Shaphan is a significant biblical figure known primarily for his role as a scribe during the reign of King Josiah of Judah. He is recognized as the father of Ahikam and the grandfather of Gedaliah, both of whom played crucial roles in the history of Judah.

Role as a Scribe

Shaphan served as a scribe in the court of King Josiah, one of the most reformative kings of Judah. His position as a scribe was not merely clerical; it involved significant responsibilities, including the management of royal decrees and the administration of temple affairs. Shaphan's most notable contribution is recorded in the context of the religious reforms initiated by King Josiah.

Discovery of the Book of the Law

Shaphan's name is prominently mentioned in the account of the discovery of the Book of the Law during the renovation of the Temple. In 2 Kings 22:8-10 , it is recorded: "Then Hilkiah the high priest said to Shaphan the scribe, 'I have found the Book of the Law in the house of the LORD.' And Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan, who read it. And Shaphan the scribe went to the king and reported, 'Your servants have paid out the money that was found in the house and have put it into the hands of the supervisors and workers.' Moreover, Shaphan the scribe told the king, 'Hilkiah the priest has given me a book.' And Shaphan read it in the presence of the king."

This discovery was pivotal, leading to a national religious reform as King Josiah sought to align the kingdom's practices with the covenantal laws outlined in the rediscovered text.

Family and Legacy

Shaphan's legacy extends through his descendants, who continued to influence the spiritual and political landscape of Judah. His son, Ahikam, is noted for his support of the prophet Jeremiah. In Jeremiah 26:24 , it is mentioned: "Nevertheless, Ahikam son of Shaphan supported Jeremiah, so he was not handed over to the people to be put to death." This support was crucial in protecting Jeremiah during a time of significant opposition.

Shaphan's grandson, Gedaliah, was appointed governor over the remnant of Judah by Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, after the fall of Jerusalem. Gedaliah's governorship is recorded in 2 Kings 25:22-24 , where he is depicted as a leader who sought to stabilize the region and encourage the people to serve the Babylonian king peacefully.

Influence and Character

Shaphan's influence is seen not only in his immediate actions but also in the legacy of his family, who were instrumental in the spiritual and political affairs of Judah. His role in the discovery of the Book of the Law and his family's continued support of prophetic voices highlight a commitment to the covenantal faith and the welfare of the nation. Shaphan's life and legacy underscore the importance of faithfulness and integrity in positions of influence, serving as a model for those who seek to uphold God's laws and principles in governance and daily life.2 Kings 22:12
And the king commanded Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Achbor the son of Michaiah, and Shaphan the scribe, and Asahiah a servant of the king's, saying,
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2 Kings 25:22
And as for the people that remained in the land of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had left, even over them he made Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, ruler.
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2 Chronicles 34:20
And the king commanded Hilkiah, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Abdon the son of Micah, and Shaphan the scribe, and Asaiah a servant of the king's, saying,
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Jeremiah 26:24
Nevertheless the hand of Ahikam the son of Shaphan was with Jeremiah, that they should not give him into the hand of the people to put him to death.
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Jeremiah 39:14
Even they sent, and took Jeremiah out of the court of the prison, and committed him to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan, that he should carry him home: so he dwelled among the people.
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Jeremiah 40:5,9,11
Now while he was not yet gone back, he said, Go back also to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon has made governor over the cities of Judah, and dwell with him among the people: or go wherever it seems convenient to you to go. So the captain of the guard gave him victuals and a reward, and let him go.
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Jeremiah 41:2
Then arose Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and the ten men that were with him, and smote Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan with the sword, and slew him, whom the king of Babylon had made governor over the land.
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Jeremiah 43:6
Even men, and women, and children, and the king's daughters, and every person that Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard had left with Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Jeremiah the prophet, and Baruch the son of Neriah.
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The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... restore to the sanctuaries, now rebuilt, all the wealth of which his grandfather
had robbed ... two years,* had no time to desert the ways of his father, and Josiah ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

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