1 Chronicles 18:15
New International Version
Joab son of Zeruiah was over the army; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was recorder;

New Living Translation
Joab son of Zeruiah was commander of the army. Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the royal historian.

English Standard Version
And Joab the son of Zeruiah was over the army; and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder;

Berean Standard Bible
Joab son of Zeruiah was over the army; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the recorder;

King James Bible
And Joab the son of Zeruiah was over the host; and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud, recorder.

New King James Version
Joab the son of Zeruiah was over the army; Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder;

New American Standard Bible
Joab the son of Zeruiah was over the army, and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was secretary;

NASB 1995
Joab the son of Zeruiah was over the army, and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder;

NASB 1977
And Joab the son of Zeruiah was over the army, and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder;

Legacy Standard Bible
Now Joab the son of Zeruiah was over the army, and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder;

Amplified Bible
Joab the son of Zeruiah was in command of the army, and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was the recorder;

Christian Standard Bible
Joab son of Zeruiah was over the army; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was court historian;

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Joab son of Zeruiah was over the army; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was court historian;

American Standard Version
And Joab the son of Zeruiah was over the host; and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder;

Contemporary English Version
Joab the son of Zeruiah was the commander in chief of the army. Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud kept the government records.

English Revised Version
And Joab the son of Zeruiah was over the host; and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Zeruiah's son Joab was in charge of the army. Ahilud's son Jehoshaphat was the royal historian.

Good News Translation
Abishai's brother Joab was commander of the army; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was in charge of the records;

International Standard Version
Zeruiah's son Joab served in charge of the army, Ahilud's son Jehoshaphat was his personal archivist,

Majority Standard Bible
Joab son of Zeruiah was over the army; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the recorder;

NET Bible
Joab son of Zeruiah was commanding general of the army; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was secretary;

New Heart English Bible
Joab the son of Zeruiah was over the army; and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder;

Webster's Bible Translation
And Joab the son of Zeruiah was over the host; and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud, recorder;

World English Bible
Joab the son of Zeruiah was over the army; Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder;
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and Joab son of Zeruiah [is] over the host, and Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud [is] remembrancer,

Young's Literal Translation
and Joab son of Zeruiah is over the host, and Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud is remembrancer,

Smith's Literal Translation
And Joab son of Zeruiah over the army; and Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud, bringing to remembrance.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And Joab the son of Sarvia was over the army, and Josaphat the son of Ahilud recorder.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Now Joab, the son of Zeruiah, was over the army, and Jehoshaphat, the son of Ahilud, was the keeper of records.

New American Bible
Joab, son of Zeruiah, was in command of the army; Jehoshaphat, son of Ahilud, was chancellor;

New Revised Standard Version
Joab son of Zeruiah was over the army; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was recorder;
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And Joab the son of Zuriah was over all the army; and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder.And when the children of Ammon saw that the Arameans had fled, they likewise fled before Abishai his brother, and entered into the city. Then Joab returned to Jerusalem.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Yuab, son of Tsuriya, was authorized over all the armies, and Yahushaphat son of Akhilud was the Governor.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And Joab the son of Zeruiah was over the host; and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Joab the son of Saruia was over the army, and Josaphat the son of Achilud was recorder.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
David's Officers
14Thus David reigned over all Israel and administered justice and righteousness for all his people: 15Joab son of Zeruiah was over the army; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the recorder; 16Zadok son of Ahitub and Ahimelech son of Abiathar were priests; Shavsha was the scribe;…

Cross References
2 Samuel 8:15
Thus David reigned over all Israel and administered justice and righteousness for all his people:

1 Kings 4:3-6
Elihoreph and Ahijah, the sons of Shisha, were secretaries; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the recorder; / Benaiah son of Jehoiada was in charge of the army; Zadok and Abiathar were priests; / Azariah son of Nathan was in charge of the governors; Zabud son of Nathan was a priest and adviser to the king; ...

2 Samuel 20:23-26
Now Joab was over the whole army of Israel; Benaiah son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and Pelethites; / Adoram was in charge of the forced labor; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the recorder; / Sheva was the scribe; Zadok and Abiathar were priests; ...

1 Kings 9:22
But Solomon did not consign any of the Israelites to slavery, because they were his men of war, his servants, his officers, his captains, and the commanders of his chariots and cavalry.

