Solomon's chief officials 4:1-6

Delegation of authority is a mark of wisdom. Azariah (v. 2) was apparently Zadok's grandson (1 Chron. 6:8-9). "The priest"is a common designation for the high priest. Secretaries (v. 3) prepared official documents and records while recorders (v. 3) maintained diaries of daily events in the kingdom. Even though Solomon had dismissed Abiathar (v. 4) from his official duties he retained his title and honor. Zabud (v. 5) was probably the king's personal chaplain and adviser.⁵⁴Forced laborers (corvée, v. 6) were non-Israelites whom the king conscripted to work for the government (cf. 5:13-14; 9:15; 1 Chron. 2:2; 8:8).