We meet Nathan the prophet for the first time in 2 Samuel 7. A prophet was one who proclaimed God’s words to people; he also recorded events that happened during David’s reign (1 Chron 29:29) and was involved in the music worship of the time (2 Chron 29:25), but little else is known about him apart from this chapter and his clearly spoken word of admonition later in David’s life. Obviously he is important in being God’s spokesman to David at critical times in his life.
Nathan appears to have had a good relationship with David, but his primary calling is to speak forth what God says to him, and this he does without reserve. A prophet’s job is not always an easy one, for there are times when speaking God’s word will go against what people want to hear. Nathan does not shirk this responsibility, but acts with courage and conviction. Despite initially endorsing David’s idea (“Whatever you have in mind, go ahead and do it, for the Lord is with you.” 2 Sam 7:3), he is prepared to go back to him the next day when God has spoken to him and give him ‘the word of the Lord’, even if this might have seemed a dangerous thing to do. (Kings don’t always respond well to revision of their plans, let alone rebuke.) But Nathan knows that this is his job. He must speak out what God gives him. He is not afraid to admit that he has got it wrong; his only concern is to bring David what God has told him to say.
We too need the courage and convictions of Nathan. Our responsibility is to speak God’s word, whether this is popular or well received or not. We have to be prepared to wait on God and listen to Him more than anyone else.