Verse 5
5. Son of Nathan This Nathan may have been either the prophet or son of David mentioned 2 Samuel 5:14.
Over the officers That is, the twelve officers mentioned in 1 Kings 4:7. So he was a sort of commissary-general for the whole kingdom.
Principal officer Here the word כהן , which usually means priest, manifestly has a different signification. By comparing 2 Samuel 8:18 with 1 Chronicles 18:17, we infer that it means a high officer whom the king treats as his intimate counsellor and confidential adviser. David chose his own sons for this office; and where is the monarch or chieftain who has not had some person or persons to serve him in this capacity? During his short triumph Absalom virtually set Ahithophel and Hushai in this office. That the king always, or even usually, followed the counsels of this officer is not to be supposed.
His work was to suggest, not to adopt or decide, plans for his sovereign. He is further described as being the king’s friend that is, his personal confidant and favourite.
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