Topical Encyclopedia
Nathan, a prominent figure in the Old Testament, is recognized as a prophet and a faithful minister of God during the reigns of King David and King Solomon. His role as a divine messenger and advisor to the king highlights his dedication to God's will and his commitment to truth and righteousness.
Prophetic MinistryNathan first appears in the biblical narrative in
2 Samuel 7, where he delivers God's covenant promise to King David. David expresses his desire to build a house for the Lord, but God, through Nathan, reveals a different plan: "Go and tell My servant David, 'This is what the LORD says: Are you the one to build for Me a house to dwell in?'" (
2 Samuel 7:5). Instead, God promises to establish David's dynasty, ensuring that his throne will be established forever. Nathan's role in conveying this message underscores his position as a trusted prophet who faithfully communicates God's plans.
Confrontation and RebukeNathan's faithfulness is further exemplified in his confrontation with David over the king's sin with Bathsheba. In
2 Samuel 12, Nathan courageously approaches David with a parable that reveals the gravity of his actions. He declares, "You are the man!" (
2 Samuel 12:7), exposing David's sin and calling him to repentance. Nathan's boldness in speaking truth to power, even at great personal risk, demonstrates his unwavering commitment to God's righteousness.
Role in Solomon's AscensionNathan also plays a crucial role in the transition of power from David to Solomon. As David's life draws to a close, Nathan, along with Bathsheba, ensures that Solomon is anointed king, in accordance with God's promise. In
1 Kings 1, Nathan's involvement in this pivotal moment reflects his dedication to God's ordained plan and his support for the rightful succession of the throne.
Legacy and InfluenceNathan's influence extends beyond his lifetime, as he is credited with writing accounts of David's reign. In
1 Chronicles 29:29, it is noted, "As for the events of King David's reign, from beginning to end, they are written in the records of Samuel the seer, the records of Nathan the prophet, and the records of Gad the seer" . This contribution to the historical record underscores Nathan's role as a faithful steward of God's narrative.
Nathan's life and ministry serve as a testament to the importance of faithfulness, truth, and obedience in the service of God. His unwavering commitment to delivering God's messages, regardless of the personal cost, marks him as a model of integrity and devotion in the biblical tradition.
Nave's Topical Index
2 Samuel 12:1-14And the LORD sent Nathan to David. And he came to him, and said to him, There were two men in one city; the one rich, and the other poor.
Nave's Topical Index
Library
Methodist Book Concern
... of inestimable worth as a Christian minister, and of ... a most estimable man, a faithful
minister, a skillful ... In 1820, Nathan Hang's succeeded Joshua Soule, and ...
/.../chapter 16 methodist book concern.htm
The General Conference of 1804, and of the Annual Conferences of ...
... Nathan Bangs [the author if this history " DVM ... small society, which, under more faithful
and skillful ... servant of God, and of an exemplary Christian minister. ...
/.../chapter 6 the general conference.htm
Christian Behavior
... who have been astonished that a faithful minister has not ... to believe it ourselves:
'This is a faithful saying, and ... to wit, That the heart of a Christian is a ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/christian behavior.htm
From the Death of Bishop Asbury to the Close of the General ...
... to prove their falsity by a faithful exhibition of ... that very time more than one minister
for every ... were regularly organized into a Christian church, according ...
/.../chapter 3 from the death.htm
From the Close of the General Conference of 1812 to the Death of ...
... These last were Samuel Mills, Nathan Weedon, Jesse ... of our political institutions,
the faithful servants of ... of a Christian or a Christian minister, inasmuch as ...
/.../chapter 2 from the close.htm
From the Close of the General Conference of 1836 to the ...
... by the blessing of God on his exertions, the character of a faithful servant of ... sadness,"
and a due mixture of the gravity of the Christian minister with the ...
/.../chapter 14 from the close.htm
From the Close of the General Conference of 1808, to the ...
... was the success which attended his faithful admonitions; for ... be maintained the dignity
of the minister of Jesus ... humility and meekness of the Christian, and the ...
/.../chapter 8 from the close.htm
From the Close of the General Conference of 1824 to the ...
... integrity and great fidelity eminently fitted him for a faithful discharge of ... of
a friend and the influence of a Christian and minister. ... "As a minister, in the ...
/.../chapter 8 from the close.htm
Concerning the Ministry.
... and reprove his people, as Samuel, Nathan, Elias, Elisha ... steward of God, holding
fast the faithful word as ... grace is not necessary to a true christian minister. ...
/.../proposition x concerning the ministry.htm
From the Close of the General Conference of 1828 to the Beginning ...
... of old before written, or described," which is a faithful translation of ... spirit and
gentleness of deportment highly becoming the Christian minister, and which ...
/.../chapter 10 from the close.htm
Resources
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