Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was in command of the army; Zadok and Abiathar were priests;
Here we have, I. Solomon upon his throne (Kg1 4:1): So king Solomon was king, that is, he was confirmed and established king over all Israel, and not, as his successors, only over two tribes. He was a king, that is, he did the work and duty of a king, with the wisdom God had given him.
Commenting on 1 Kings 4:1-19
And Azariah the son of Nathan was over the officers,.... The twelve officers who provided food for Solomon's household after mentioned: and Zabud the son of Nathan; another of the sons of Nathan the prophet: for he being a principal instrument of settling Solomon on the throne, had interest enough to promote his sons to the chief places of honour and trust: and this here...
Benaiah . . . was over the host--formerly captain of the guard. He had succeeded Joab as commander of the forces. Zadok and Abiathar were the priests--Only the first discharged the sacred functions; the latter had been banished to his country seat and retained nothing more than the name of high priest.