Shaphan
“Rock badger or coney”
Summary
The royal scribe under King Josiah who played a pivotal role in the religious reformation by reading the newly discovered Book of the Law to the king.
☩Role in Finding the Law
Shaphan was the son of Azaliah and served as scribe or secretary to King Josiah, a position equivalent to a chief minister. Around 628 BC, the king sent him with the governor of the city and the royal recorder to Hilkiah the high priest to oversee the collection and distribution of funds for Temple repairs. During this visit, Hilkiah delivered to Shaphan a copy of the Book of the Law that had been discovered during the restoration work. Shaphan first read it himself, then brought it to Josiah and read it aloud to the king.
☩Aftermath
When Josiah heard the words of the Law, he tore his robes in distress and immediately sent Shaphan, along with Hilkiah and other officials, to consult the prophetess Huldah. Her prophecy of coming judgment moved Josiah to undertake a thorough reformation of religion, sweeping away all traces of idolatry. By this time Shaphan was likely an elderly man, as his son Ahikam already held a position of importance and his grandson Gedaliah had been born.
☩Family Legacy
Shaphan's family became notable supporters of the prophetic movement, particularly befriending Jeremiah. His son Ahikam protected Jeremiah from those who sought to kill him; another son Elasah carried Jeremiah's letter to the Babylonian exiles; and son Gemariah tried to prevent King Jehoiakim from burning Jeremiah's scroll. His grandson Gedaliah was later appointed governor of Judah by the Babylonians after Jerusalem's fall. One descendant, possibly his son Jaazaniah, appears unfavorably in Ezekiel's vision of idolatrous elders.
Related Verses24 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Shaphan," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Shaphan," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. IV (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Shaphan," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).