Topical Bible: Scribes: Acted as Keepers of the Muster-Rolls of the Host

◄ Scribes: Acted as Keepers of the Muster-Rolls of the Host ►

Topical Encyclopedia

In the ancient context of Israel, scribes held a significant role that extended beyond their well-known duties of copying and interpreting the Scriptures. Among their various responsibilities, they acted as keepers of the muster-rolls of the host, a duty that was crucial for the organization and administration of Israel's military forces.

The role of the scribe in maintaining muster-rolls is highlighted in several passages of the Old Testament. These records were essential for keeping track of the men available for military service, ensuring that the army was properly organized and that each tribe contributed its fair share of soldiers. The muster-rolls would have included details such as the names, family lineage, and tribal affiliations of the men eligible for military duty.

One of the key references to this role is found in 2 Samuel 24:2, where King David instructs Joab, the commander of the army, to "Go through all the tribes of Israel from Dan to Beersheba and enroll the fighting men, so that I may know their number." This task would have required the meticulous work of scribes to record and maintain accurate lists of those who were counted.

Similarly, in 1 Chronicles 27:1, the organization of the military divisions is described: "This is the list of the Israelites—heads of families, commanders of thousands and hundreds, and their officers—who served the king in all the affairs of the divisions that came and went month by month throughout the year, each division consisting of 24,000 men." The involvement of scribes in compiling and maintaining such detailed records would have been indispensable.

The role of scribes as keepers of the muster-rolls underscores their importance in the administrative and military structure of ancient Israel. Their work ensured that the nation was prepared for defense and that the king had an accurate understanding of the military resources at his disposal. This function of the scribes highlights their broader role in society as essential record-keepers and administrators, contributing to the order and governance of the nation.

In the broader biblical narrative, the scribes' involvement in military administration reflects the integration of spiritual and temporal responsibilities in the life of Israel. Their work was not merely clerical but was deeply connected to the covenantal life of the people, as the military strength of Israel was often seen as a reflection of their faithfulness to God and His commandments. Thus, the scribes' role in maintaining muster-rolls was a vital part of ensuring that the nation was aligned with its divine calling and prepared to fulfill its God-given mission.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Kings 25:19
And out of the city he took an officer that was set over the men of war, and five men of them that were in the king's presence, which were found in the city, and the principal scribe of the host, which mustered the people of the land, and three score men of the people of the land that were found in the city:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Chronicles 26:11
Moreover Uzziah had an host of fighting men, that went out to war by bands, according to the number of their account by the hand of Jeiel the scribe and Maaseiah the ruler, under the hand of Hananiah, one of the king's captains.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 52:25
He took also out of the city an eunuch, which had the charge of the men of war; and seven men of them that were near the king's person, which were found in the city; and the principal scribe of the host, who mustered the people of the land; and three score men of the people of the land, that were found in the middle of the city.
Torrey's Topical Textbook