Prophet to King David
Prophets · 4 verses
Nathan served as court prophet during David's reign and into Solomon's, delivering some of Scripture's most significant prophecies and confrontations. Through Nathan, God revealed the Davidic covenant—the unconditional promise that David's throne would be established forever, finding ultimate fulfillment in Christ, 'great David's greater Son.'When David desired to build God a house, Nathan initially approved but was corrected by divine revelation: God would instead build David a house (dynasty), promising that his seed would establish an eternal kingdom. This prophecy (2 Samuel 7) forms the theological foundation for Messianic expectation.Nathan's most dramatic moment came after David's adultery with Bathsheba and murder of Uriah. Through the parable of the rich man who stole a poor man's lamb, Nathan drew David into pronouncing his own judgment before declaring, 'Thou art the man!' His courageous confrontation of royal sin exemplifies prophetic boldness in speaking truth to power. Nathan also played a crucial role in securing Solomon's succession, informing Bathsheba of Adonijah's coup and orchestrating the actions that placed Solomon on the throne before David's death.
Scripture References
“And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build an house for my name, and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever.”
“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.”
“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.”
“And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever.”