Azariah son of Nathan was in charge of the governors; Zabud son of Nathan was a priest and adviser to the king; 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. Persons / Places / Events 1. Azariah son of NathanAzariah 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 NathanZabud, 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. NathanAlthough 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. DeputiesThese 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 SolomonThe 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. Teaching Points The Importance of Godly LeadershipAzariah 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 AdvisorsSolomon'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 ResponsibilitiesZabud'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 InfluenceThe 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. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the role of Azariah as "in charge of the deputies" reflect the importance of organization and delegation in leadership? 2. In what ways can we apply the principle of seeking wise counsel, as seen in Solomon's administration, to our own decision-making processes? 3. How does Zabud's dual role as a priest and advisor challenge us to integrate our faith with our everyday responsibilities? 4. What lessons can we learn from Nathan's influence on his sons, Azariah and Zabud, regarding the impact of a godly legacy? 5. How can the structure and roles within Solomon's administration inform our understanding of effective leadership in the church and community today? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Chronicles 18:14-17This passage provides a parallel account of the administrative structure under King David, Solomon's father, highlighting the continuity and development of governance in Israel. 2 Samuel 7:2-17Nathan the prophet plays a crucial role in delivering God's covenant promise to David, which sets the stage for Solomon's reign and the establishment of his administration. Proverbs 11:14This verse emphasizes the importance of having many advisors, which is reflected in Solomon's reliance on a team of capable leaders, including Azariah and Zabud. People Abda, Abel, Abiathar, Abinadab, Adoniram, Ahiah, Ahijah, Ahilud, Ahimaaz, Ahinadab, Ahishar, Amorites, Argob, Asher, Azariah, Baana, Baanah, Basmath, Ben, Benaiah, Benjamin, Calcol, Chalcol, Dan, Darda, Dekar, Elah, Elihoreph, Elon, Ethan, Geber, Hanan, Heman, Hepher, Hesed, Hur, Hushai, Iddo, Issachar, Jair, Jehoiada, Jehoshaphat, Jezreel, Mahol, Manasseh, Naphtali, Nathan, Og, Paruah, Shimei, Shisha, Sihon, Solomon, Taphath, Uri, Zabud, ZadokPlaces Abel-meholah, Argob, Arubboth, Bashan, Bealoth, Beersheba, Beth-shan, Beth-shemesh, Dan, Egypt, Elonbeth-hanan, Euphrates River, Gaza, Gilead, Hepher, Jerusalem, Jezreel, Jokmeam, Lebanon, Mahanaim, Makaz, Megiddo, Naphath-dor, Ramoth-gilead, Shaalbim, Socoh, Taanach, Tiphsah, ZarethanTopics Adviser, Authority, Azariah, Azari'ah, Charge, Chief, Deputies, Different, District, Divisions, Friend, King's, Minister, Nathan, Officer, Officers, Personal, Priest, Principal, Superintendents, ZabudDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 4:5 5489 rank
5780 advisers 1 Kings 4:1-25 7236 Israel, united kingdom 1 Kings 4:2-5 5433 occupations 1 Kings 4:5-19 5434 officer Library The Great Gain of Godliness
'And Judah and Israel dwelt safely, every man under his vine and under his fig tree, from Dan even to Beer-sheba, all the days of Solomon. 26. And Solomon had forty thousand stalls of horses for his chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen. 27. And those officers provided victual for king Solomon, and for all that came unto king Solomon's table, every man in his month: they lacked nothing. 28. Barley also and straw for the horses and dromedaries brought they unto the place where the officers were, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureWhether He who Raises the Unworthy to Orders Commits a Sin?
Objection 1: It would seem that he who raises the unworthy to orders commits no sin. For a bishop needs assistants appointed to the lesser offices. But he would be unable to find them in sufficient number, if he were to require of them such qualifications as the saints enumerate. Therefore if he raise some who are not qualified, he would seem to be excusable. Objection 2: Further, the Church needs not only ministers for the dispensation of things spiritual, but also for the supervision of temporalities. …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether Vengeance Should be Taken on those who have Sinned Involuntarily?
Objection 1: It seems that vengeance should be taken on those who have sinned involuntarily. For the will of one man does not follow from the will of another. Yet one man is punished for another, according to Ex. 20:5, "I am . . . God . . . jealous, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, unto the third and fourth generation." Thus for the sin of Cham, his son Chanaan was curse (Gn. 9:25) and for the sin of Giezi, his descendants were struck with leprosy (4 Kings 5). Again the blood …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Stedfastness in the Old Paths.
"Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls."--Jer. vi. 16. Reverence for the old paths is a chief Christian duty. We look to the future indeed with hope; yet this need not stand in the way of our dwelling on the past days of the Church with affection and deference. This is the feeling of our own Church, as continually expressed in the Prayer Book;--not to slight what has gone before, …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII Adam and Zaretan, Joshua 3
I suspect a double error in some maps, while they place these two towns in Perea; much more, while they place them at so little a distance. We do not deny, indeed, that the city Adam was in Perea; but Zaretan was not so. Of Adam is mention, Joshua 3:16; where discourse is had of the cutting-off, or cutting in two, the waters of Jordan, that they might afford a passage to Israel; The waters rose up upon a heap afar off in Adam. For the textual reading "In Adam," the marginal hath "From Adam." You …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica The Fact of the Redeemer's Return was Typified in the Lives of Joseph and Solomon.
In the Old Testament there are numerous references to the Second Coming of Christ, references both direct and typical, but in every instance it was His return to the earth which was in view. The secret coming of Christ into the air, to catch up the saints to Himself, was an event quite unknown to the Old Testament prophets, an event kept secret until revealed by God to the apostle Paul who, when writing to the Corinthians upon this particular aspect of our subject, said, "Behold, I show you a mystery …
Arthur W. Pink—The Redeemer's Return Perhaps There is no Book Within the Whole Canon of Scripture So Perplexing and Anomalous...
Perhaps there is no book within the whole canon of Scripture so perplexing and anomalous, at first sight, as that entitled "Ecclesiastes." Its terrible hopelessness, its bold expression of those difficulties with which man is surrounded on every side, the apparent fruitlessness of its quest after good, the unsatisfactory character, from a Christian standpoint, of its conclusion: all these points have made it, at one and the same time, an enigma to the superficial student of the Word, and the arsenal …
F. C. Jennings—Old Groans and New Songs The Care of the Soul Urged as the one Thing Needful
Luke 10:42 -- "But one thing is needful." It was the amiable character of our blessed Redeemer, that "he went about doing good," this great motive, which animated all his actions, brought him to the house of his friend Lazarus, at Bethany, and directed his behavior there. Though it was a season of recess from public labor, our Lord brought the sentiments and the pious cares of a preacher of righteousness into the parlor of a friend; and there his doctrine dropped as the rain, and distilled as the …
George Whitefield—Selected Sermons of George Whitefield The Spiced Wine of My Pomegranate;
OR, THE COMMUNION OF COMMUNICATION. I would cause Thee to drink of spiced wine of the juice of my pomegranate."--Song of Solomon viii. 2.And of His fulness have all we received, and grace for grace."--John i. 16. THE SPICED WINE OF MY POMEGRANATE. THE immovable basis of communion having been laid of old in the eternal union which subsisted between Christ and His elect, it only needed a fitting occasion to manifest itself in active development. The Lord Jesus had for ever delighted Himself with the …
Charles Hadden Spurgeon—Till He Come A vision of Judgement and Cleansing
'And he shewed me Joshua the high priest standing before the Angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him. 2. And the Lord said unto Satan, The Lord rebuke thee, O Satan; even the Lord that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire? 3. Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the Angel. 4. And He answered and spake unto those that stood before Him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him He said, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Historical Books.
1. In the Pentateuch we have the establishment of the Theocracy, with the preparatory and accompanying history pertaining to it. The province of the historical books is to unfold its practiced working, and to show how, under the divine superintendence and guidance, it accomplished the end for which it was given. They contain, therefore, primarily, a history of God's dealings with the covenant people under the economy which he had imposed upon them. They look at the course of human events on the …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible The Poetical Books (Including Also Ecclesiastes and Canticles).
1. The Hebrews reckon but three books as poetical, namely: Job, Psalms, and Proverbs, which are distinguished from the rest by a stricter rhythm--the rhythm not of feet, but of clauses (see below, No. 3)--and a peculiar system of accentuation. It is obvious to every reader that the poetry of the Old Testament, in the usual sense of the word, is not restricted to these three books. But they are called poetical in a special and technical sense. In any natural classification of the books of the …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 1 Kings 4:5 NIV1 Kings 4:5 NLT1 Kings 4:5 ESV1 Kings 4:5 NASB1 Kings 4:5 KJV
1 Kings 4:5 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
