Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, Nathan the prophet is a significant figure who receives divine visions and messages, particularly in relation to King David. Nathan's role as a prophet is crucial in conveying God's will and guidance to the king, and his visions are instrumental in shaping the course of Israel's history.Nathan's Vision Concerning the Davidic Covenant One of the most notable visions given to Nathan is recorded in 2 Samuel 7. In this passage, Nathan receives a divine revelation concerning God's covenant with David. Initially, David expresses his desire to build a house for the Lord, a temple to honor God. Nathan, at first, encourages David to proceed with his plans. However, that night, the word of the Lord comes to Nathan in a vision, instructing him to deliver a different message to David. The vision reveals God's promise to establish David's dynasty forever, a covenant that becomes foundational for the messianic hope in Israel. The Lord declares through Nathan: "When your days are fulfilled and you rest with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who will come from your own body, and I will establish his kingdom. He will build a house for My Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever" (2 Samuel 7:12-13). This vision not only redirects David's immediate plans but also sets the stage for the future hope of a Messiah, a descendant of David, who will reign eternally. Nathan's Vision of Rebuke Nathan also receives a vision that serves as a rebuke to King David following his sin with Bathsheba. In 2 Samuel 12, the Lord sends Nathan to confront David with a parable that reveals the gravity of his actions. Through this vision, Nathan exposes David's sin and pronounces God's judgment upon him. The vision is a powerful example of prophetic courage and the role of visions in calling leaders to repentance and accountability. Nathan tells David: "Why then have you despised the command of the LORD by doing evil in His sight? You struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword and took his wife as your own, for you have slain him with the sword of the Ammonites" (2 Samuel 12:9). This vision leads to David's repentance, demonstrating the transformative power of divine revelation in the life of a believer. Nathan's Role in Solomon's Ascension Nathan's influence through divine guidance is further seen in the transition of power from David to Solomon. In 1 Kings 1, Nathan plays a pivotal role in ensuring that Solomon, David's chosen successor, ascends to the throne. Although not explicitly described as a vision, Nathan's actions are guided by his understanding of God's will, previously revealed to David and confirmed through Nathan's prophetic insight. Nathan's interventions, based on divine guidance, help secure the fulfillment of God's promise to David regarding his lineage. Nathan's role underscores the importance of prophetic vision in maintaining the continuity of God's covenantal promises. Conclusion Nathan's experiences with divine visions highlight the critical role of prophecy in the biblical narrative. Through visions, Nathan communicates God's promises, rebukes, and guidance, impacting the course of Israel's history and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. His visions serve as a testament to the power of divine revelation in shaping the lives of individuals and nations according to God's sovereign will. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Samuel 7:4,17And it came to pass that night, that the word of the LORD came to Nathan, saying, Torrey's Topical Textbook Library A Look into the Hebrew Bible. The New Testament view of the Old Testament The Word of God In the Sunless Crypt Questions. The Feast of the Lord Letter Li. Addressed to the Emperor Theodosius after the Massacre ... The Immaculate Conception Appendix v. Rabbinic Theology and Literature The Plea of Faith Resources Does God still give visions to people today? | GotQuestions.orgHow did God use dreams and visions in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Is God giving people in closed countries dreams and visions to bring them to faith in Christ? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Visions: False Prophets Pretended to Have Seen Visions: Frequently Difficult and Perplexing to Those Who Received Visions: God Especially Made Himself Known to Prophets By Visions: God often Made Known his Will By Visions: Often Accompanied: A Representative of the Divine Person and Glory Visions: Often Accompanied: An Appearance of Angels Visions: Often Accompanied: An Appearance of Human Beings Visions: Often Accompanied: An Audible Voice from Heaven Visions: Often Communicated in a Trance Visions: Often Communicated in the Night Season Visions: Often Multiplied for the Benefit of the People Visions: Often Recorded for the Benefit of the People Visions: Sometimes Withheld for a Long Season Visions: The Prophets of God Skilled in Interpreting Visions: The Withholding of a Great Calamity Visions: To Daniel (See Chapters 7, 8, and 10 of Daniel) Visions: To Ezekiel (See Chapters 10, 40-48 of Ezekiel) Visions: To John (See Also Rev Chapters 4 - 22) Related Terms |
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