Azariah son of Nathan was in charge of the governors;
Azariah, a name meaning "Yahweh has helped," is identified as the son of Nathan. Nathan here is likely the prophet who served during the reigns of David and Solomon, known for his role in confronting David about his sin with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 12:1-15) and supporting Solomon's claim to the throne (1 Kings 1:11-45). Azariah's position "in charge of the governors" indicates a high level of authority, overseeing regional officials who managed various districts of Israel. This reflects the administrative organization of Solomon's kingdom, which was divided into twelve districts, each responsible for providing supplies for the king's household for one month of the year (1 Kings 4:7). This system ensured efficient governance and resource management, contributing to the prosperity and stability of Solomon's reign. The role of governors in ancient Israel can be compared to provincial leaders or satraps in other ancient Near Eastern empires, highlighting the influence of surrounding cultures on Israel's administrative practices.

Zabud son of Nathan was a priest and adviser to the king;
Zabud, also a son of Nathan, held dual roles as both a priest and an adviser to King Solomon. The name Zabud means "given" or "endowed," suggesting a person of significant standing and favor. His dual role is notable, as it combines religious and political responsibilities, reflecting the theocratic nature of Israel's monarchy, where spiritual and governmental duties often intersected. As a priest, Zabud would have been involved in religious rituals and maintaining the spiritual well-being of the nation. As an adviser, he would have provided counsel to Solomon, contributing to the king's renowned wisdom (1 Kings 4:29-34). This combination of roles underscores the importance of spiritual guidance in leadership, a theme echoed throughout the Bible, where leaders are often depicted as needing divine wisdom to govern justly (Proverbs 11:14, James 1:5). The presence of Nathan's sons in such prominent positions suggests the enduring influence of Nathan's legacy and the trust Solomon placed in his family, reflecting the importance of loyalty and faithfulness in the king's inner circle.

1. Azariah son of Nathan
Azariah is identified as the son of Nathan, a significant figure in King Solomon's administration. He was in charge of the deputies, indicating a role of oversight and management within the kingdom.

2. Zabud son of Nathan
Zabud, also a son of Nathan, served as a priest and advisor to King Solomon. His dual role suggests a combination of spiritual and political influence.

3. Nathan
Although not directly mentioned in this verse, Nathan is a key figure as the father of both Azariah and Zabud. Nathan was a prophet during the reigns of David and Solomon, known for his role in confronting King David about his sin with Bathsheba.

4. Deputies
These were officials or governors responsible for various regions or tasks within Solomon's kingdom. Azariah's role over them indicates a structured and organized administration.

5. King Solomon
The reigning king during this time, known for his wisdom and the expansion of Israel's influence and prosperity. Solomon's administration included a diverse and capable team to manage the kingdom's affairs.The Importance of Godly Leadership
Azariah and Zabud, as sons of Nathan, likely inherited a legacy of faithfulness and wisdom. This highlights the importance of godly leadership in both spiritual and administrative roles.

The Role of Advisors
Solomon's reliance on advisors like Zabud underscores the biblical principle that wise counsel is essential for effective leadership. This can be applied in our personal and professional lives by seeking and valuing the input of trusted advisors.

Balancing Spiritual and Secular Responsibilities
Zabud's dual role as a priest and advisor illustrates the integration of faith and daily responsibilities. Christians are called to live out their faith in all areas of life, balancing spiritual commitments with secular duties.

Legacy and Influence
The mention of Nathan's sons in significant roles suggests the impact of a godly legacy. Parents and mentors are encouraged to invest in the spiritual and moral development of the next generation.(5) Son of Nathan.--Probably Nathan, son of David, and own brother of Solomon (1Chronicles 3:5), is here intended; for the title Cohen, here given to Zabud, is expressly ascribed in 2Samuel 8:18 to the "sons of David;" and Nathan the prophet always has his title, "the prophet," appended to his name wherever first mentioned in this book. (See 1Kings 1:8; 1Kings 1:10; 1Kings 1:22; 1Kings 1:32, &c.) . . . Verse 5. - And Azariah the son of Nathan [Azariah was clearly not an uncommon name (ver. 2, and cf. 1 Chronicles 2:39; 5:36-40 Hebrews; A.V. 1 Chronicles 6:9-14), especially in the high priest's family. Keil and Bahr pronounce somewhat positively that this Nathan is not the prophet of that name, but Nathan the son of David (2 Samuel 5:14; Luke 3:31). It is quite impossible to decide with certainty which is meant, if either, though Zechariah 12:12 undoubtedly favours the supposition that the latter is here intended] was over the officers [the twelve prefects mentioned in vers. 7 sqq.]: and Zabud the son of Nathan was principal officer [Heb. priest, Vulg. sacerdos. Singularly, as before, the LXX. (Vat.) omits the word. The expression can hardly mean "the son of Nathan the priest," but it may either signify that "Zabud ben Nathan, a priest, was king's friend," or that (as in the A. V.) he was a priest and king's friend. But the former is every way preferable. I find it easier to believe that the true import of 2 Samuel 8:18 the passage which is cited (sometimes along with 2 Samuel 20:26, where the LXX., however, has ἱερεύς) to prove that there were secular "priests" - is not yet understood, than to hold (with Gesenius, Ewald, etc.), that there were sacrificing priests who were not of the sons of Aaron (cf. 2 Chronicles 26:18), or that the word כּהֵן, the meaning of which was thoroughly fixed and understood, can have been familiarly applied, except in the strictly conventional way already indicated, to lay persons], and [omit] the king's friend. ["This appears to have been now a recognized office (2 Samuel 15:37; 2 Samuel 16:16; 1 Chronicles 27:33)," Rawlinson.]

Parallel Commentaries ...


Azariah
וַעֲזַרְיָ֥הוּ (wa·‘ă·zar·yā·hū)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 5838: Azariah -- 'Yah has helped', the name of a number of Israelites

son
בֶן־ (ḇen-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Nathan
נָתָ֖ן (nā·ṯān)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 5416: Nathan -- the name of a number of Israelites

[was] in charge of
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

the governors;
הַנִּצָּבִ֑ים (han·niṣ·ṣā·ḇîm)
Article | Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 5324: To take one's stand, stand

Zabud
וְזָב֧וּד (wə·zā·ḇūḏ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 2071: Zabud -- 'bestowed', an officer of Solomon

son
בֶּן־ (ben-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Nathan
נָתָ֛ן (nā·ṯān)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 5416: Nathan -- the name of a number of Israelites

[was] a priest
כֹּהֵ֖ן (kō·hên)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3548: Priest

and adviser
רֵעֶ֥ה (rê·‘eh)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7463: Evil, misery, distress, injury

to the king;
הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃ (ham·me·leḵ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king


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OT History: 1 Kings 4:5 And Azariah the son of Nathan was (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg)