Keraia
2 Samuel 8

2 Samuel 8:16

David’s Officers · 2 Samuel 8:15–18
Read 2 Samuel 8

Translations

Modern
Joab son of Zeruiah was over the army; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the recorder;
Traditional
And Joab the son of Zeruiah was over the host; and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder;
Literal
And Joab son of Zeruiah was over the army; and Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was recorder;
Latin
Joab autem filius Sarviæ erat super exercitum: porro Josaphat filius Ahilud erat a commentariis:

Original

Hebrew
English
Joab son of Zeruiah was over the army; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the recorder;

Notes

2 Samuel 8:15–18

David organized his government with several key officials:

  1. Joab led the army as the military commander.

  2. Jehoshaphat kept records of important events as the court historian.

  3. Zadok and Ahimelech served as priests.

  4. Seraiah handled official documents and correspondence as the court secretary.

  5. Benaiah was the security officer in charge of the royal guard. He later became a commander under Solomon (see also 1 Kings 2:25–46).

2 Samuel 8:1–18

David’s military victories expanded his kingdom (2 Samuel 8:1–14). He also set up an organized group of officials who helped govern the nation (2 Samuel 8:15–18). Together, these developments fulfilled God’s promise to make David’s name well known and honored (2 Samuel 7:9; see also 8:13).

Theme notes and profiles

David Joab

Events

Parallels

1 Chronicles 18:14–17

People

Ahilud: Father of Jehoshaphat and Baana, officials under David and Solomon Jehoshaphat: Recorder for David and Solomon Joab: Son of Zeruiah, commander of David's army Zeruiah: Sister of David; mother of Joab, Abishai, and Asahel

Glossary

Ahilud David God, Names of Jehoshaphat (Person) Joab Land Numbers and Numerology Recorder Samuel, Books of First and Second Scribe Zeruiah

Topics

Ahilud: Father of Jehoshaphat Armies: How officered: Commander-In-Chief Cabinet: David's David: King of Israel: Civil and Military officers of Jehoshaphat: David's Recorder Joab: Son of David's Sister: Commander of David's Army King: Chief officers of The Captain of the Army King: Chief officers of The Recorder Kings: Officers of Captain of the Host Kings: Officers of Recorder Nepotism of David Officer: Civil: Appointed by Kings