2Sa 8:15-18 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for 2Sam 8:15-18: 8:15-18 David’s bureaucracy included (1) military officials ( Joab ); (2) a court historian ( Jehoshaphat ); (3) priests ( Zadok and Ahimelech ); (4) a scribe or court secretary ( Seraiah ); and (5) a security officer ( Benaiah, who became a commander under Solomon; see also 1 Kgs 2:25-46 ).

a8:15-18►

b1 Kgs 2:25-46►

d1 Sam 30:14►

eEzek 25:16►

‏ 2 Samuel 8:15-18

Summary for 2Sam 8:15-18: 8:15-18 ^a David’s bureaucracy included (1) military officials (Joab); (2) a court historian (Jehoshaphat); (3) priests (Zadok and Ahimelech); (4) a scribe or court secretary (Seraiah); and (5) a security officer (Benaiah, who became a commander under Solomon; see also 1 Kgs 2:25-46 ^b).
8:18 ^c the king’s bodyguard: Hebrew the Kerethites and Pelethites. Both peoples were probably foreigners, especially the Kerethites, who might have come from the island of Crete (see also 1 Sam 30:14 ^d; Ezek 25:16 ^e). These groups might have been Philistine mercenaries.

• David’s sons served as priestly leaders: David was from Judah and was not a Levite. Alongside the traditional priesthood, David might have inaugurated a religious class specifically tied to his dynasty, probably to serve the royal court (see also study note on 2 Sam 20:26).