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Response
David was a shepherd boy who later became the second king of Israel, while Nathan served as a prophet in Israel during the reigns of David and Solomon. The Bible documents three significant occasions when David and Nathan had interactions.
Initially, David and Nathan met in 2 Samuel 7 concerning David’s wish to construct a temple for the Lord (compare with 1 Chronicles 17). In verse 3, David expressed, “See now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of God dwells in a tent.” Nathan initially supported David’s plans. However, that night the Lord spoke to Nathan, delivering a message for David: “When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever” (2 Samuel 7:12-13). Nathan relayed this to David. David paused his temple plans and responded to God’s direction with a prayer of thankfulness.
The second documented encounter between David and Nathan was less friendly. In 2 Samuel 12, Nathan confronted David about his involvement with Bathsheba and the subsequent cover-up of their relationship. The Lord had instructed Nathan to narrate a tale of a wealthy man who unjustly took and killed a poor man’s only lamb. David was rightfully outraged at the injustice (verses 5–6). Nathan then declared, “You are the man!” (verse 7). David was responsible for his actions. He was accountable for the death of Bathsheba’s husband and for committing adultery. God punished David for his transgressions, which included the death of his and Bathsheba’s child. Nevertheless, David repented, received forgiveness, and retained his kingship.
The third encounter between the king and the prophet is documented in 1 Kings 1, towards the end of David’s life. David’s son Adonijah attempted to seize the throne, proclaiming hi
Setting himself up as king, Adonijah attempted to seize the throne. Nathan, who was not involved in the scheme, accompanied Bathsheba to King David to address the situation. Upon learning of Adonijah’s betrayal, David designated his son Solomon as the rightful king. Subsequently, Nathan and Zadok the priest anointed Solomon as king «and Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet anointed him king in Gihon: and they came up from there rejoicing, causing the city to resound. This is the commotion you have heard. », (1 Kings 1:45), and Adonijah’s supporters dispersed (verse 49).
In addition to his service to King David, Nathan authored the historical accounts known as the records of Nathan the prophet (1 Chronicles 29:29;2 Chronicles 9:29), documenting the reigns of David and Solomon. This lost manuscript likely served as a source for the composition of 1 and 2 Chronicles.
Nathan the prophet was a valuable asset to King David, being a close and trusted companion. He fearlessly spoke the truth to David, even when it was hard to hear. Nathan remained loyal in his service to the king and steadfast in his devotion to God and His teachings. These qualities are essential in any friendship. It is noteworthy that David and Bathsheba later named one of their sons “Nathan” «And these were born to him in Jerusalem; Shimea, Shobab, Nathan, and Solomon, four, by Bath-shua the daughter of Ammiel: », (1 Chronicles 3:5).
