Bible Strands
1 Kings 4:2
and these were his chief officials: Azariah son of Zadok was the priest;
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The narrative records Solomon’s administrative appointments during the consolidation of his reign over Israel. The author lists his chief officials to document the structure of his royal government.
The words — שָׂרִים (sa.Rim) translates literally as “officials” or “commanders,” designating the administrative hierarchy. כֹּהֵן (ko.Hen) means “priest,” specifying Azariah’s religious office.
The thread — The appointment of capable leaders echoes Exodus 18:21, which mandates selecting trustworthy men for governance. This administrative pattern resurfaces in 1 Corinthians 12:28 regarding appointed church roles and reflects the justice administration described in 2 Samuel 8:15.
Why it lands — The text documents how royal authority is structured through designated officials and priests. It requires the reader to recognize the deliberate organization of governance and the continuity of religious office within Israel’s history.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And these were the princes which he had; Azariah the son of Zadok the priest,
Cross-references
- Exodus 18:21 Furthermore, select capable men from among the people—God-fearing, trustworthy men who are averse to dishonest gain. Appoint them over the people as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens.
- 1 Corinthians 12:28 And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, and those with gifts of healing, helping, administration, and various tongues.
- 2 Samuel 8:15 Thus David reigned over all Israel and administered justice and righteousness for all his people:
- 2 Samuel 20:23 Now Joab was over the whole army of Israel; Benaiah son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and Pelethites;
- 1 Chronicles 6:8 Ahitub was the father of Zadok, Zadok was the father of Ahimaaz,
- 1 Chronicles 27:17 over Levi was Hashabiah son of Kemuel; over Aaron was Zadok;