What can we learn from Nathan?

A true friend tells the truth, even to the most powerful: Nathan rebukes David in the LORD’s name (2 Sam 12:7). The truth can be spoken with tact: Nathan begins with a story that leads David to judge himself (2 Sam 12:1-7). Sincere repentance obtains forgiveness, but the consequences of sin remain (2 Sam 12:13-14). Before encouraging a project, even a good one, wait until God has spoken (2 Sam 7:3-5).

United kingdom · around 1000–970 BC

Nathan in the Bible

The prophet who told the king the truth. Name meaning: “He has given” (probable meaning)

Prophet to King David, Nathan brings him the promise that his house and his throne will be established forever (2 Sam 7). Sent by the LORD after the affair of Bathsheba and Uriah, he leads David to condemn himself, then declares, “Thou art the man!” (2 Sam 12:7). At the end of David’s reign, he joins Bathsheba and Zadok in seeing that Solomon is anointed king (1 Kgs 1).

Main books: 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, 1 Chronicles, 2 Chronicles

Key moments

He answers David, “Go, do all that is in thine heart” 2 Samuel 7:3
God reveals the covenant to him: David’s house established forever 2 Samuel 7:16
He tells David the story of the poor man’s lamb 2 Samuel 12:1
“Thou art the man!” 2 Samuel 12:7
“The LORD also hath put away thy sin” 2 Samuel 12:13
He gives Solomon the name Jedidiah 2 Samuel 12:25
He advises Bathsheba to save Solomon 1 Kings 1:12
He takes part in the anointing of Solomon at Gihon 1 Kings 1:34

Strengths

Courage
Plain speaking
Tact
Faithfulness to God’s word

Weaknesses

Nathan makes one mistake: he first encourages David to build God a house, “Go, do all that is in thine heart,” before the LORD has spoken (2 Sam 7:3). God corrects him that very night (7:4-5).

Lessons for today

A true friend tells the truth, even to the most powerful: Nathan rebukes David in the LORD’s name (2 Sam 12:7).
The truth can be spoken with tact: Nathan begins with a story that leads David to judge himself (2 Sam 12:1-7).
Sincere repentance obtains forgiveness, but the consequences of sin remain (2 Sam 12:13-14).
Before encouraging a project, even a good one, wait until God has spoken (2 Sam 7:3-5).

And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever.

2 Samuel 7:16

And Nathan said to David, Thou art the man. Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, I anointed thee king over Israel, and I delivered thee out of the hand of Saul;

2 Samuel 12:7

And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the Lord. And Nathan said unto David, The Lord also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die.

2 Samuel 12:13

People around Nathan

David — The king he advises and rebukes
Bathsheba — She follows his advice to save Solomon
Solomon — A child he names Jedidiah, then a king he has anointed
Zadok — The priest who goes with him to Gihon
Gad — A prophet named with him in David’s service

Quiz: how well do you know Nathan?

What sin of David did Nathan come to rebuke him for on the LORD’s behalf?

By what means did Nathan make David understand his sin?

How did David respond when Nathan had rebuked him?

There are many more questions like these in Bible Academy, each with its explanation and verse. Start your free trial.