Lexical Summary Zabud: Zabud Original Word: זָבוּד Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Zabud From zabad; given, Zabud, an Israelite -- Zabud. see HEBREW zabad NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom zabad Definition "bestowed," an officer of Solomon NASB Translation Zabud (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs זָבוּד proper name, masculine (bestowed) an officer of Solomon 1 Kings 4:5. Topical Lexicon Biblical Context Zabud appears once in Scripture, at the opening of Solomon’s reign during the catalog of high officials: “Azariah son of Nathan was in charge of the district governors; Zabud son of Nathan, a priest, was the king’s friend” (1 Kings 4:5). This list frames Solomon’s government as orderly, divinely blessed, and staffed by trusted servants, underscoring Zabud’s significance despite the brevity of his mention. Historical Setting Solomon’s early administration (circa 970–960 BC) consolidated power after the tumult surrounding David’s death (1 Kings 1–2). By naming Zabud among the inner circle, Scripture testifies to the peaceful transition promised to David in 2 Samuel 7:12–13. Zabud, probably the younger son of the prophet Nathan who confronted David (2 Samuel 12:7), shows how the prophetic household continued to serve the throne. The title “priest” indicates liturgical authority, while “king’s friend” denotes political intimacy (compare 2 Samuel 15:37; 16:16; 1 Chronicles 27:33). Roles and Titles Priest: Although the Levitical pedigree is not stated, the term signals sanctuary service and spiritual counsel. King’s friend: An official post, combining personal loyalty with governmental influence—an archetype of covenantal friendship rooted in mutual faithfulness (Proverbs 17:17). Ministry Significance 1. Prophetic lineage in royal counsel demonstrates God’s integration of Word and governance. Character Traits Suggested by Text • Covenant loyalty—rooted in his father Nathan’s faithfulness. Theological Themes Covenant Continuity: The house of David relies on prophetic counsel (Zabud) just as David leaned on Nathan. Sacred-Secular Integration: Priestly service is not restricted to temple precincts; righteous influence permeates civil administration. Friendship with Authority: True friendship, grounded in covenant faithfulness, safeguards leadership from folly (Proverbs 27:6). Intertextual Echoes • Hushai the Arkite, another “friend” whose counsel protected the king (2 Samuel 15:32–37). Practical Reflections for Today • Leaders need spiritually grounded confidants. Legacy Though named only once, Zabud reminds readers that faithful service, however inconspicuous, advances God’s kingdom purposes. His example urges believers to cultivate both priestly devotion and trustworthy friendship, becoming instruments through which divine wisdom shapes human governance. Forms and Transliterations וְזָב֧וּד וזבוד vezaVud wə·zā·ḇūḏ wəzāḇūḏLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Kings 4:5 HEB: עַל־ הַנִּצָּבִ֑ים וְזָב֧וּד בֶּן־ נָתָ֛ן NAS: the deputies; and Zabud the son KJV: [was] over the officers: and Zabud the son INT: over the deputies and Zabud the son of Nathan 1 Occurrence |
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