1 Kings 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: And Azariah the son of Nathan was over the officers: and Zabud the son of Nathan was principal officer, and the king’s friend:
The verse belongs to the account of Solomon's reign over the undivided kingdom in 1 Kings 1-11, at the beginning of his reign after his succession was secured and his choice and proof of wisdom. Its chapter briefly and comprehensively describes Solomon's officers and the condition of the kingdom, including his power, wealth, and wisdom. The verse names two high officers in that administration placed up and down the country, Azariah son of Nathan over the officers and Zabud son of Nathan as principal officer and the king's friend, both holding distinguished and prominent positions in the royal court. This organization displays Solomon's greatness as well as his wisdom in administration. The organization produces a numerous and contented people while his fame spreads into neighboring lands.
Together with 2 Chronicles 3, the verse is evidence that Solomon's temple built after God's pattern had two holy places like the Mosaic tabernacle, which supports that the heavenly sanctuary also has two holy places. Although Nathan's sons held such prominence, the account records no counsel from Nathan himself to Solomon during the reign. The verse falls in the reading covering chapters 3 through 5 assigned for May 1.