1 Chronicles 18:16

Abimelech the son of Abiathar In 2 Samuel 8:17, Ahimelech the son of Abiathar, but read Abiathar son of Ahimelech in both passages. Cp. 1Ch 15:11; 1 Chronicles 24:2, notes; and Kirkpatrick on 2 Samuel 8:17.

Shavsha 2 Samuel 8:17, Seraiah; ib.2 Samuel 20:25 Sheva; and 1 Kings 4:3 (perhaps), Shisha. Shishaand Shavshaprobably represent two different attempts to pronounce a foreign name; Seraiahand Shevaare mere errors of transcription. Foreigners were admitted to posts of authority in the empire of David and Solomon; Ittai the Gittite and Uriah the Hittite are instances.

scribe R.V. mg., secretary. See 2 Kings 12:10; 2Ki 18:18; 2 Kings 22:3; cp. 2 Kings 25:19, a passage which suggests that there was a second scribe with military duties. The first, the king's scribe, would formulate the king's orders and conduct his correspondence with foreign powers.