1 Kings 4:5

5 and Azariah the son of Nathan was over ¹the deputies; and Zabud the son of Nathan, a priest, was the king'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 the recorder;

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

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

6 and Ahishar was over the household; and Adoniram the son of Abda was over the men subject to forced labor.

7 Solomon had twelve deputies over all Israel, who provided for the king and his household; each man had to provide for a month in the year.

Cross References

• 1. 1 Kings 4:7