Topical Bible: King: Chief officers of The Scribe

◄ King: Chief officers of The Scribe ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, the role of the scribe was a significant and multifaceted position, particularly during the monarchic period of Israel's history. Scribes were responsible for various administrative, legal, and educational duties, often serving as key advisors and officials within the royal court. The chief officers of the scribe held a prominent place in the governance and religious life of the nation, reflecting the importance of literacy and record-keeping in ancient Israel.

Role and Responsibilities

The chief officers of the scribe were tasked with maintaining and managing the records of the kingdom. This included the documentation of legal decrees, royal edicts, and genealogical records. They were instrumental in the administration of justice, as they recorded legal proceedings and ensured the proper implementation of the law. Their work was crucial for the continuity and stability of the kingdom, as they preserved the historical and legal heritage of the nation.

Biblical References

The Bible provides several references to the role of scribes and their chief officers. In 2 Samuel 8:17, we see mention of "Seraiah the scribe" during the reign of King David, indicating the presence of scribes in the royal administration. Similarly, in 1 Kings 4:3, under King Solomon's rule, "Elihoreph and Ahijah, the sons of Shisha, were secretaries," highlighting the continuity of this office in the governance of Israel.

In the time of King Hezekiah, the scribe Shebna is mentioned as a significant figure in 2 Kings 18:18: "When they called for the king, Eliakim son of Hilkiah, the palace administrator, Shebna the scribe, and Joah son of Asaph, the recorder, went out to them." This passage illustrates the scribe's role as a key intermediary between the king and foreign envoys, underscoring their diplomatic responsibilities.

Religious and Educational Influence

Beyond their administrative duties, scribes were also deeply involved in the religious and educational life of Israel. They were responsible for copying and preserving the sacred texts, ensuring the accurate transmission of God's Word to future generations. This task required a high level of literacy and a deep understanding of the law and the prophets.

The scribes' influence extended to teaching and interpreting the Scriptures, as seen in the post-exilic period. Ezra, a priest and scribe, played a pivotal role in the religious reform and education of the people upon their return from Babylonian exile. Ezra 7:6 describes him as "a scribe skilled in the Law of Moses," emphasizing his expertise and authority in matters of the law.

Significance in the New Testament

By the time of the New Testament, the role of scribes had evolved, and they were often associated with the Pharisees and teachers of the law. They were recognized as experts in the Scriptures and held significant sway in religious and legal matters. Jesus frequently engaged with scribes, challenging their interpretations and practices, as seen in passages like Mark 12:38-40, where He warns against their hypocrisy.

Conclusion

The chief officers of the scribe were integral to the functioning of the Israelite monarchy, serving as custodians of the law, advisors to the king, and educators of the people. Their legacy is evident in the preservation of the biblical texts and the enduring influence of their teachings on Jewish and Christian traditions.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Samuel 8:17
And Zadok the son of Ahitub, and Ahimelech the son of Abiathar, were the priests; and Seraiah was the scribe;
Nave's Topical Index

2 Samuel 20:25
And Sheva was scribe: and Zadok and Abiathar were the priests:
Nave's Topical Index

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

Library

Ezra, the Priest and Scribe
... of the house of our God, which the king, and his ... of the priests and the Levites,
and chief of the ... In the appointment of faithful officers to act as treasures ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 50 ezra the priest.htm

Carried Captive into Babylon
... those who still remained, some, notably the chief of the priests and officers, and
the ... Of Jeremiah himself it is recorded: "Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 37 carried captive into.htm

The Restoration of the Jews.
... The officers went to the dungeon ... The prophet Daniel 54ed in the palaces of the king. ...
The chief part, however, of their baggage and stores was borne by asses, of ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/abbott/cyrus the great/chapter ix the restoration of.htm

The Close of the Theban Empire --(Continued)
... or his delegates, as well as the officers of the ... when they said: "Let the scribe,
Khamoisit, who is ... of beings, maker of things,"sovereign king, chief of the ...
/.../chapter ithe close of the.htm

The Birth of Mary the Holy Mother of God, and Very Glorious Mother ...
... And he brought her to the chief priests; and they blessed ... And the officers went away,
and found it as he had ... I will worship Him, because a great King has been ...
/.../unknown/the protevangelium of james/the birth of mary the.htm

The First Theban Empire
... by one of the princes of the blood, the high officers of the ... under the command of
such high functionaries as "Acquaintances of the King," "Chief Lectors," and ...
/.../chapter iiithe first theban empire.htm

Ezra-Nehemiah
... the maintenance of the temple service and officers, xii.27 ... correct, it is just possible
that the king referred to ... in Ezra 2.p>These are the chief sources, but ...
/.../mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/ezra-nehemiah.htm

The Deputation from Jerusalem - the Three Sects of the Pharisees ...
... as if, according to the Pharisees, the chief part in ... that they were dismissed by
their officers to common ... On one occasion King Solomon, when attended by his ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter ii the deputation from.htm

"The Pharaoh Drew Nigh"
... the exception of Har-hat, the commander-in-chief, were the ... The high commanding officers
absent, the next in rank ... undid the small hands of the king, clinging to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xliii the pharaoh drew.htm

The Memphite Empire
... King Huni died, and the Majesty of King Snofrui arose ... chamber, except in the case
of the chief of the ... turquoises, he sent thither one of his officers, with a ...
/.../chapter iithe memphite empire.htm