Topical Encyclopedia Nathan, a prophet in the court of King David, is a significant biblical figure known for his role in delivering divine reproof. His account is primarily found in the books of 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles. Nathan's interactions with David highlight the importance of prophetic reproof in guiding and correcting leaders according to God's will.Nathan's Role as a Prophet Nathan first appears in 2 Samuel 7, where he conveys God's covenant promise to David, assuring him of an everlasting dynasty. This initial encounter establishes Nathan as a trusted advisor and spiritual guide to the king. However, Nathan's most notable act of reproof occurs in 2 Samuel 12, following David's grievous sins of adultery with Bathsheba and the orchestrated murder of her husband, Uriah the Hittite. The Parable of the Rich Man and the Poor Man In 2 Samuel 12:1-4, Nathan approaches David with a parable: "Then the LORD sent Nathan to David. And when he came to him, he said, 'There were two men in a certain city, one rich and the other poor. The rich man had a great number of sheep and cattle, but the poor man had nothing except one small ewe lamb that he had bought. He raised it, and it grew up with him and his children. It shared his food, drank from his cup, and slept in his arms. It was like a daughter to him. Now a traveler came to the rich man, but he refrained from taking one of his own sheep or cattle to prepare a meal for the traveler who had come to him. Instead, he took the poor man’s lamb and prepared it for his guest.'" This parable serves as a mirror to David's actions, illustrating the gravity of his sin in a way that bypasses his defenses and evokes his sense of justice. David's Conviction and Repentance Upon hearing the parable, David reacts with anger, declaring that the rich man deserves to die and must make restitution. Nathan then delivers the piercing reproof in 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.'" Nathan proceeds to recount God's blessings to David and the severity of his transgressions, culminating in the pronouncement of divine judgment. David's response to Nathan's reproof is one of immediate repentance. In 2 Samuel 12:13, David confesses, "I have sinned against the LORD." Nathan assures him that the LORD has taken away his sin, but he also outlines the consequences that will follow, including the death of the child born to David and Bathsheba. Nathan's Continued Influence Nathan's role extends beyond this moment of reproof. He remains a key figure in the royal court, involved in the anointing of Solomon as David's successor (1 Kings 1:11-45). His presence underscores the enduring need for godly counsel and correction in leadership. Theological Implications Nathan's reproof of David exemplifies the biblical principle that God disciplines those He loves (Hebrews 12:6). It highlights the role of prophets as instruments of divine correction, tasked with speaking truth to power. Nathan's courage and faithfulness in delivering God's message serve as a model for believers in addressing sin and promoting righteousness. In summary, Nathan's reproof of David is a profound example of prophetic ministry, demonstrating the necessity of confronting sin with truth and grace. His actions remind us of the transformative power of repentance and the enduring mercy of God. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Samuel 12:7-9And Nathan said to David, You are the man. Thus said the LORD God of Israel, I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you out of the hand of Saul; Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Nathan Reproving the King. The New Testament view of the Old Testament The Feast at Simon's House The First Kings. The Voice of Stern Rebuke The Ministerial Office The General Conference of 1804, and of the Annual Conferences of ... How the Bishop is to Treat the Innocent, the Guilty, and the ... The Historical Books. From the Close of the General Conference of 1812 to the Death of ... Resources What was Jesus' message to the church in Laodicea in Revelation? