Nathan may have studied in an elite academy of mystics under the tutelage of the prophet Samuel.  Although no book in the Biblical Canon is associated with his name, the Talmud tells us that Nathan concluded the writing of the book of Samuel.

When quiet finally reigned in the land of Israel, after King David subdued the enemies of the Jews through many bloody battles, he sought the counsel of Nathan with respect to building a sanctuary for God. Despite his initial agreement, Nathan was informed by prophecy that King David was ineligible to erect the House of God, as this was to be a house of peace. King David, he was told, whose sword smote the enemies of the Jewish people, would be unsuitable to construct the Temple. Instead, his son, King Solomon will build the it.

Through his prophetic vision, Nathan helped design the configuration of the Temple’s floorplan as well as develop the appropriate activities performed there.