Ahilud
Father of Jehoshaphat and Baana, officials under David and Solomon
Achilud is a biblical figure known exclusively through his two sons, both of whom held central offices in the united kingdom of Israel. Jehoshaphat, son of Achilud, served as royal recorder (Hebrew: mazkir) under kings David and Solomon—a role that likely encompassed far more than history-writing and can rather be compared to a chancellor or court herald. The other son, Baana, was one of Solomon’s twelve district governors responsible for an area that included the strategically important cities of Taanach and Megiddo. The Bible gives no direct information about Achilud himself, but his sons’ prominent positions at court testify that the family belonged to an influential class of officials who were crucial to the kingdom’s administration and governance.
Family
Key events
Mentioned among David's officials
Ahilud is mentioned as the father of Jehoshaphat, who served as royal historian during King David's reign. This highlights the family's prominent position in the kingdom's administration.
Jehoshaphat's role under David confirmed
In an extended list of David's officials, Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud is again mentioned as royal historian among the king's most important servants.
Mentioned in Chronicles among David's officials
1 Chronicles repeats the list of David's officials, where Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud is named as royal historian.
The family's service continues under Solomon
Jehoshaphat, son of Ahilud, continued to serve as royal recorder during King Solomon's reign, which testifies to the family's enduring influence in the kingdom's administration.
Baana, son of Ahilud, as Solomon's deputy
Another son of Ahilud, Baana, served as one of Solomon's twelve deputies responsible for the district that included Taanach and Megiddo, tasked with providing food for the king's household.