Recorder
Recorder (מִזכַּיר, mazkir', a remembrancer; Sept. ἀναμιμνήσκων, ὑπομνηματογράφος), 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 (Isa 3:22). The title itself may, perhaps, have reference to his office as adviser of the king; at all events, the notices prove that he was more than an annalist, though the superintendence of the records was without doubt intrusted to him. In David's court the recorder appears among the high officers of his household (2Sa 8:16; 2Sa 20:24; 1Ch 18:15). In Solomon's he is coupled with the three secretaries, and is mentioned last, probably as being their president (1Ki 4:3). Under Hezekiah, the recorder, in conjunction with the praefect of the palace and the secretary, represented the king (2Ki 18:18,37). The patronymic of the recorder at this time, Joah the son of Asaph, makes it probable that he was a Levite. Under Josiah, the recorder, the secretary, and the governor of the city were intrusted with the superintendence of the repairs of the Temple (2Ch 34:8). These notices are sufficient to prove the high position held by him. The same office is mentioned as existing in the Persian court, both ancient and modern, where it is called wauka nuwish; andl also in the time of the Roman emperors Arcadius and Honorius, under the name of magiste memorice. In Ezr 4:15, mention is made of "the book of the records," and in Es 6:1; Es 10:2, of "the book of records of the chronicles," written by officers of this nature. Many of the royal annals of Egypt and Assyria were sculptured on the obelisks, slabs, and monuments, and are still in fine preservation; and already they have contributed to the illustration of the inspired records. SEE SCRIBE.
