Shapham
שָׁפָם/SHAY-fam/
“Bold or vigorous”
Summary
A chief of the tribe of Gad who held second place in command among his people during the time of Jotham.
☩Identity and Role
Shapham was the second-ranking chief among the Gadites during the reign of King Jotham, around 750 BC. He served under Joel, the chief of his tribe. The fragmentary genealogies suggest that Shapham and Joel may have lived during the time of Saul and participated in the war against the Hagrites.
Key verses:1 Chronicles 5:12
☩Historical Context
The genealogical lists mentioning Shapham were first recorded between 750 and 740 BC, just before the eastern tribes of Israel were carried into captivity by Assyria. The Gadites dwelt in Bashan, east of the Jordan, and were known for their military prowess.
Key verses:1 Chronicles 5:7-101 Chronicles 5:18-22
Related Verses1 mention
1 Chronicles· 1 verse
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Shapham," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Shapham," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. IV (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).