Nathan
Theme:
Speaking truth to power
Business Application:
Use story and data to get through to people in power; surround yourself with people who can speak truth to you.
Who he was:
Nathan was a long-time advisor to David and a prophet. He famously used a metaphorical story to confront the king about sin he had committed with Bathsheba and warn him of the consequences.
Rather than punishing Nathan for calling him out, David acknowledged the truth and repented. When Solomon was born, Nathan called him Jedidiah, which means the beloved of God. Years later, David named another of his sons Nathan.
Nathan forged his bond with David over many years. When the king told him he wanted to build a temple for God, at first, he supported him. But later, he returned with a prophetic word telling him that job would fall to his son.
While David was on his deathbed, Bathsheba turned to Nathan to help secure the succession of the throne to Solomon. Nathan participated in anointing the new king. Two of his sons became key leaders for Solomon.
Why his story matters:
Nathan was by David’s side at critical moments in his life. He saw the king in all his flaws, but still supported him, even when that meant telling him what he didn’t want to hear but needed to know.
What we can learn from him:
Nathan demonstrates the value of an advisor who speaks truth with wisdom and respect. He was not a yes-man, nor did he take a superior posture as a prophet.
Where we see his archetype today:
We see Nathan in the wise advisors that surround successful people, as well as in narrative communication that opens people’s eyes.
How we can learn more about him:
Nathan is introduced as an administrator and chronicler in 1 Chronicles 29:25 & 29 and 2 Chronicles 9:29. We see Nathan advising David on the temple in 2 Samuel 7:1-7 and 1 Chronicles 17:1-15. The confrontation about David’s sin is in 2 Samuel 12:1-15. His involvement with David’s sons is found in 2 Samuel 12:25, 1 Chronicles 3:5, and 1 Kings 1.