In the context of the Bible, the term "recorder" refers to an official position within the administrative structure of ancient Israel. The role of the recorder was significant in the governance and historical documentation of the kingdom, particularly during the reigns of the kings of Israel and Judah.

Biblical References:

1. 2 Samuel 8:16-17 : "Joab son of Zeruiah was over the army; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the recorder; Zadok son of Ahitub and Ahimelech son of Abiathar were priests; Seraiah was the scribe." This passage lists the key officials in King David's administration, highlighting the recorder's role alongside military and religious leaders.

2. 1 Kings 4:3 : "Elihoreph and Ahijah, the sons of Shisha, were secretaries; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the recorder." Under King Solomon, the recorder continued to be a vital part of the royal court, responsible for maintaining records and possibly advising the king.

3. 2 Kings 18:18 : "They called for the king, and Eliakim son of Hilkiah, the palace administrator, Shebna the scribe, and Joah son of Asaph the recorder went out to them." During the reign of King Hezekiah, the recorder was involved in diplomatic interactions, indicating the role's importance in both domestic and foreign affairs.

Role and Function:

The recorder's primary function was to maintain official records, which likely included royal decrees, historical events, and administrative documents. This position required a high level of literacy and organizational skills, as the recorder was responsible for ensuring the accuracy and preservation of important information.

In addition to record-keeping, the recorder may have served as an advisor to the king, providing counsel based on historical precedents and documented policies. The presence of the recorder in diplomatic situations, as seen in 2 Kings 18:18, suggests that the role also involved communication and negotiation with foreign entities.

Historical and Cultural Context:

The position of recorder was not unique to Israel; similar roles existed in other ancient Near Eastern cultures, where scribes and recorders were essential to the administration of empires and kingdoms. The recorder's duties would have been crucial in a society where oral tradition was prevalent, and written records were necessary for legal and governmental continuity.

The recorder's inclusion in the lists of royal officials underscores the importance of written documentation in maintaining the stability and order of the kingdom. By preserving the history and decisions of the monarchy, the recorder contributed to the legacy and governance of Israel and Judah.

Significance in Biblical Narrative:

The role of the recorder, while not as prominently featured as prophets or kings, is integral to understanding the administrative and bureaucratic functions of the biblical kingdoms. The recorder's work ensured that the deeds and decrees of the kings were remembered and could be referenced by future generations, providing a foundation for the continuity of leadership and governance in Israel's history.

General Index.
... work of, under midnight cry, 402. not spirits of departed, 511. work of, as recorders,
482, 486, 487. number, power, and work of, 511-514, 630-632. ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /general index.htm

That the Mind Works by Means of the Senses.
... who are the recorders of the sayings that are brought in by it? what sort of
storehouses are there for the concepts that are being put in by our hearing? ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/x that the mind works.htm

Epistle xx. St. Ambrose Relates to his Sister the Events at Milan ...
... 7. All the officials of the palace, that is the recorders, the commissioners, the
apparitors of the different magistrates, were commanded to keep away from ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/epistle xx st ambrose relates.htm

Introduction
... a compliment to the king. We are assured that we have them as they were
taken down by the royal recorders. At the close of this ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/conybeare/a grammar of septuagint greek/introduction.htm

Psalm XCIV.
... and, in truth, if they displeased Him, as they displease kings, as they displease
judges, as they displease governors, as they displease recorders, [4367] yet ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xciv.htm

A Call to Prayer and Testimony
... a singular expression""The Lord's remembrancers." I find the same word elsewhere
translated "recorder"; and truly we are to be the Lord's recorders, and keep ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/a call to prayer and.htm

Formation and History of the Hebrew Canon.
... often referred to, have been regarded as simply the public annals of the two kingdoms
written by the official annalists, the "scribes" or "recorders" so often ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xv formation and history.htm

Recorders (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Recorders (1 Occurrence). Isaiah 62:6 I have put
watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem; they will not keep ...
/r/recorders.htm - 6k

Recorder (10 Occurrences)

/r/recorder.htm - 12k

Records (50 Occurrences)

/r/records.htm - 21k

Tirathites (1 Occurrence)
... Shimathites and Sucathites) are taken by Jerome to be three different classes of
religious functionaries-singers, scribes, recorders ("canentes atque ...
/t/tirathites.htm - 7k

Genealogy (29 Occurrences)
... by the "Chronicler." Upon this hypothesis the chief value of the genealogies is
as a mirror of the mind and ideas of their authors or recorders, a treasury of ...
/g/genealogy.htm - 70k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus