Lexical Summary Achilud: Ahilud Original Word: אֲחִילוּד Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Ahilud From 'ach and yalad; brother of one born; Achilud, an Israelite -- Ahilud. see HEBREW 'ach see HEBREW yalad NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom ach and yalad Definition "child's brother," two Isr. NASB Translation Ahilud (5). Brown-Driver-Briggs אֲחִילוּד proper name, masculine (according to Thes = אֲחִי יְלוּד child's brother (?)) 1 father of Jehoshaphat, David's chronicler 2 Samuel 8:16; 2 Samuel 20:24; 1 Kings 4:3; 1 Chronicles 18:15. 2 father of Baana, officer of Solomon 1 Kings 4:12. Topical Lexicon Scriptural Occurrences and Narrative Setting The name Ahilud appears five times in the Old Testament narrative, always in connection with the united monarchy. Two distinct individuals bear the name, each known to us through his son’s public office. 1. Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud serves as royal recorder for King David (2 Samuel 8:16; 2 Samuel 20:24) and later continues in the same capacity under King Solomon (1 Kings 4:3; 1 Chronicles 18:15). Role of the Recorder in Israel’s Court Jehoshaphat’s office sheds light on the political structure that matured under David. The recorder (sometimes translated “chronicler” or “annalist”) functioned as royal historian, archivist, and adviser. He preserved covenantal events, legal precedents, and diplomatic correspondence, becoming a guardian of Israel’s collective memory. By placing Jehoshaphat, son of Ahilud, right alongside Joab, Zadok, Abiathar, and Benaiah in the administrative lists, Scripture shows that record-keeping ranked among the highest state duties (2 Samuel 8:15-18). Thus, behind the recorded deeds of David and Solomon stands the faithful, if unseen, labor of Ahilud’s son—and by extension the heritage of Ahilud himself. Provincial Administration under Solomon Baana son of Ahilud represents the next generation of leadership as Solomon restructures the kingdom into twelve revenue districts (1 Kings 4:7-19). The territory entrusted to Baana encompassed fertile valleys and key trade corridors in the north. His successful governance would have supplied provisions for the royal court one month each year, demonstrating both logistical skill and loyalty to the throne. The biblical text’s deliberate naming of Baana’s father underscores the family’s continued prominence in Israel’s civil service. Family Legacy and Continuity Although Ahilud’s own deeds are not narrated, the prominence of his sons across two reigns suggests a household marked by wisdom, reliability, and covenant faithfulness. Jehoshaphat’s tenure bridges the transition from David to Solomon, while Baana’s appointment helps inaugurate Solomon’s expansive administrative program. Through these sons the name Ahilud becomes synonymous with stability during a formative era of Israel’s history. Spiritual and Theological Significance 1. Covenant Memory: God’s mighty acts are preserved not only by prophets and priests but also by diligent administrators. Jehoshaphat’s chronicle work, rooted in the upbringing he received, fulfills the divine mandate to remember the Lord’s deeds (Deuteronomy 6:12). Key Lessons for Today • Quiet faithfulness upholds nations: The kingdom advanced not only by warriors and prophets but by those who kept accurate records and managed provisions. Summary Ahilud stands as the patriarch of a family whose careful, competent service under David and Solomon supported Israel’s political stability and covenant fidelity. Though the biblical record grants him only a name and lineage, his legacy illustrates how quiet obedience can ripple across generations to the glory of God. Forms and Transliterations אֲחִיל֔וּד אֲחִיל֖וּד אחילוד ’ă·ḥî·lūḏ ’ăḥîlūḏ achiLudLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 2 Samuel 8:16 HEB: וִיהוֹשָׁפָ֥ט בֶּן־ אֲחִיל֖וּד מַזְכִּֽיר׃ NAS: the son of Ahilud [was] recorder. KJV: the son of Ahilud [was] recorder; INT: and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud recorder 2 Samuel 20:24 1 Kings 4:3 1 Kings 4:12 1 Chronicles 18:15 5 Occurrences |
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