1 Kings 4:3

“Elihoreph and Ahiah, the sons of Shisha, scribes, etc.] Their father Shisha, the same with Sheva, was scribe only in David’s time; and he being dead very probably, both his sons were continued in the office as secretaries of state, Solomon having more business for such an office, (see <102025> 2 Samuel 20:25); Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud, the recorder; who was in the same office in the times of David, and now held it under Solomon, (<100816>2 Samuel 8:16 20:24).”

“scribes--that is, secretaries of state. Under David, there had been only one [Sa2 8:17; Sa2 20:25]. The employment of three functionaries in this department indicates either improved regulations by the division of labor, or a great increase of business, occasioned by the growing prosperity of the kingdom, or a more extensive correspondence with foreign countries. recorder--that is, historiographer, or annalist--an office of great importance in Oriental courts, and the duties of which consisted in chronicling the occurrences of every day.”

“Shisha, or Shavsha 1 Chronicles 18:16, seems also to have been called Sheva 2 Samuel 20:25, and Seraiah 2 Samuel 8:17. The “scribes” were probably royal “secretaries” (margin), who drew up the king’s edicts, wrote his letters, and perhaps managed his finances 1 Kings 12:10. They were among his most influential councillors. By “recorder” or “remembrancer” (margin), we must understand “court annalist” (marginal reference “a”). return to 'Top of Page'”

“Scribes - That is, secretaries of state. He chose two, whereas David had but one: either, because he observed some inconveniences in trusting all those matters in one hand: or, because he had now much more employment than David had, this being a time of great peace and prosperity, and his empire enlarged. 3 Kings (1 Kings) 4:4”

“4:3 The court secretaries were state officials and Solomon’s private secretaries. Shisha, the father of Elihoreph and Ahijah, had served David in this capacity (2 Sam 8:17; 20:25; 1 Chr 18:16). • The royal historian functioned as chief of protocol for palace affairs and ceremonies. As in ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, such officials often represented the king in important negotiations (see 2 Kgs 18:18; 2 Chr 34:8).”

“Shisha: Sa2 20:25, Sheva, Ch1 18:6, Shavsha scribes: or, secretaries recorder: or, remembrancer. Sa2 8:16, Sa2 20:24; Ch1 18:15; Isa 62:6 \*marg. 3 Kings (1 Kings) 4:4”