Nathan teaches us a vital lesson in how we support others: sacrificially, wisely, and honestly. Nathan suddenly arrives on the scene of David’s monarchy. We know nothing about where he came from, just that his name means “giver” and that he was considered a “prophet.” While Nathan encouraged David early in his reign, he later delivered a very stern rebuke. It would be a mistake to miss Nathan’s importance to David’s life and ours.
Nathan, the Prophet
We need trustworthy women and men like Nathan in our churches, businesses, civic organizations, and politics. When high-stakes decisions are made, who does the leader turn to and who can be trusted, someone tempted to use influence or power for their self-interest? No! When David needed counsel, Nathan appeared standing next to him, “After the king (David) was settled in his palace and the LORD had given him rest from all his enemies around him, he said to Nathan the prophet…(David confides to Nathan).” (2 Samuel 7:1–2a). What made Nathan so trustworthy that David confided in him?
Something in Nathan’s character was appealing to David. This prophet had a reputation as a “giver,” not a taker. He didn’t sap the energy of the people around him. He was not needy, insecure, or demanding. He energized others and provided the support they needed to succeed. Generous people invest more than money or gifts. They impart life, invest time, exude hope, or offer vital encouragement to others. Its impact can be remarkable. Proverbs 18:16 comments, “A gift opens the way and ushers the giver into the presence of the great.” Not everyone is called to lead like King David, but we can all encourage and support our teams and communities the way Nathan did.
Refreshingly Candid
At times, encouragement and positivity can start to feel like flattery, and too much optimism or support can feel fawning or naive. Nathan was refreshingly candid with the truth he offered. When he first submitted his opinion to David in 2 Samuel 7:1–2, he was encouraging and optimistic. But he quickly changed his tone after God interrupted (v.3). Nathan had to overturn his counsel, and he was careful to differentiate his own opinion from the truth God spoke. In the same way, our business reports and family discussions need to be free to offer feedback about failures or room for improvement. We need to hear the truth and bend towards the truth.
After David’s hidden immorality, Nathan tactfully but bluntly delivered God’s major correction to the king. The prophet didn’t coat it with sugar or lessen the impact. Nathan utterly exposed David’s rationalization of evil and communicated the full weight of the consequences of the king’s decisions. That took courage. We, too, need friends who love us enough not to evade the hard news. Though Nathan had the incredible privilege of delivering God’s major promises to Israel’s leader, he also had the responsibility to speak candidly and forcefully about the failures as well.
Strategic Wisdom When the Stakes are High
Not only was Nathan candid, but he was also discerning. He didn’t just batter down the castle walls with blunt accusations. That would have made his leader defensive and resistant. Nathan delivered the truth in a way that gave David the best chance of receiving it. He wanted David to perceive the truth for himself. So, Nathan wisely crafted a parable that disarmed the king yet evoked emotional sympathy—that required strategy and effort. Nathan’s goal was to heal David and not destroy him. He did confront the king, but only after he carefully strategized his approach.
Nathan’s wisdom paid off, and David was truly stunned and repentant. We are left with the impression that if David hadn’t repented, he might have paid for his crimes with his life. Nathan’s wisdom changed the outcome of David’s life. The text reports, “The LORD has taken away your sin. You are not going to die” (2 Samuel 12:13). Our leaders need people like Nathan who can help get the train back on the track after it’s been derailed.
Tenacious Support
In the final scene of Nathan’s career (1 Kings 1), he steps in to assist the faltering transition of royal power. Nathan’s aid is, once again, timely wisdom and support offered to the House of David. Nathan gives the monarchy the best chance of fulfilling its God-given purpose, as spoken of in 2 Samuel 7. Nathan not only delivered God’s timely promise but also diligently worked to bring it to completion. He helped provide the pragmatic answer to his own prayer. Isn’t that the kind of dedicated friend you want in your life? “Many claim to have unfailing love, but a faithful person who can find” (Proverbs 20:6). People, like Nathan, who give of themselves sacrificially, are hard to find. Resolve to become like Nathan, extraordinary in loyalty and dedication.
Application
We have a lot to learn from Nathan. Our society increasingly has difficulty receiving correction or criticism without our egos being busted. If someone doesn’t agree with us, we become easily offended. Correction isn’t always harmful, and disagreement isn’t always disunity. Sometimes it is the lonely voice of a true friend who tells us things we need to hear but don’t want to. You can usually discern the difference between friend and foe by whether they are working to restore you and help you succeed in your mission, or blame you and watch you fail.
Nathan teaches us a vital lesson in how we support each other in community. We give and receive thirst-quenching encouragement. We perceive God’s plans and receive the bluntness of his corrections through trusted friends. And we fulfill God’s promises through the dedicated help of team members and supporters. Don’t miss out on being a Nathan to others or remaining receptive to a Nathan in your life.
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