1 Kings 4 2

1 Kings 4:2 kjv

And these were the princes which he had; Azariah the son of Zadok the priest,

1 Kings 4:2 nkjv

And these were his officials: Azariah the son of Zadok, the priest;

1 Kings 4:2 niv

And these were his chief officials: Azariah son of Zadok?the priest;

1 Kings 4:2 esv

and these were his high officials: Azariah the son of Zadok was the priest;

1 Kings 4:2 nlt

and these were his high officials: Azariah son of Zadok was the priest.

1 Kings 4 verses

1 Kings 4 2 Meaning

This verse introduces the inaugural entry in the comprehensive roster of key governmental officials serving King Solomon. It specifically names Azariah, the son of Zadok, designating him as "the priest." This highlights the structured and expansive nature of Solomon's administration, placing the high priestly office in a prominent initial position, thereby underscoring the spiritual and divinely ordained foundation of his prosperous kingdom.

1 Kings 4 2 Context

First Kings Chapter 4 vividly portrays the zenith of Solomon’s kingdom. Having established his throne through divine wisdom granted by God and the securing of internal threats, Solomon presides over a vast and peaceful realm. This chapter outlines the practical manifestation of God's blessings: a powerful administration, extensive resources, widespread peace, and immense daily provisions, alongside Solomon's renowned wisdom which extended even to the natural world. Verse 2 specifically marks the beginning of a crucial list detailing the personnel of this highly organized administration. Azariah, as the first official named, immediately indicates the continued spiritual underpinning of Solomon's state, linking it to the covenant heritage despite the flourishing of monarchical power. Historically, this level of formal bureaucracy was a significant development, contrasting with the more tribal and less centralized governance of earlier periods in Israel's history, highlighting the transition from a simpler tribal confederacy to an imperial power.

1 Kings 4 2 Word analysis

• and these were: Hebrew: v'eileh (וְאֵלֶּה). The conjunction "and" links this new detail to the preceding description of Solomon's vast dominion. "These" points to the ensuing list, setting the stage for specific details.

• his chief officials: Hebrew: haśśārim ‘ašer lô (הַשָּׂרִים אֲשֶׁר לוֹ).

  • chief officials: Hebrew: śārim (שָׂרִים), plural of śar (שַׂר). This term signifies high-ranking officials, princes, or chiefs, denoting those with significant authority and responsibility in the administration. Its usage emphasizes the hierarchical and structured nature of Solomon's government.
  • his: Hebrew: ’ašer lô (אֲשֶׁר לוֹ), literally "who belonged to him." This indicates their subservience and appointment by the king, underscoring royal authority.

• Azariah: Hebrew: ‘Azaryahû (עֲזַרְיָהוּ). A common Israelite name, meaning "Yahweh has helped." Here it denotes a specific historical individual who held a pivotal position.

• the son of: Hebrew: ben (בֶּן). This denotes direct paternal lineage, which was crucial in establishing social standing, tribal identity, and legitimate claims to office in ancient Israel, especially for priestly roles.

• Zadok: Hebrew: Tsadoq (צָדֹוק). Meaning "righteous" or "just." Zadok was a faithful priest to King David, steadfast during Absalom's rebellion and instrumental in anointing Solomon as king (1 Ki 1:39). His loyalty and divine favor established his priestly line as paramount, ultimately replacing the line of Eli/Abiathar (1 Ki 2:35).

• the priest: Hebrew: hakkōhēn (הַכֹּהֵן). The definite article "the" highlights his distinct, prominent, and singular role as the (high) priest, chief among all priests, holding supreme religious authority and mediating between God and the nation. This signifies that the priestly office retained its fundamental importance even within a powerful monarchy.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "and these were his chief officials": This phrase marks a pivot from describing Solomon’s overall reign to detailing its organizational components. It establishes the King's active role in forming a structured bureaucracy to manage his vast kingdom and prosperity, a hallmark of effective monarchical rule. The term "officials" highlights a developed administration beyond the informal structures of earlier periods.
  • "Azariah son of Zadok—the priest": This entire phrase serves as the initial, and thus foundational, identification within the king’s staff. The direct linkage of Azariah to Zadok's esteemed priestly line legitimized his position not only through royal appointment but also through covenant heritage and divine favor associated with Zadok. Placing "the priest" first implies the integral and esteemed place of the spiritual office within Solomon's governmental structure, reflecting a comprehensive vision of the kingdom where sacred and secular duties are intertwined.

1 Kings 4 2 Bonus section

• The naming of Azariah as "the priest" at the head of the list subtly underlines the legitimization of Solomon's rule, given Zadok's pivotal role in his anointing (1 Ki 1). It indicates a stability where both royal and priestly lines, divinely established, work in conjunction.
• This verse contributes to the biblical depiction of a move from the charismatic and often decentralized leadership seen in the book of Judges and early David, towards a more formalized, bureaucratic, and centralized monarchical system under Solomon. This transition enabled the management of a larger, more complex empire.
• The prominence of "the priest" here also prefigures the ultimate Davidic King, Jesus Christ, who serves as both King and High Priest (Heb 4:14, Zech 6:13), perfectly uniting both functions for His spiritual kingdom.

1 Kings 4 2 Commentary

First Kings 4:2, introducing Azariah as "the priest" among Solomon's chief officials, immediately reveals the comprehensive and well-ordered nature of Solomon's administration. This formal listing, starting with the spiritual head, signifies that even amidst the king’s growing secular power and widespread prosperity, the priesthood remained a cornerstone of national life. Azariah's inclusion, building on the faithful legacy of his father Zadok, ensured that divine law and counsel were theoretically integral to the functioning of the state. This highlights Solomon’s understanding that true stability and blessing come from acknowledging God's role. It presents a balanced view of effective governance—rooted in the king’s divinely given wisdom, manifested through a capable earthly bureaucracy, yet consecrated by spiritual leadership. The seamless transition from military triumphs to administrative excellence under Solomon echoes God's intention for ordered human societies that honor Him. This order fostered the unprecedented peace and prosperity described in subsequent verses, underscoring that blessed governance relies on a harmonious integration of effective earthly administration and a clear alignment with divine principles. For instance, just as a body functions well when its various parts are correctly aligned and healthy, a nation prospers when its governance integrates spiritual and practical wisdom for the common good.