Scripture
1 Kings 4:5
“Azariah the son of Nathan was over the officers; Zabud the son of Nathan was priest and king’s friend;”
Observation
What a fascinating detail to include in this list! Amid the names of King Solomon’s officers, leaders, and administrators, comes the name of Zabud: A priest…and the friend of the king.
Solomon’s father, King David, also had a friend: Hushai, the Archite.
These men were not just passing mentions in the historic record–they were the known and trusted inside circle. They were the one that the king could be open and transparent with, the one that the king could bounce ideas off of, before making a public decision. They were the one that the king could count on to be loyal, when the tide of public opinion turned.
Application
If the king of Israel needed a specific and intentional friend to rely on, how much more do I need to be intentional in the circle that I place around me! Our world places a high value on social interaction–but the king placed value on friendship.
There’s a difference! My social circle may be large, but it is not always stable or worthy of deep trust. My social circle plays an important role–but my friends are those that I can truly count on.
It’s amazing to me that out of an entire kingdom (…and all the surrounding kingdoms of allies!), King Solomon lists one friend. He undoubtedly had healthy interaction each day with many people who played a vital role–but he had one friend.
Friendship doesn’t happen by chance. It takes wisdom, courage, boldness, risk, commitment, and a long-term investment of time. The cost is high–but the payoff is incalculable!
This week, I choose to invest in specific and intentional friendships. They are not many in number, but they are priceless in value.
Prayer
God, thank you for friendship! Give me wisdom in navigating the friendships I hold dear–to take the risk of letting those into my inner circle who belong there, and discernment to allow those into my larger social circle to remain in the right role for them. You created me to live in relationship, and in community!
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