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NATHAN.—1. Third son of David by Bath-sheba (2Sa_5:14, but note 2Sa_12:24). In Zec_12:12 the Nathan who is recognized as head of a house is probably David’s son. In Luk_3:31 the genealogy of Jesus is traced through Nathan to David. 2. The prophet, a confidential adviser of David. The king desired to build the Temple, and Nathan at first agreed, but later received a revelation forbidding the enterprise (2Sa_7:1-29). The next appearance of Nathan is in connexion with the parable of the ewe lamb, by which David was self-convicted of his sin with Bath-sheba (2Sa_12:1-15). Later, in token that an atonement has been made, he adds to Solomon’s name the significant title Jedidiah (‘beloved of Jah’). The third service was rendered alike to David and to Solomon. Adonijab had planned a coup by which to grasp the sceptre, now falling from the hands of his aged father. It was Nathan’s watchfulness that discovered the plot, and his ingenuity that saved the kingdom for Solomon (1Ki_1:1-53). It was fitting that a Life of David should come from this friendly hand (1Ch_29:29). His service to Solomon was recognized by the king, who appointed his sons, Azariab and Zabud, to important offices (1Ki_4:5). 3. Father of Igal, one of David’s heroes (2Sa_23:36). The text of 1Ch_11:38 reads, ‘Joel brother of Nathan.’ 4. One of the cbief men who returned with Ezra (Ezr_8:15, 1Es_8:44). 5. One of the Bani family, who had taken strange wives (Ezr_10:39); called in 1Es_9:34 Nathanias. 6. A Judahite (1Ch_2:36).
J. H. Stevenson.