1 Kings 4 3

1 Kings 4:3 kjv

Elihoreph and Ahiah, the sons of Shisha, scribes; Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud, the recorder.

1 Kings 4:3 nkjv

Elihoreph and Ahijah, the sons of Shisha, scribes; Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud, the recorder;

1 Kings 4:3 niv

Elihoreph and Ahijah, sons of Shisha?secretaries; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud?recorder;

1 Kings 4:3 esv

Elihoreph and Ahijah the sons of Shisha were secretaries; Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder;

1 Kings 4:3 nlt

Elihoreph and Ahijah, the sons of Shisha, were court secretaries.
Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the royal historian.

1 Kings 4 verses

1 Kings 4 3 Meaning

This verse introduces two pairs of key officials in King Solomon's burgeoning administration: Elihoreph and Ahijah, sons of Shisha, who served as scribes, and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud, who served as recorder. It highlights the professionalization and structuring of Solomon's government, underscoring the shift towards an established bureaucracy necessary for a vast and prosperous kingdom. These roles were vital for maintaining records, managing correspondence, and preserving the kingdom's history and laws.

1 Kings 4 3 Context

This verse is part of a list of high-ranking officials in Solomon's kingdom (1 Kgs 4:1-6). Immediately following a statement about Solomon's authority over all Israel, it underscores the stability, prosperity, and sophisticated organization that characterized his reign. This detailed administration, a feature not as pronounced in earlier Israelite monarchies, signifies a move towards a professionalized bureaucratic state. Solomon's renowned wisdom (1 Kgs 4:29-34) would have guided the establishment of such an orderly and efficient government, with these specific officials playing crucial roles in the management and communication within his vast empire.

1 Kings 4 3 Word analysis

• Elihoreph: (Heb. אֱלִיחֹרֶף, ’Ĕliḥōreph). The name likely means "God of autumn" or "God of winter." As one of the two chief scribes, his presence reflects Solomon's deliberate choice of qualified individuals for high administrative roles.
• Ahijah: (Heb. אֲחִיָּה, ’Aḥîyāh). Meaning "My brother is Yahweh" or "Brother of Yahweh." He is mentioned alongside Elihoreph as co-scribe. The presence of two chief scribes indicates a division of labor or specialized areas of record-keeping within Solomon's highly organized court.
• the sons of Shisha: This indicates a likely family dynasty holding the scribal office. The name Shisha is believed by some scholars to be a variant of Sheva or Shavsha, who served as David's scribe (2 Sam 8:17; 20:25; 1 Chr 18:16). This continuity highlights an established scribal tradition within the royal court, passed down through generations.
• were scribes: (Heb. סֹפְרִים, sopherim, plural of sopher). The "scribe" in ancient Near Eastern courts was a high official, much more than a mere copier. Scribes were secretaries of state, advisors, administrators, tax collectors, writers of decrees, compilers of annals, and even diplomat-historians. They were essential for drafting correspondence, maintaining records, managing the royal archives, and ensuring smooth administration of the kingdom. Their office demanded great literacy, administrative skill, and trustworthiness.
• Jehoshaphat: (Heb. יְהוֹשָׁפָט, Yəhôšāpāṭ). Meaning "Yahweh has judged" or "Yahweh judges." This is a different Jehoshaphat from the future king of Judah. His prominent position attests to his importance and skill within the administration.
• the son of Ahilud: Ahilud was the father of Jehoshaphat, who also served as recorder under King David. This suggests a continuation of the family holding this significant office, reinforcing the idea of a developing hereditary bureaucracy within the monarchy.
• was recorder: (Heb. מַזְכִּיר, mazkir). Literally "the one who causes to remember." This official served as a royal chronicler, spokesman, and often a liaison between the king and various administrative branches or the public. The recorder's duties included compiling official memoranda, presenting petitions to the king, recording significant events (often for historical annals), and acting as the king's official mouthpiece in matters of public address or diplomacy. It was a position requiring keen memory, eloquence, and profound knowledge of royal affairs and protocol.

• "Elihoreph and Ahijah, the sons of Shisha, were scribes; Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder": This full clause showcases the sophisticated division of labor in Solomon's court. The "scribes" (sopherim) handled official written documents, while the "recorder" (mazkir) managed verbal information, public relations, and royal remembrance. This structure underlines Solomon’s focus on comprehensive governance, mirroring a divine order in managing His people and plans through careful documentation and clear communication. The emphasis on father-son lineages for these roles speaks to stability, trusted appointments, and professionalization rather than just ad-hoc positions. This structured administration allowed for the implementation of Solomon's wisdom on a practical, national scale.

1 Kings 4 3 Bonus section

The presence of professional scribes and a recorder in the early Israelite monarchy emphasizes a move away from the more informal tribal confederacy towards a fully developed state structure, capable of handling complex administrative tasks. This organization facilitated not only Solomon's building projects and trade but also the collection and preservation of Israel's sacred history and laws. In a broader biblical sense, God Himself is depicted as a "record-keeper," with books of life and remembrance (Ps 69:28; Rev 20:12). The existence of these human scribes and recorders highlights the importance of truth, accountability, and the memorialization of God's actions among His people through written word and public declaration, reflecting His own perfect order and attention to detail.

1 Kings 4 3 Commentary

1 Kings 4:3 reveals the core of Solomon’s organized government. The roles of "scribes" and "recorder" were foundational for an expanding empire, essential for maintaining civil order, documenting royal decrees, managing tax records, and preserving national history. The consistent family lineage for these offices suggests stability and trust within the highest echelons of Solomon's court, built upon the foundation laid by King David. These officials represent a critical aspect of Solomon's wisdom applied in practical governance—establishing effective systems to manage a divinely blessed and growing kingdom, reflecting an orderly and just rule, a human echo of the meticulous and systematic nature of God's own plans and dealings with His people.