King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
And Azariah the son of Nathan [was] over the officers: and Zabud the son of Nathan [was] principal officer, [and] the king's friend:
Complete Jewish Bible:
'Azaryah the son of Natan, chief administrator; Zavud the son of Natan, the king's trusted counselor;
Berean Standard Bible:
Azariah son of Nathan was in charge of the governors; Zabud son of Nathan was a priest and adviser to the king;
American Standard Version:
and Azariah the son of Nathan was over the officers; and Zabud the son of Nathan was chief minister, and the king’s friend;
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
And Azariah{H5838} the son{H1121} of Nathan{H5416} was over the officers{H5324}: and Zabud{H2071} the son{H1121} of Nathan{H5416} was principal officer{H3548}, and the king's{H4428} friend{H7463}:
Cross-References (KJV):
2 Samuel 16:16
- And it came to pass, when Hushai the Archite, David's friend, was come unto Absalom, that Hushai said unto Absalom, God save the king, God save the king.
1 Chronicles 27:33
- And Ahithophel [was] the king's counsellor: and Hushai the Archite [was] the king's companion:
2 Samuel 15:37
- So Hushai David's friend came into the city, and Absalom came into Jerusalem.
1 Kings 4:7
- And Solomon had twelve officers over all Israel, which provided victuals for the king and his household: each man his month in a year made provision.
John 13:23
- Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved.
2 Samuel 8:18
- And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada [was over] both the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and David's sons were chief rulers.
2 Samuel 19:37
- Let thy servant, I pray thee, turn back again, that I may die in mine own city, [and be buried] by the grave of my father and of my mother. But behold thy servant Chimham; let him go over with my lord the king; and do to him what shall seem good unto thee.
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Commentary for 1 Kings 4:5
1 Kings 4:5 is a verse that provides insight into the administrative structure of the United Kingdom of Israel during the reign of King Solomon. The verse specifically mentions two individuals, Azariah and Zabud, both sons of Nathan, who held significant positions within Solomon's court.
Azariah is described as being "over the officers," which implies that he held a high-ranking position, possibly akin to a chief of staff or a minister of the palace, overseeing the various officials and their duties. This role would have been critical in managing the day-to-day operations of the royal administration, ensuring that the king's commands were carried out effectively across the kingdom.
Zabud, on the other hand, is identified as a "principal officer" and notably as the "king's friend." The title of "king's friend" suggests a position of great trust and intimacy with the monarch, likely involving personal advisory roles and perhaps akin to a close confidant or a chief counselor. This individual would have had the king's ear, offering advice on a range of matters from political strategy to personal affairs.
The historical context of this verse is the golden era of Solomon's reign, a period marked by peace, prosperity, and the expansion of Israel's influence. Solomon's wisdom and administrative acumen led to a well-organized and efficient government, which is reflected in the appointments of skilled and trusted individuals like Azariah and Zabud. Their roles underscore the importance of capable leadership and the value of loyalty and friendship in maintaining a stable and successful kingdom. The mention of their father, Nathan, could also be significant, as it might connect them to the prophet Nathan who served under Solomon's father, King David, suggesting a lineage of service and loyalty to the royal family.
In summary, 1 Kings 4:5 highlights the key roles of Azariah and Zabud in Solomon's administration, emphasizing the themes of governance, loyalty, and the importance of trusted advisors in the successful rule of a kingdom. It reflects the careful and strategic organization of Solomon's court, which contributed to the height of Israel's power and wealth during his reign.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H5838
There are 44 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: עֲזַרְיָה
Transliteration: ʻĂzaryâh
Pronunciation: az-ar-yaw'
Description: or עֲזַרְיָהוּ; from עָזַר and יָהּ; Jah has helped; Azarjah, the name of nineteen Israelites; Azariah. - Strong's Number: H1121
There are 3654 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: בֵּן
Transliteration: bên
Pronunciation: bane
Description: from בָּנָה; a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or condition, etc., (like father or brother), etc.); [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. - Strong's Number: H5416
There are 39 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: נָתָן
Transliteration: Nâthân
Pronunciation: naw-thawn'
Description: from נָתַן; given; Nathan, the name of five Israelites; Nathan. - Strong's Number: H5324
There are 75 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: נָצַב
Transliteration: nâtsab
Pronunciation: naw-tsab'
Description: a primitive root; to station, in various applications (literally or figuratively); appointed, deputy, erect, establish, [idiom] Huzzah (by mistake for a proper name), lay, officer, pillar, present, rear up, set (over, up), settle, sharpen, establish, (make to) stand(-ing, still, up, upright), best state. - Strong's Number: H2071
There are 1 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: זָבוּד
Transliteration: Zâbûwd
Pronunciation: zaw-bood'
Description: from זָבַד; given, Zabud, an Israelite; Zabud. - Strong's Number: H3548
There are 653 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: כֹּהֵן
Transliteration: kôhên
Pronunciation: ko-hane'
Description: active participle of כָּהַן; literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman); chief ruler, [idiom] own, priest, prince, principal officer. - Strong's Number: H4428
There are 1922 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: מֶלֶךְ
Transliteration: melek
Pronunciation: meh'-lek
Description: from מָלַךְ; a king; king, royal. - Strong's Number: H7463
There are 3 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: רֵעֶה
Transliteration: rêʻeh
Pronunciation: ray-eh'
Description: from רָעָה; a (male) companion; friend.