Nathan 

Daily Devotional

Average reading time is about 3 minutes

“Nathan spoke to Bathsheba the mother of Solomon, saying … ‘Come, please, let me now give you advice, that you may save your own life and the life of your son Solomon’ “ (1 Kings 1:11, 12). 

Early in 1783, widespread unrest created an atmosphere among the U.S. Continental Army that was ripe for mutiny. Congress’ longstanding inability to meet its financial obligations to the military created deep frustrations and led to an anonymous letter to be written and circulated that challenged the authority of the Congress. A meeting was to be held on March 11. Unless there was quick action, the discontent would lead to a coup d’état. 

Commander in Chief George Washington acted with dispatch. He objected to the meeting and announced another meeting that would be presided over by the senior officer present. Apparently, he would not attend. But to everyone’s surprise, Washington walked into the meeting and asked to speak to the officers. His short and impassioned speech, now known as the Newburgh Address, quelled the conspiracy and led to a resolution. 

As King David neared the end of his hard life, his eldest son, Adonijah, conspired to be king, though it was against the wishes of his father. Solomon was chosen to be the next monarch on the throne of Israel. When Nathan the prophet got word of Adonijah’s plans, he acted quickly by advising Bathsheba to go before the ailing king. 

After the queen explained Adonijah’s scheme, Nathan unexpectedly slipped into the meeting to confirm Bathsheba’s words. David was moved to act. He designated Zadok the high priest, Benaiah his chief army commander, and Nathan the prophet to anoint Solomon as the new king. And afterward, “they blew the horn, and all the people said, ‘Long live King Solomon!’ ” (1 Kings 1:39). 

Like Washington’s quick action at Newburgh, Nathan the prophet’s swift move checked Adonijah’s plot to be king. But Nathan’s loyalty to David did not deter his work for a greater King. The prophet proved that his highest regard was to God, even when rebuking the commander in chief. 

Lord, may I always be faithful to You, quick to act for Your glory and not my own. 

Daily Devotional Verses

For Further Study: 1 Kings 1:1–49; Psalm 119:60; Ephesians 5:15–17

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