Justice and Integrity
Nathan’s life demonstrated the importance of justice, integrity, and speaking God’s truth boldly, even when it meant confronting a powerful king. He showed great courage in delivering tough messages from God and holding leaders accountable.
Scripture Reference: 2 Samuel 12:13-14 – "Then David said to Nathan, 'I have sinned against the Lord.' Nathan replied, 'The Lord has taken away your sin. You are not going to die.'
