1 Kings 4:5

5 Azariah the son of Nathan was over ¹the officers; Zabud the son of Nathan was priest and ²king's friend;

1 Kings 4:5 Meaning and Commentary

1 Kings 4:5

And Azariah the son of Nathan [was] over the officers
The twelve officers who provided food for Solomon's household after mentioned:

and Zabud the son of Nathan;
another of the sons of Nathan the prophet: for he being a principal instrument of settling Solomon on the throne, had interest enough to promote his sons to the chief places of honour and trust: and this here

[was] principal officer, [and] the king's friend;
a chief minister about him, very intimate with him, that kept him company, privately conversed with him, was in his secrets, and admitted to great privacy and nearness to him.

1 Kings 4:5 In-Context

3 Elihoreph and Ahijah the sons of Shisha were secretaries; Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder;

4 Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was in command of the army; Zadok and Abiathar were priests;

5 Azariah the son of Nathan was over the officers; Zabud the son of Nathan was priest and king's friend;

6 Ahishar was in charge of the palace; and Adoniram the son of Abda was in charge of the forced labor.

7 Solomon had twelve officers over all Israel, who provided food for the king and his household. Each man had to make provision for one month in the year.

Cross References

• 1. ver. 7
• 2. [2 Samuel 15:37; 2 Samuel 16:16; 1 Chronicles 27:33]