Matthew Henry on 1 Kings 4:1-19
Here we have,
I. Solomon upon his throne (Kg1 4:1): So king Solomon was king, that is, he was confirmed and established king over all Israel, and not, as his successors, only over two tribes. He was a king, that is, he did the work and duty of a king, with the wisdom God had given him. Those preserve the name and honour of their place that mind the business of it and make conscience of it.
II. The great officers of his court, in the choice of whom, no doubt, his wisdom much appeared. It is observable, 1. That several of them are the same that were in his father's time. Zadok and Abiathar were then priests (Sa2 20:25), so they were now; only then Abiathar had the precedency, now Zadok. Jehosh…
Read the whole note in the consoleJamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 4:5
over the officers--that is, the provincial governors enumerated in Kg1 4:17-19.
principal officer, and the king's friend--perhaps president of the privy council, and Solomon's confidential friend or favorite. This high functionary had probably been reared along with Solomon. That he should heap those honors on the sons of Nathan was most natural, considering the close intimacy of the father with the late king, and the deep obligations under which Solomon personally lay to the prophet.
Adam Clarke on 1 Kings 4:5
Azariah - was over the officers - He had the superintendence of the twelve officers mentioned below; see Kg1 4:7.
Zabud - was principal officer - Perhaps what we call premier, or prime minister.
The king's friend - His chief favourite - his confidant.
John Gill on 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.