Albert Barnes Commentary 1 Kings 4

Solomon was king over “all Israel” from the beginning, unlike David, who for seven and a half years reigned over Judah only. This distinction serves as a fitting introduction to the glory of Solomon and the organization of his court, which the historian proceeds to sketch in this chapter. Solomon appointed certain “princes” or officers of the first rank, who derived their position from him and probably held it at his pleasure.

Azariah, the son of Zadok, the priest - The title “the priest” here belongs to Azariah, not to Zadok. The Hebrew term used, כהן (kôhên), can mean either a priest or a civil officer with a semi-priestly character (see the note on 2 Samuel 8:18). In this instance, however, the term has the definite article prefixed, which means it can only be translated as “the high priest.”

Azariah, who is called the “son” but was actually the “grandson” of Zadok, appears to have succeeded him in the priesthood (1 Chronicles 6:10). His position as high priest at the time this list was compiled gives Azariah the foremost place in it.

Shisha, or Shavsha (1 Chronicles 18:16), seems also to have been called Sheva (2 Samuel 20:25) and Seraiah (2 Samuel 8:17).

The “scribes” were probably royal “secretaries” (margin), who drew up the king’s edicts, wrote his letters, and perhaps managed his finances (1 Kings 12:10). They were among his most influential counselors.

By “recorder” or “remembrancer” (margin), we must understand “court annalist” (marginal reference “a”).

It is curious to find Abiathar in this list of princes, after what has been said of his disgrace (1 Kings 2:27, 35). Some have supposed that after a while Solomon pardoned him. Perhaps the true explanation is that the historian here enumerates all those who were considered “princes” at any point during Solomon’s reign.

The son of Nathan – It is uncertain whether the Nathan of this verse is the prophet or the son of David mentioned in 2 Samuel 5:14. On the one hand, the position of "king’s friend" was more likely held by a contemporary, such as the prophet’s son, than by someone much younger, like the son of a younger brother. On the other hand, the title "cohen" seems to point to a member of the royal family. (See the next note.)

Azariah, who was "over the officers," was the chief of the officials mentioned in 1 Kings 4:8–19. This is apparent because the term used here is identical to the title given to them in 1 Kings 4:7.

Principal officer – Or, "cohen." The fact that the title kôhên was held by the sons of David in 2 Samuel 8:18, who could not be "priests" in the ordinary sense of the word, seems to identify the Nathan of this verse with David’s son from 2 Samuel 5:14 rather than with the prophet.