Bible Dictionary
Recorder
The recorder was a high official in the courts of David and later kings. He chronicled events, presented important matters to the king, oversaw records, and functioned much like a chancellor.
Definition
The recorder was a high official in the court of the kings of Israel and Judah. He was more than an annalist: he functioned as chancellor or vizier and stood among the chief officers of the kingdom.
Biblical Usage
Recorders served in the courts of David, Solomon, Hezekiah, and Josiah. They represented the king in important matters, and the recorder in Josiah’s reign supervised repairs to the temple.
Historical Background
The office included presenting complaints, petitions, and weighty matters to the king; preparing documents and drafts; overseeing treaties and archives; and recording the annals of the kingdom.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
(Heb. mazkir, i.e., “the mentioner,” “rememberancer”), the office first held by Jehoshaphat in the court of David (2 Sam. 8:16), also in the court of Solomon (1 Kings 4:3). The next recorder mentioned is Joah, in the reign of Hezekiah (2 Kings 18:18, 37; Isa. 36:3, 22). In the reign of Josiah another of the name of Joah filled this office (2 Chr. 34:8). The “recorder” was the chancellor or vizier of the kingdom. He brought all weighty matters under the notice of the king, “such as complaints, petitions, and wishes of subjects or foreigners. He also drew up papers for the king’s guidance, and prepared drafts of the royal will for the scribes. All treaties came under his oversight; and he had the care of the national archives or records, to which, as royal historiographer, like the same state officer in Assyria and Egypt, he added the current annals of the kingdom.”
Smith's Bible Dictionary
an officer of high rank in the Jewish state, exercising the functions, not simply of an annalist, but of chancellor or president of the privy council. In David’s court the recorder appeal’s among the high officers of his household. (2 Samuel 8:16; 20:24; 1 Chronicles 18:15) In Solomon’s he is coupled with the three secretaries. (1 Kings 4:3) comp. 2Kin 18:18,37; 2Chr 34:8
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>re-kor'-der (mazkir; the Revised Version margin "chronicler"): A high functionary in the court of the Jewish kings, part of whose duty seems to have been to chronicle the events of the reign, but who also occupied a position corresponding with that of the modern vizier (2Sa 8:16; 20:24; 1Ch 18:15, etc.). His high rank is shown by the facts that, with other officers, he represented Hezekiah in speaking with Rabshakeh (2Ki 18:18), and, in the reign of Josiah, superintended the repairs of the temple (2Ch 34:8).</p>