(15) Recorder.--Literally, Remembrancer. LXX and Vulg. render the word "over, or writer of, memoranda." Syriac and Arabic of Samuel have "leader," "director;" here they render literally. (Comp. 2 Samuel 8:16; 2 Kings 18:18; 2 Chronicles 34:8.)
Verse 15. - Recorder. The word is of the same root with that in 1 Chronicles 16:4, "to record." The exact duties and position of this officer are not stated in any one place, but may be gathered from 2 Samuel 8:16; 2 Samuel 20:24; 1 Kings 4:3; 2 Kings 18:18, 37; 2 Chronicles 34:8. From these notices, belonging to somewhat separate times, we may gather the dignity and responsibility and trust of the office which the recorder filled, altogether in excess of his duty as mere historical secretary.
18:1-17 David's victories. - This chapter is the same as 2Sa 8. Our good fight of faith, under the Captain of our salvation, will end in everlasting triumph and peace. The happiness of Israel, through David's victories, and just government, faintly shadowed forth the happiness of the redeemed in the realms above.