✡ Nathan
(flourished 10th century BC) Prophet at the courts of David and Solomon in ancient Israel. In II Samuel, God establishes his covenant with David through Nathan, who also appears rebuking David for taking Bathsheba from her husband. As punishment, David was not allowed to build the Temple at Jerusalem, since Nathan had a vision informing him that its construction must be postponed until Solomon succeeded to the throne. Nathan later anointed the new king, securing Solomon’s place against rivals, and may have recorded events during the reigns of David and Solomon.
“Nathan.” Britannica Concise Encyclopedia. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 2006. Answers.com 24 Aug. 2006. http://www.answers.com/topic/nathan