Shavsha is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of King David's reign. He is identified as a scribe or secretary, a role of significant administrative importance in the ancient Israelite monarchy. The position of scribe was crucial for maintaining records, drafting official documents, and managing correspondence, making Shavsha a key figure in the royal court.

Biblical References:

Shavsha is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 18:16, which states: "Zadok son of Ahitub and Ahimelech son of Abiathar were priests; Shavsha was the scribe." . This passage situates Shavsha within the administrative hierarchy of King David's government, alongside other prominent officials such as priests and military leaders.

In the parallel account found in 2 Samuel 8:17, the name appears as "Seraiah" instead of Shavsha: "Zadok son of Ahitub and Ahimelech son of Abiathar were priests; Seraiah was the scribe." . This discrepancy in names is a subject of scholarly discussion, with some suggesting that "Shavsha" and "Seraiah" may refer to the same individual, possibly due to variations in textual transmission or regional name differences.

Role and Significance:

As a scribe, Shavsha would have been responsible for the documentation and communication necessary for the administration of the kingdom. This role was vital for the effective governance of Israel, particularly during the expansion and consolidation of David's rule. The scribe's duties likely included recording royal decrees, managing state archives, and possibly overseeing other scribes or clerks within the royal bureaucracy.

The mention of Shavsha in the context of David's reign highlights the organized and structured nature of the Israelite monarchy during this period. The presence of a scribe underscores the importance of literacy and record-keeping in maintaining the stability and continuity of the kingdom.

Historical and Theological Context:

The role of the scribe in ancient Israel reflects the broader Near Eastern tradition where scribes were essential to the administration of empires and kingdoms. In the biblical narrative, the inclusion of figures like Shavsha emphasizes the divinely ordained order and governance established by God through His chosen leaders, such as King David.

From a theological perspective, the mention of Shavsha and other officials in the biblical text serves to illustrate the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel, as the nation is led by a king after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14). The efficient administration under David's rule is seen as part of God's providential care for His people, ensuring justice, order, and prosperity in accordance with His covenantal promises.

Conclusion:

While Shavsha is a relatively minor figure in the biblical narrative, his role as a scribe during King David's reign is indicative of the structured and divinely guided governance of Israel. His mention alongside other key officials highlights the importance of administrative roles in the fulfillment of God's purposes for His chosen nation.Shavsha

(nobility), the royal secretary in the reign of David, (1 Chronicles 18:16) called also SERAIAH in (2 Samuel 8:17) And SHEVA in (2 Samuel 20:25) End in (1 Kings 4:3) SHISHA.

("Seraiah, " 2 Samuel 8:17; "Shisha, " 1 Kings 4:3), one of David's secretaries (1 Chronicles 18:16). SHAVSHA

shav'-sha (shawsha'; in 2 Samuel 20:25, Kethibh, sheya', Kere, shewa', English Versions of the Bible "Sheva," are refuted by the Septuagint; in 2 Samuel 8:15-18, in other respects identical with Chronicles, "Seraiah" is found; the Septuagint varies greatly in all passages; it is the general consensus that Shavsha is correct): State secretary or scribe during the reign of David (1 Chronicles 18:16 2 Samuel 20:25). He was the first occupant of this office, which was created by David. It is significant that his father's name is omitted in the very exact list of David's officers of state (1 Chronicles 18:14-17 parallel 2 Samuel 8:15-18); this fact, coupled with the foreign sound of his name, points to his being an "alien"; the assumption that the state secretary handled correspondence with other countries may explain David's choice of a foreigner for this post. Shavsha's two sons, Elihoreph and Ahijah, were secretaries of state under Solomon; they are called "sons of Shisha" (1 Kings 4:3), "Shisha" probably being a variant of "Shavsha."

Horace J. Wolf

7798. Shavsha -- Shavsha, an Israelite
... 7797, 7798. Shavsha. 7799 . Shavsha, an Israelite. Transliteration: Shavsha
Phonetic Spelling: (shav-shaw') Short Definition: Shavsha. ...
/hebrew/7798.htm - 6kShavsha (1 Occurrence)
... ("Seraiah, " 2 Samuel 8:17; "Shisha, " 1 Kings 4:3), one of David's secretaries
(1 Chronicles 18:16). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. SHAVSHA. ...
/s/shavsha.htm - 8k

Shaving (2 Occurrences)

/s/shaving.htm - 9k

Ahijah (23 Occurrences)
... Sinsha is probably the same with Shavsha (1 Chronicles 18:16; compare 2 Samuel
8:17; 2 Samuel 20:25), who was scribe under David, the office in this case ...
/a/ahijah.htm - 21k

Ahim'elech (16 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 18:16 And Zadok the son of Ahitub, and Abimelech the son of
Abiathar, were priests; and Shavsha was scribe; (See RSV). ...
/a/ahim'elech.htm - 11k

Ahi'tub (15 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 18:16 And Zadok the son of Ahitub, and Abimelech the son of
Abiathar, were priests; and Shavsha was scribe; (See RSV). ...
/a/ahi'tub.htm - 9k

Shawl (2 Occurrences)

/s/shawl.htm - 7k

Seraiah (18 Occurrences)
... This last or Shasha would be restored elsewhere by some critics; others prefer
the form Shavsha, which is found in 1 Chronicles 18:16. ...
/s/seraiah.htm - 17k

Secretary (34 Occurrences)
... (See RSV NIV). 1 Chronicles 18:16 and Zadok the son of Ahitub, and Abimelech the
son of Abiathar, were priests; and Shavsha was scribe; (See NAS RSV NIV). ...
/s/secretary.htm - 18k

Scribe (55 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 18:16 and Zadok the son of Ahitub, and Abimelech the son of Abiathar,
were priests; and Shavsha was scribe; (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT). ...
/s/scribe.htm - 27k

Abi'athar (28 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 18:16 And Zadok the son of Ahitub, and Abimelech the son of
Abiathar, were priests; and Shavsha was scribe; (See RSV). ...
/a/abi'athar.htm - 14k

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