Bible Dictionary
Zabud
Zabud was a son of Nathan who served Solomon as a chief officer and the king’s friend. He held a trusted position in the royal court during Solomon’s reign.
Definition
Zabud was a son of Nathan who held a confidential position at Solomon’s court. He is described as the king’s friend and as a chief minister or principal officer; the margin gives “priest” as another possible rendering.
Biblical Usage
Zabud appears in the account of Solomon’s officials as the king’s friend and trusted court officer. His position represents a recognized office of confidence within the royal administration.
Historical Background
The title “king’s friend” had previously been associated with Hushai the Archite during David’s reign. The supplied material describes it as an old Canaanite title also found in the Tell el-Amarna Letters, though the wording concerning Zabud’s priestly office is textually disputed.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Gift, the son of Nathan, who was “king’s friend” in the court of Solomon (1 Kings 4:5).
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(given), son of Nathan, (1 Kings 4:5) is described as a priest (Authorized Version “principal officer”), and as holding at the court of Solomon the confidential post of “king’s friend,” which had been occupied by Hushai the Archite during the reign of David. (2 Samuel 15:37; 16:16; 1 Chronicles 27:33) (B.C. 1012.)
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>za'-bud (zabhudh, "bestowed"):</p><p>(1) A son of Nathan (the prophet, probably) said in Kings to be chief minister to Solomon and also the king's friend (1Ki 4:5; 1Ch 2:36). The American Revised Version margin has "priest" for "chief minister." Benzinger (Kurz. Hand-Commentary, 18) holds that "this expression is a marginal gloss here," while Kittel (Handkomm., 31) holds it to be genuine, though it is wanting in the Septuagint. Some suggest cokhen (see SHEBNA) for kohen. The expression "king's friend" (compare 2Sa 15:37; 16:16) is, says Kittel, an old Canaanite title, found also in the Tell el-Amarna Letters.</p><p>(2) See ZACCUR, (4); PRIESTS AND LEVITES.</p><p>David Francis Roberts</p>