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Book of 1 Kings - Chapter 4 - Verse 5

4:5
And Azariah the son of Nathan was over the officers; and Zabud the son of Nathan was principal officer, and the king's friend:

Meaning

In this verse, we see the mention of Azariah the son of Nathan and Zabud the son of Nathan, who held important positions in the kingdom. Azariah was in charge of the officers, indicating that he was responsible for overseeing the military forces and ensuring order and discipline among the soldiers. Zabud, on the other hand, held the position of principal officer and was considered a close friend of the king. This suggests that Zabud had the king's trust and confidence and played a crucial role in advising and assisting the king in matters of governance and decision-making. Both Azariah and Zabud were likely individuals of high standing and influence in the court, enjoying the king's favor and holding key positions that allowed them to wield considerable authority and influence within the kingdom. Their roles highlight the importance of having trusted and capable individuals to help govern the kingdom effectively.

Theological Overview

In this verse, we see two individuals, Azariah and Zabud, who hold positions of authority in the king's court. Azariah, the son of Nathan, is described as being over the officers, indicating that he likely had a role in supervising and managing the officials who served under him. Zabud, also the son of Nathan, is referred to as the principal officer and the king's friend. The title of principal officer suggests that Zabud held a high-ranking position in the royal administration, perhaps serving as a chief adviser to the king. The mention of Zabud being the king's friend highlights the close relationship he had with the king, indicating that he was not only a trusted counselor but also a personal confidant. These roles and titles provide insight into the hierarchical structure and dynamics of the king's court during this period, shedding light on the political and social context in which these individuals operated.

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;
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