Unlike the reign of many of the later kings, David’s rule is characterized by justice and righteousness (8:15). The historian juxtaposes this statement with the preceding description of David’s success to create a causal connection: David is successful due to his loyalty to God (8:15–18). David is assisted by several able administrators, including a “recorder” and a “secretary.” The former may have been the head administrator of royal affairs and the latter something like our secretary of state. Neither position is mentioned in the summary …