2 Chronicles 8:9-10
But Solomon did not consign any of the Israelites to slave labor, because they were his men of war, the leaders of his captains, and the commanders of his chariots and cavalry. / They were also the chief officers for King Solomon: 250 supervisors.

2 Samuel 23:8-39
These are the names of David’s mighty men: Josheb-basshebeth the Tahchemonite was chief of the Three. He wielded his spear against eight hundred men, whom he killed at one time. / Next in command was Eleazar son of Dodo the Ahohite. As one of the three mighty men, he went with David to taunt the Philistines who had gathered for battle at Pas-dammim. The men of Israel retreated, / but Eleazar stood his ground and struck the Philistines until his hand grew weary and stuck to his sword. The LORD brought about a great victory that day. Then the troops returned to him, but only to plunder the dead. ...

1 Kings 2:35
And the king appointed Benaiah son of Jehoiada in Joab’s place over the army, and he appointed Zadok the priest in Abiathar’s place.

2 Chronicles 19:5-11
He appointed judges in the land, in each of the fortified cities of Judah. / Then he said to the judges, “Consider carefully what you do, for you are not judging for man, but for the LORD, who is with you when you render judgment. / And now, may the fear of the LORD be upon you. Be careful what you do, for with the LORD our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery.” ...

2 Samuel 15:37
So David’s friend Hushai arrived in Jerusalem just as Absalom was entering the city.

1 Kings 1:8
But Zadok the priest, Benaiah son of Jehoiada, Nathan the prophet, Shimei, Rei, and David’s mighty men would not join Adonijah.

2 Chronicles 26:11-14
Uzziah had an army ready for battle that went out to war by assigned divisions, as recorded by Jeiel the scribe and Maaseiah the officer under the direction of Hananiah, one of the royal officers. / The total number of family leaders of the mighty men of valor was 2,600. / Under their authority was an army of 307,500 trained for war, a powerful force to support the king against his enemies. ...

Romans 13:1-4
Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. / Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. / For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the one in authority? Then do what is right, and you will have his approval. ...

Matthew 20:25-28
But Jesus called them aside and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their superiors exercise authority over them. / It shall not be this way among you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, / and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave— ...

Luke 22:25-27
So Jesus declared, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those in authority over them call themselves benefactors. / But you shall not be like them. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who leads like the one who serves. / For who is greater, the one who reclines at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines? But I am among you as one who serves.

Acts 6:3
Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men confirmed to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will assign this responsibility to them


Treasury of Scripture

And Joab the son of Zeruiah was over the host; and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud, recorder.

Joab

1 Chronicles 11:6
And David said, Whosoever smiteth the Jebusites first shall be chief and captain. So Joab the son of Zeruiah went first up, and was chief.

2 Samuel 8:16
And Joab the son of Zeruiah was over the host; and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder;

Jehoshaphat

1 Kings 4:3
Elihoreph and Ahiah, the sons of Shisha, scribes; Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud, the recorder.

recorder.

Jump to Previous
Ahilud Ahi'lud Army Chief Chronicler Host Jehoshaphat Jehosh'aphat Joab Jo'ab Keeper Recorder Records Remembrancer Zeruiah Zeru'iah
Jump to Next
Ahilud Ahi'lud Army Chief Chronicler Host Jehoshaphat Jehosh'aphat Joab Jo'ab Keeper Recorder Records Remembrancer Zeruiah Zeru'iah
1 Chronicles 18
1. David subdues the Philistines and the Moabites
3. He smites Hadarezer and the Syrians
9. Tou sends Hadoram with presents to bless David
11. The presents and the spoil David dedicates to God
13. He put garrisons in Edom
14. David's officers














Joab son of Zeruiah was over the army;
Joab, the son of Zeruiah, was a prominent military leader in King David's reign. Zeruiah was David's sister, making Joab David's nephew. Joab's role as commander of the army was crucial in establishing and maintaining the kingdom's military strength. His leadership is noted throughout the books of Samuel and Chronicles, where he led many successful campaigns, including the capture of Jerusalem (2 Samuel 5:6-10). Joab's character is complex; he was fiercely loyal to David but also acted independently, sometimes against David's wishes, such as in the killing of Abner (2 Samuel 3:27) and Absalom (2 Samuel 18:14). His position highlights the importance of family ties in David's administration and the trust David placed in his relatives. Joab's military prowess and strategic mind were instrumental in expanding and securing Israel's borders, fulfilling God's promise to give Israel a land of their own (Genesis 15:18-21).

Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the recorder;
Jehoshaphat, the son of Ahilud, served as the recorder or chronicler in David's administration. This role involved maintaining official records, documenting events, and possibly advising the king. The position of recorder was significant in the ancient Near Eastern courts, as it ensured the preservation of the kingdom's history and legal matters. Jehoshaphat's role would have been crucial in organizing the kingdom's affairs and ensuring continuity in governance. The mention of his father, Ahilud, suggests a lineage of service, indicating that positions in the royal court were often held by families with a history of loyalty and competence. The role of recorder is also seen in other biblical contexts, such as in the reign of Solomon (1 Kings 4:3), highlighting the continuity and importance of this office in Israel's monarchy. This position underscores the value placed on historical records and the administration of justice, reflecting God's order and faithfulness in the governance of His people.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Joab son of Zeruiah
Joab was the commander of King David's army. He was a skilled military leader and played a significant role in David's military campaigns. Joab was also David's nephew, being the son of Zeruiah, David's sister.

2. Zeruiah
Zeruiah was the sister of King David and the mother of Joab, Abishai, and Asahel. Her sons were prominent figures in David's reign.

3. Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud
Jehoshaphat served as the recorder or chronicler in David's administration. His role was crucial in maintaining records of the king's decisions and the events of the kingdom.

4. The Army
The military force under Joab's command was instrumental in establishing and maintaining the kingdom of Israel's security and territorial expansion during David's reign.

5. The Recorder
The position of recorder was vital for the administration of the kingdom, ensuring that the king's decrees and the kingdom's history were accurately documented.
Teaching Points
Leadership and Responsibility
Joab's role as commander highlights the importance of strong, capable leadership in achieving success. In our lives, we are called to lead with integrity and courage in whatever roles God places us.

The Importance of Record Keeping
Jehoshaphat's position as recorder underscores the value of accurate record-keeping and accountability. In our spiritual lives, maintaining a record of God's faithfulness can strengthen our faith and testimony.

Family Influence
The mention of Zeruiah reminds us of the influence family can have on our lives and decisions. We should strive to be a godly influence within our families, encouraging one another in faith and righteousness.

God's Sovereignty in Success
While Joab and the army were instrumental in military victories, it was ultimately God's sovereignty that ensured success. We must remember to attribute our successes to God's providence and seek His guidance in all endeavors.(15) Recorder.--Literally, Remembrancer. LXX and Vulg. render the word "over, or writer of, memoranda." Syriac and Arabic of Samuel have "leader," "director;" here they render literally. (Comp. 2Samuel 8:16; 2Kings 18:18; 2Chronicles 34:8.)

Verse 15. - Recorder. The word is of the same root with that in 1 Chronicles 16:4, "to record." The exact duties and position of this officer are not stated in any one place, but may be gathered from 2 Samuel 8:16; 2 Samuel 20:24; 1 Kings 4:3; 2 Kings 18:18, 37; 2 Chronicles 34:8. From these notices, belonging to somewhat separate times, we may gather the dignity and responsibility and trust of the office which the recorder filled, altogether in excess of his duty as mere historical secretary.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Joab
וְיוֹאָ֥ב (wə·yō·w·’āḇ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3097: Joab -- 'the LORD is father', three Israelites

son
בֶּן־ (ben-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Zeruiah
צְרוּיָ֖ה (ṣə·rū·yāh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6870: Zeruiah -- an Israelite woman

was over
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

the army;
הַצָּבָ֑א (haṣ·ṣā·ḇā)
Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 6635: A mass of persons, reg, organized for, war, a campaign

Jehoshaphat
וִיהוֹשָׁפָ֥ט (wî·hō·wō·šā·p̄āṭ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3092: Jehoshaphat -- 'the LORD has judged', the name of a number of Israelites

son
בֶּן־ (ben-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Ahilud
אֲחִיל֖וּד (’ă·ḥî·lūḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 286: Ahilud -- 'child's brother', two Israelites

[was] the historian;
מַזְכִּֽיר׃ (maz·kîr)
Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 2142: To mark, to remember, to mention, to be male


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OT History: 1 Chronicles 18:15 Joab the son of Zeruiah was over (1 Chron. 1Ch iCh i Ch 1 chr 1chr)
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