Topical Bible: Books: Not Extant, But Mentioned in Scripture: Nathan

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Book of Nathan the Prophet is one of the non-extant writings referenced in the Old Testament. Although the text itself has not survived, it is mentioned in the context of the historical records of the kings of Israel and Judah. Nathan was a prominent prophet during the reign of King David and played a significant role in the spiritual and political life of Israel.

Biblical References:

1. 1 Chronicles 29:29 : "As for the events of King David’s reign, from beginning to end, they are written in the records of Samuel the seer, the records of Nathan the prophet, and the records of Gad the seer."

2. 2 Chronicles 9:29 : "As for the rest of the acts of Solomon, from beginning to end, are they not written in the records of Nathan the prophet, in the prophecy of Ahijah the Shilonite, and in the visions of Iddo the seer concerning Jeroboam son of Nebat?"

These references suggest that the Book of Nathan the Prophet was a historical account that chronicled the reigns of King David and King Solomon. It is likely that this book contained narratives, prophecies, and possibly moral teachings relevant to the leadership and spiritual condition of Israel during this period.

Role of Nathan:

Nathan was a key figure in the court of King David. He is best known for his courageous confrontation with David over the sin with Bathsheba, as recorded in 2 Samuel 12. Nathan's role as a prophet was to deliver God's messages, provide guidance, and hold the king accountable to God's laws. His influence extended into the reign of Solomon, where he is believed to have played a part in Solomon's ascension to the throne (1 Kings 1:11-45).

Significance:

The mention of the Book of Nathan the Prophet highlights the importance of prophetic writings in the historical and spiritual narrative of Israel. These writings served as authoritative records that documented the divine guidance and judgments delivered through God's prophets. Although the book itself is lost, its mention in Scripture underscores the integral role of prophets like Nathan in shaping the history and faith of the Israelite nation.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the existence of such writings, even if not extant, affirms the belief in divine inspiration and the role of prophets as God's messengers. Nathan's interactions with David and Solomon illustrate the prophetic office's function in guiding, correcting, and encouraging the leaders of God's people. The reference to Nathan's book also suggests a broader tradition of prophetic literature that contributed to the understanding and preservation of Israel's covenant relationship with God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Chronicles 29:29
Now the acts of David the king, first and last, behold, they are written in the book of Samuel the seer, and in the book of Nathan the prophet, and in the book of Gad the seer,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Chronicles 9:29
Now the rest of the acts of Solomon, first and last, are they not written in the book of Nathan the prophet, and in the prophecy of Ahijah the Shilonite, and in the visions of Iddo the seer against Jeroboam the son of Nebat?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Concerning the Scriptures.
... original copies are granted by all not to be now extant. ... tenth part of the scripture;
but it will not follow thence ... to bring to us any of those books, which by ...
/.../proposition iii concerning the scriptures.htm

The Jewish Institutions and Laws of Far Higher Antiquity than the ...
... of the Egyptian kings in three entire books, he says ... Esther and Mordecai, whose book
is still extant, as also ... of Juda, Benjamin, and Levi were not taken captive ...
/.../the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xxi the jewish institutions and.htm

Article xii (V): of Repentance.
... the writers before them, transferred these opinions from some books into others. ...
Therefore there are sentences extant in the Fathers, not only concerning ...
/.../melanchthon/the apology of the augsburg confession/part 15 article xii v .htm

The Influence of the King James Version on English Literature
... have exaggerated in saying that Macaulay read twenty books to write ... as any two bits
of literature extant, and have ... could be included; but they are not so great ...
/.../mcafee/study of the king james bible/lecture iv the influence of.htm

Extracts No. X.
... In the time of Eusebius there were extant five books ... mind is not who wrote those
books; not the manner ... to your own understanding." I could not but observe with ...
/.../ballou/a series of letters in defence of divine revelation/extracts no x.htm

Penitence, as Explained in the Sophistical Jargon of the Schoolmen ...
... to have devoted themselves to spurious books, that they ... has done shall not be mentioned."
"Again, when ... judicial chastisement, he is offended, but not in wrath ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 4 penitence as explained.htm

The Blessing of Jacob Upon Judah. (Gen. Xlix. 8-10. )
... is, before all others, represented in the subsequent books. ... in which rest and safety
will not anywhere be ... have expected, "to whom is peace;" but Ezekiel has ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the blessing of jacob upon.htm

The Prophet Joel.
... times, of whom the historical books make mention ... similar later occurrence there is
no account extant. ... the pastures of the wilderness are not understood literally ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the prophet joel.htm

Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ...
... Xenophon in eight books narrates the life of Cyrus, King of ... But what are we to think
of your assertion, that ... or the bad it may be, are not distinguished one ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/book ii jerome answers the.htm