Nathan (Hebrew origin: He gave)
(2 Samuel 7:2). 10th century b.c.e.
Nathan the prophet was an adviser to King David and a key supporter of Solomon in his successful quest to succeed David. David told Nathan that he was unhappy with the fact that he lived in a mansion of cedar, while the Ark of the Covenant was in a tent, surrounded only by curtains. That same night, God appeared to Nathan in a vision and told him to say to David that his son would be the one to build the Temple, not David.
David grew old, and the succession to the throne, after the death of Amnon and Absalom, was disputed between Adonijah, the eldest remaining son, and Solomon son of Bathsheba. Joab, the commander of the army, and Abiathar the Priest supported Adonijah, whereas Nathan, the priest Zadok, Benaiah, and other powerful men wanted Solomon to be king. Nathan, realizing that Adonijah was getting the upper hand, instructed Bathsheba to go to the aged and ailing king and say to him that he had ordered that Solomon succeed him. Their ploy succeeded, and David commanded Nathan and Zadok to take Solomon on the royal mule to the spring of Gihon and anoint him king.
Read more biographies from Who's Who in the Jewish Bible.
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