Ahilud אֲחִילוּד
Father of Jehoshaphat and Baana, officials under David and Solomon
Who is Ahilud in the Bible?
Ahilud was the father of two prominent officials who served the Israelite monarchy during the united kingdom period. His son Jehoshaphat held the important position of recorder under King David, responsible for maintaining the official records and documents of the kingdom (2 Samuel 8:16; 1 Chronicles 18:15). His other son, Baana, served as one of Solomon's twelve district governors, overseeing the administration and provision of resources for a specific region of Israel (1 Kings 4:12). The prominent positions held by both of Ahilud's sons suggest that he came from a family of influence and maintained close ties to the royal court. While Ahilud himself receives little direct mention in scripture, his legacy is preserved through the significant administrative roles his sons filled in the establishment and continuity of the Davidic kingdom.
Biography
Ahilud is mentioned in the Bible as the father of two important officials who served under King David and King Solomon. His first son, Jehoshaphat, held the position of recorder during David's reign. (2Sa.8.16; 1Ch.18.15) The recorder was responsible for maintaining official records and documents of the kingdom.
Ahilud's second son, Baana, served as one of the twelve district governors during Solomon's reign. (1Ki.4.12) These governors were appointed by Solomon to oversee the administration and provision of resources for the king's household, each being responsible for a specific region of Israel.
The fact that both of Ahilud's sons held significant positions in the royal administration suggests that Ahilud himself may have been a prominent figure or had a close relationship with the royal family. However, no further details about Ahilud's life or role are provided in the biblical text.
Family
In Scripture
3 biblical books2 Samuel 2 verses
- 2 Samuel 8:16
"Joab son of Zeruiah was over the army; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the recorder;"
- 2 Samuel 20:24
"Adoram was in charge of the forced labor; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the recorder;"
1 Kings 2 verses
- 1 Kings 4:3
"Elihoreph and Ahijah, the sons of Shisha, were secretaries; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the recorder;"
- 1 Kings 4:12
"Baana son of Ahilud in Taanach, in Megiddo, and in all of Beth-shean next to Zarethan below Jezreel, from Beth-shean to Abel-meholah and on past Jokmeam;"
1 Chronicles 1 verse
- 1 Chronicles 18:15
"Joab son of Zeruiah was over the army; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the recorder;"
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | אֲחִילוּד |
Ahilud
8.16">2Sa 8:16, 1Ch 18:15; 2Sa 20:24; 1Ki 4:3). In the absence of proof we may assume that the father of Baana, one of Solomon's district superintendents, was the same Ahilud (1Ki 4:12).
a-hi-ma'-az, a-him'-a-az ('achima`ats, perhaps "my brother is rage," or "brother of rage"):
(1) Father of Ahinoam the wife of King Saul (1Sa 14:50).
(2) The son of Zad