In biblical times, the role of a secretary, often referred to as a scribe or recordist, was of significant importance. These individuals were responsible for recording, preserving, and sometimes interpreting important documents, decrees, and historical events. The role of a secretary is mentioned in various contexts throughout the Scriptures, highlighting their essential function in both religious and governmental settings.

Old Testament References

1. Royal Administration: Secretaries played a crucial role in the administration of the kingdom. In 2 Samuel 8:17, we read about Seraiah, who served as a scribe under King David: "Zadok son of Ahitub and Ahimelech son of Abiathar were priests; Seraiah was the scribe." This indicates the secretary's role in maintaining royal records and assisting in governance.

2. Religious Duties: In the context of religious duties, secretaries were responsible for documenting the law and ensuring its accurate transmission. In Jeremiah 36:4, Baruch, the son of Neriah, served as a scribe for the prophet Jeremiah: "So Jeremiah called Baruch son of Neriah, and while Jeremiah dictated all the words the LORD had spoken to him, Baruch wrote them on a scroll."

3. Legal and Covenant Documentation: Secretaries were also involved in the documentation of legal and covenantal agreements. In 2 Kings 22:3, Shaphan the scribe is mentioned in the context of King Josiah's reforms: "In the eighteenth year of Josiah’s reign, the king sent the scribe Shaphan son of Azaliah, the son of Meshullam, to the house of the LORD."

New Testament References

1. Scribes and Pharisees: In the New Testament, scribes are often mentioned alongside the Pharisees as experts in the Law. While their role as secretaries is not explicitly detailed, their function as recordists and interpreters of the Law is evident. In Matthew 23:2-3, Jesus acknowledges their authority in teaching the Law: "The scribes and Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. So practice and observe everything they tell you."

2. Role in Early Church: Although not explicitly called secretaries, individuals in the early church took on similar roles in recording and disseminating the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. The Gospel writers, for instance, acted as recordists of the life and teachings of Christ, ensuring the preservation of the message for future generations.

Significance and Legacy

The role of the secretary in biblical times was foundational to the preservation and transmission of both secular and sacred texts. Their meticulous work ensured that the words of prophets, kings, and religious leaders were accurately recorded and passed down through generations. This role underscores the importance of faithful stewardship of God's word and the necessity of accurate record-keeping in maintaining the integrity of historical and religious documents.

In conclusion, the biblical role of the secretary or recordist was multifaceted, encompassing administrative, legal, and religious responsibilities. Their contributions were vital to the functioning of both the kingdom and the religious community, highlighting the enduring importance of this role throughout biblical history.2 Samuel 8:17
And Zadok the son of Ahitub, and Ahimelech the son of Abiathar, were the priests; and Seraiah was the scribe;
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2 Samuel 20:24
And Adoram was over the tribute: and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder:
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1 Kings 4:3
Elihoreph and Ahiah, the sons of Shisha, scribes; Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud, the recorder.
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2 Kings 12:10-12
And it was so, when they saw that there was much money in the chest, that the king's scribe and the high priest came up, and they put up in bags, and told the money that was found in the house of the LORD.
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2 Kings 18:18,37
And when they had called to the king, there came out to them Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, which was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah the son of Asaph the recorder.
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2 Kings 22:1-14
Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned thirty and one years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Jedidah, the daughter of Adaiah of Boscath.
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1 Chronicles 27:32
Also Jonathan David's uncle was a counselor, a wise man, and a scribe: and Jehiel the son of Hachmoni was with the king's sons:
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Esther 3:12
Then were the king's scribes called on the thirteenth day of the first month, and there was written according to all that Haman had commanded to the king's lieutenants, and to the governors that were over every province, and to the rulers of every people of every province according to the writing thereof, and to every people after their language; in the name of king Ahasuerus was it written, and sealed with the king's ring.
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Esther 8:9
Then were the king's scribes called at that time in the third month, that is, the month Sivan, on the three and twentieth day thereof; and it was written according to all that Mordecai commanded to the Jews, and to the lieutenants, and the deputies and rulers of the provinces which are from India to Ethiopia, an hundred twenty and seven provinces, to every province according to the writing thereof, and to every people after their language, and to the Jews according to their writing, and according to their language.
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