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about disrespectful children? | GotQuestions.org Should a Christian continue spanking his/her children if it is illegal? | GotQuestions.org Reproof: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Reproof of Those Who offend, a Warning to Others Reproof: A Proof of Faithful Friendship Reproof: Attention to a Proof of Prudence Reproof: Christ Gives, in Love Reproof: Contempt of, Leads to Remorse Reproof: Declared to Be: An Excellent Oil Reproof: Declared to Be: Better than Secret Love Reproof: Declared to Be: Better than the Praise of Fools Reproof: Declared to Be: More Profitable to Saints, than Stripes to a Fool Reproof: Despised by the Israelites Reproof: Despised by the Jewish Leaders Reproof: Despised by the People of Nazareth Reproof: Eventually Brings More Respect than Flattery Reproof: Faithfulness in a Prophet of Judah, of Jeroboam Reproof: Faithfulness in Amos, of the Israelites Reproof: Faithfulness in Azariah, of Asa Reproof: Faithfulness in Azariah, of Uzziah Reproof: Faithfulness in Daniel, of Belshazzar Reproof: Faithfulness in Daniel, of Nebuchadnezzar Reproof: Faithfulness in Elijah, of Ahab Reproof: Faithfulness in Elijah, of Ahaziah Reproof: Faithfulness in Elisha, of Gehazi Reproof: Faithfulness in Elisha, of Hazael Reproof: Faithfulness in Elisha, of Jehoram Reproof: Faithfulness in Elisha, of Jeroboam Reproof: Faithfulness in Ezra, of the Men of Judah and Benjamin Reproof: Faithfulness in Hanani, of Asa Reproof: Faithfulness in Isaiah, of Hezekiah Reproof: Faithfulness in Israelites, of the Tribe of Benjamin Reproof: Faithfulness in Israelites, of the Two and One-Half Tribes Reproof: Faithfulness in Jehoash, of Jehoiada Reproof: Faithfulness in Jehu, of Jehoshaphat Reproof: Faithfulness in Jeremiah, of the Cities of Judah Reproof: Faithfulness in Jesus Reproof: Faithfulness in Jesus, of the Pharisees Reproof: Faithfulness in Jesus, of the Scribes and Pharisees Reproof: Faithfulness in Joab, of David Reproof: Faithfulness in John the Baptist, of Herod Antipas Reproof: Faithfulness in John the Baptist, of the Jews Reproof: Faithfulness in Jonathan, of Saul Reproof: Faithfulness in Micaiah, of Ahab Reproof: Faithfulness in Moses, of Eleazar Reproof: Faithfulness in Moses, of Korah Reproof: Faithfulness in Moses, of Pharaoh Reproof: Faithfulness in Moses, of the Israelites Reproof: Faithfulness in Nathan, of David Reproof: Faithfulness in Nehemiah, of the Jews Reproof: Faithfulness in Oded, of the People of Samaria Reproof: Faithfulness In of the Barren Fig Tree Reproof: Faithfulness In of the King's Feast Reproof: Faithfulness In of the Two Sons Reproof: Faithfulness In of the Vineyard Reproof: Faithfulness in Paul and Silas, of the Magistrates of Philippi Reproof: Faithfulness in Paul, of Ananias, the High Priest Reproof: Faithfulness in Paul, of Elymas (Bar-Jesus), the Sorcerer Reproof: Faithfulness in Peter, of Simon, the Sorcerer Reproof: Faithfulness in Samuel, of Saul Reproof: Faithfulness in Shemaiah, of Rehoboam Reproof: Faithfulness in Stephen, of the High Priest Reproof: Faithfulness in The Prophet Gad, of David Reproof: Faithfulness in The Withering of the Fig Tree Reproof: Faithfulness in Zechariah, of the Princes of Judah Reproof: General Scriptures Concerning Reproof: God Gives Reproof to his own Children Reproof: God Gives, to the Wicked Reproof: Hatred of, a Proof of Brutishness Reproof: Hatred of, Leads to Destruction Reproof: Hypocrites not Qualified to Give Reproof: Leads to Understanding Reproof: Ministers are Empowered to Give Reproof: Ministers are Sent to Give Reproof: Ministers should Give with all Authority Reproof: Ministers should Give with Christian Love Reproof: Ministers should Give with Longsuffering Reproof: Ministers should Give: Fearlessly Reproof: Ministers should Give: Openly Reproof: Ministers should Give: Sharply, If Necessary Reproof: Ministers should Give: Unreservedly Reproof: On Account of Fearfulness Reproof: On Account of Hardness of Heart Reproof: On Account of Hypocrisy Reproof: On Account of Impenitence Reproof: On Account of not Understanding Reproof: On Account of Oppressing out Brethren Reproof: On Account of Reviling Christ Reproof: On Account of Sinful Practices Reproof: On Account of Unbelief Reproof: On Account of Unruly Conduct Reproof: On Account of Vain Boasting Reproof: Rejection of, Leads to Error Reproof: Saints should Delight in Those Who Give Reproof: Saints should Give No Occasion For Reproof: Saints should Love Those Who Give Reproof: Saints should Receive Kindly Reproof: The Holy Spirit Gives Reproof: The Scriptures are Profitable For Reproof: They Who Give, are Hated by Scorners Reproof: when from God is Despised by the Wicked Reproof: when from God is for Correction Reproof: when from God: Pray That It be not be in Anger Reproof: when from God: should be Accompanied by Exhortation to Repentance Reproof: when from God: should not Discourage Saints Related Terms |
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