(REFLECTIONS ON 1 Kings 4:1-34)

Among Solomon’s officials was a priest named Zabud, the son of Nathan. Interestingly, Scripture says that Zabud was “the king’s friend” (1 Kings 4:5). However, “friend of the king” was not merely referring to a personal friendship, but likely an official royal position.

This official royal position of “friend of the king” is also noted in 1 Chronicles 27:33,

“Ahithophel was counselor to the king; and Hushai the Archite was the king’s friend.”

Zabud was likely King Solomon’s trusted adviser, close counselor, and someone who had personal access to the king and influence within the royal court. It is not surprising, then, that the friend of the king was the son of Nathan, who was likely Nathan the prophet.

Nathan the prophet was deeply connected to the royal court and is known for confronting King David over sin, helping establish Solomon as the rightful king, and faithfully speaking the word of the Lord.

In the New Testament, Jesus also calls us His friends in John 15:15,

“No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you.”

We are friends of Jesus, and Jesus is a friend to us. He is our Counselor, trusted Adviser, and the One who has personal access to us and influence in our lives. Thus, when Jesus calls us His friends, He is not merely saying that we have a casual companion, but that we have access to the King of kings and Lord of lords.

He is not only our Friend, but also our King, Master, and Lord. Yet unlike Zabud, who gave counsel to Solomon, our King is the One who gives counsel to us. What a relationship we have with Jesus Christ! What a friend we have in Jesus! He is the King, yet He is also the One who paid the sacrifice for our sins.

Let us consider that for a moment. Jesus is the King, yet He is also the King who gave Himself for us. What a friend we have in Jesus!

Let us then worship Him, listen to His command to love one another, and respond with obedience and devotion in our lives, because what a friend we have in Jesus!

Pastor Michael Lu
Enduring Word Bible Commentary: 1 Kings 4