Definition: And Azariah the son of Nathan [was] over the officers: and Zabud the son of Nathan [was] principal officer, [and] the king’s friend:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Kings 4:5. It’s a really important moment in the story of David and God’s plan for Israel. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a situation where David is dealing with two advisors – Azariah and Zabud. They are both very important to him, essentially serving as his trusted lieutenants and close confidants. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And Azariah the son of Nathan…” - This identifies one of the advisors. "Azariah" is a name – likely a nickname or title – and "the son of Nathan" tells us he's a descendant of Nathan, who was known for his wisdom and insight. "...was over the officers:" - This means he held a position of leadership and control within the group of advisors. He was responsible for making decisions and overseeing their work. “And Zabud the son of Nathan [was] principal officer, [and] the king’s friend:” – This is the key part! "Zabud" is another name for this advisor. “Principal Officer” means he held a very important and powerful position – essentially, he was David's most trusted person. Crucially , “the king’s friend” means he had a special relationship with the King. So, what’s happening? This verse paints a picture of a situation where David is being subtly challenged or perhaps even manipulated by his advisors. It suggests that there's a potential for conflict or a shift in power within the group. It hints at a growing tension and possibly an attempt to undermine David’s authority. Context – Why is this significant? This passage comes before David begins to openly defy the King, setting the stage for the events that follow in 1 Kings 4. It's a moment of strategic maneuvering by the advisors, leading towards potential problems for David and ultimately, the downfall of his reign. --- Do you want me to: Explain why this verse is important in biblical history? Give you another example of a verse with similar themes?