Ellen G. White and Her Critics

The Notable Case of Nathan

Strange, indeed, that Nathan should be cited in this connection. It is true that he was a prophet of God. The record makes clear that “the Lord sent Nathan unto David” to rebuke him for his sin in taking Bathsheba to wife. (See 2 Samuel 12:1.) But only a few pages earlier in the divinely recorded story of the ancient Israelites is the account of David’s expressing to Nathan his desire and evident plan to build a house for the Lord in Jerusalem. “And Nathan said to the king, Go, do all that is in thine heart; for the Lord is with thee.” 2 Samuel 7:3. Now listen to what follows immediately: EGWC 493.2

“And it came to pass that night, that the word of the Lord came unto Nathan, saying, Go and tell my servant David, Thus saith the Lord, Shalt thou build me an house for me to dwell in?” Verses 4, 5. EGWC 493.3

Nathan presents, perhaps, the most interesting exhibit in the Bible of the fact that a prophet may make a personal observation, offer a personal comment, which is not correct, which comment may be reversed by divine illumination later, but which reversal does not invalidate the prophet’s credentials. EGWC 493.4

If no more were required of Mrs. White than is required of Bible prophets, there would be no charges to bring against her. EGWC 493.5