Elihoreph and Ahijah the sons of Shisha were secretaries; Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder;
English Standard Version (ESV)
It's easy to skim over these names, but notice how the verse highlights not just who served, but their specific roles in David's administration: secretaries and a recorder. This detail shows us that skilled leadership isn't just about the king, but also about having competent people in crucial, behind-the-scenes positions that keep the kingdom running smoothly.
Elihoreph and Ahijah the sons of Shisha were secretaries; Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder;
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse is part of a larger census and list of King Solomon's officials and officers during his prosperous reign. Following the account of Solomon's wisdom and the building of the temple, this chapter details the organization of his government and household. It highlights the administrative structure that supported Solomon's rule and the nation's flourishing, with these individuals serving in key roles.
In ancient Israel, who kept the kingdom's records? The answer reveals a lot about how power and information were managed.
This verse names two men, Elihoreph and Ahijah, as 'secretaries' (or scribes). This wasn't just about writing; it was a crucial role in the administration of the kingdom.
The Scribe's Influence
Beyond the scribe, another official is mentioned. What unique role did the 'recorder' play in Solomon's court?
The verse also names Jehoshaphat as the 'recorder.' While the scribe (secretary) focused on writing and managing documents, the recorder had a different, though related, function.
The Recorder's Duty
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Understand the original words
sopher · Hebrew Noun
A person tasked with writing, recording, and managing official documents or royal correspondence. In a royal court, they held significant administrative and political influence.
mazkir · Hebrew Noun
One who chronicles events, keeps the annals of the king, or serves as a remembrance keeper for the administration. They played a vital role in maintaining the royal history and administrative memory.
This verse details key administrative officials during Solomon's prosperous reign, highlighting the organized structure needed for his ambitious projects like the Temple, contrasting with the later division of the kingdom.
c. 970 BC
Death of King David
King David, who had established Jerusalem as the capital and unified the tribes of Israel, passes away after a long and influential reign.
c. 970-931 BC
Reign of King Solomon
Solomon, David's son, ascends to the throne. His reign is marked by great wisdom, prosperity, and significant building projects, including the First Temple in Jerusalem.
c. 967 BC— this verse
Construction of the Temple Begins
Solomon commences the construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem, a monumental undertaking that requires extensive organization and administration.
c. 960 BC
Completion of the Temple
The First Temple is completed and dedicated, symbolizing the height of Israel's spiritual and national identity under Solomon's rule.
c. 931 BC
Division of the Kingdom
Following Solomon's death, the united kingdom splits into two: the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah, leading to political instability.
This passage also lists David's officials, including Joah the son of Ahilud as recorder, highlighting the continuity of governmental roles within families.
2 Samuel 20:24This verse mentions Adoram as the overseer of the forced labor, showing another key administrative role in the kingdom, complementing the secretarial and recording functions.
1 Chronicles 18:15Similar to 2 Samuel 8:16, this parallel account lists the same Davidic officials, confirming the established structure of leadership and administration.
Ezra 7:6Ezra himself is described as a scribe skilled in the Law of Moses, underscoring the enduring importance of scribal and secretarial roles in religious and administrative life throughout Israel's history.
It's easy to skim over these names, but notice how the verse highlights not just who served, but their specific roles in David's administration: secretaries and a recorder. This detail shows us that skilled leadership isn't just about the king, but also about having competent people in crucial, behind-the-scenes positions that keep the kingdom running smoothly.
This verse is part of a larger census and list of King Solomon's officials and officers during his prosperous reign. Following the account of Solomon's wisdom and the building of the temple, this chapter details the organization of his government and household. It highlights the administrative structure that supported Solomon's rule and the nation's flourishing, with these individuals serving in key roles.
This verse is part of a larger census and list of King Solomon's officials and officers during his prosperous reign. Following the account of Solomon's wisdom and the building of the temple, this chapter details the organization of his government and household. It highlights the administrative structure that supported Solomon's rule and the nation's flourishing, with these individuals serving in key roles.
"Elihoreph and Ahijah the sons of Shisha were secretaries; Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder;" — It's easy to skim over these names, but notice how the verse highlights not just who served, but their specific roles in David's administration: secretaries and a recorder. This detail shows us t…
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Last reviewed October 2026