(story told in 2 Samuel 7-1 Kings 1)
Nathan was a faithful prophet during the reigns of King David and King Solomon. He served as God’s messenger, guiding the kings with wisdom and courage. When David expressed his desire to build a temple for God, Nathan at first agreed. But that night, God spoke to Nathan, telling him that David would not be the one to build the temple—his son would. Nathan delivered this message faithfully, assuring David that God would instead bless his family line and establish his kingdom forever.
Later, Nathan played a crucial role when David sinned. After David took Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah, and arranged for Uriah’s death, God sent Nathan to confront him. Instead of attacking David directly, Nathan told a parable about a rich man who stole a poor man’s only lamb. When David angrily condemned the man in the story, Nathan boldly said, “You are the man!” His courage helped David see his sin and repent sincerely before God.
Nathan remained a trusted advisor throughout David’s reign, helping him stay close to God’s will. When Bathsheba gave birth to Solomon, Nathan was the one who named the child and blessed him. His friendship and honesty helped David grow as both a man and a king.
As David’s life neared its end, Nathan again stepped forward. When Adonijah, one of David’s sons, tried to take the throne, Nathan and Bathsheba worked together to make sure Solomon was crowned as the rightful king.
Nathan’s story shows the power of truth spoken with love and courage. He reminds us that real loyalty means helping others walk in righteousness, even when the truth is hard to hear.