1 Kings 4:5

“And Azariah the son of Nathan [was] over the officers, etc.] The twelve officers who provided food for Solomon’s household after mentioned: and Zabud the son of Nathan; another of the sons of Nathan the prophet: for he being a principal instrument of settling Solomon on the throne, had interest enough to promote his sons to the chief places of honour and trust: and this here [was] principal officer, [and] the king’s friend; a chief minister about him, very intimate with him, that kept him company, privately conversed with him, was in his secrets, and admitted to great privacy and nearness to him.”

“over the officers--that is, the provincial governors enumerated in Kg1 4:17-19. principal officer, and the king's friend--perhaps president of the privy council, and Solomon's confidential friend or favorite. This high functionary had probably been reared along with Solomon. That he should heap those honors on the sons of Nathan was most natural, considering the close intimacy of the father with the late king, and the deep obligations under which Solomon personally lay to the prophet.”

“The son of Nathan - It is uncertain whether the Nathan of this verse is the prophet or the son of David 2 Samuel 5:14. While on the one hand the position of “king’s friend” is more likely to have been held by a contemporary, which the prophet’s son would have been, than by one so much younger as 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 chief, that is, of the “officers” mentioned in 1 Kings 4:8-19, as appears from the identity of the term here used with the title by which they are designated in 1 Kings 4:7. Principal officer - Or, “cohen.” The fact that the…”

“Officers - Over those twelve Officers, named Kg1 4:7, &c. who were all to give up their accompts to him. Nathan - The prophet, who had been so highly instrumental in Solomon's establishment in the throne. Principal officer - Possibly, president of the king's council. Friend - His confident, with whom he used to communicate his most secret counsels. 3 Kings (1 Kings) 4:6”

“4:5 Two sons of Nathan also served in Solomon’s inner circle. Azariah supervised the twelve district governors, while Zabud . . . was a trusted adviser, a post held by Hushai under David (2 Sam 15:37).”

“son of Nathan: 1Kings 1:10-53; Sa2 7:2, Sa2 12:1-15, Sa2 12:25 the officers: Kg1 4:7 the principal: Sa2 8:18, Sa2 20:26 the king's: Sa2 15:37, Sa2 16:16, Sa2 19:37, Sa2 19:38; Ch1 27:33; Pro 22:11; Joh 13:23; Joh 15:14, Joh 15:15; Jam 2:23 3 Kings (1 Kings) 4:6”