Re:Verse passage – 2 Samuel 7 (day seven)
We have two different admonitions in this text from Nathan, David’s trusted prophet. First, Nathan tells David, “Go, do all that is in your mind, for the Lord is with you.” (2 Samuel 7:3)
Nathan had no reason to second guess David, however, he should have waited on the word of the LORD. Nathan initially gives David bad advice because he gives David a kneejerk response. God had a much deeper message for David:
But in the same night the word of the Lord came to Nathan, saying, “Go and say to My servant David, ‘Thus says the Lord, “Are you the one who should build Me a house to dwell in? (2 Samuel 7:4)
As God is correcting Nathan, God is giving him a chance to change course (read repent), and do the right thing which Nathan immediately does. God often gives His people second chances just like He gives Nathan here. May we make the most of those second opportunities given immediately obeying this time around.
Nathan deserves praise for his humility and his loyal friendship with David. Doing the right thing and building trust are more important to Nathan than covering up his poor judgement. He focused on giving David God’s timely advice for the benefits of David without worrying about being blamed for his wrong advice the first time. Nathan was a good and loyal counselor and a true friend to David in this story.
We see a serving attribute, not self-serving attribute in Nathan. Nathan provided us a great example of what a true and loyal friend should be. Who does not want to have someone with Nathan’s attributes on our side??