Shiphtan is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Numbers. He is identified as the father of Kemuel, who was one of the leaders appointed to assist in the division of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel. The name Shiphtan appears in the context of the Israelites' journey and settlement in Canaan, highlighting the organizational and leadership structures established by divine command.

Biblical Reference:

Shiphtan is mentioned in Numbers 34:24: "And the leader from the tribe of Ephraim, Kemuel son of Shiphtan."

Historical and Cultural Context:

The mention of Shiphtan occurs during a significant period in Israelite history, as the people of Israel were preparing to enter and settle in the land of Canaan. This was a time when the Israelites, having been delivered from slavery in Egypt and having wandered in the wilderness for forty years, were on the brink of receiving the inheritance promised to their forefathers—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

The division of the land was a critical task, requiring wise and capable leaders to ensure that each tribe received its allotted inheritance. Shiphtan's son, Kemuel, was chosen as one of these leaders, indicating that Shiphtan was likely a respected figure within the tribe of Ephraim. The tribe of Ephraim itself held a prominent position among the tribes of Israel, being one of the two tribes descended from Joseph, the son of Jacob.

Theological Significance:

The appointment of leaders like Kemuel, son of Shiphtan, underscores the importance of orderly governance and faithful stewardship in the fulfillment of God's promises. The division of the land was not merely a logistical necessity but a divinely ordained process that required adherence to God's instructions. It reflects the broader biblical theme of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises and the role of human agency in executing divine plans.

Shiphtan's mention, though brief, is part of the larger narrative of God's providence and the establishment of Israel as a nation in the land He had set apart for them. It serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of family, leadership, and divine purpose in the unfolding of biblical history.

Name Meaning and Etymology:

The name Shiphtan is of Hebrew origin, and while its exact meaning is not definitively known, it is often associated with the concept of judgment or decision-making, derived from the root "shaphat," meaning "to judge" or "to govern." This etymological connection may reflect the role of his son Kemuel in the judicial and administrative task of land division.

Conclusion:

While Shiphtan himself is not a central figure in the biblical narrative, his mention as the father of a leader involved in the division of the Promised Land highlights the importance of family lineage and the transmission of leadership roles within the tribes of Israel. His legacy is preserved through the actions and responsibilities of his son, contributing to the fulfillment of God's promises to His people.Shiphtan

(judicial), father of Kemuel, a prince of the tribe of Ephraim. (Numbers 34:24) (B.C. before 1450.)

Judicial, an Ephraimite prince at the time of the division of Canaan (Numbers 34:24). SHIPHTAN

shif'-tan (shiphTan; Codex Vaticanus Sabatha; Codex Alexandrinus Sabathan, F, Saphatan, Lucian, ((S)ephatha): An Ephraimite prince (Numbers 34:24).

8204. Shiphtan -- "judgment," a prince of Ephraim
... 8203, 8204. Shiphtan. 8205 . "judgment," a prince of Ephraim. Transliteration:
Shiphtan Phonetic Spelling: (shif-tawn') Short Definition: Shiphtan. ...
/hebrew/8204.htm - 6kShiphtan (1 Occurrence)
...SHIPHTAN. shif'-tan (shiphTan; Codex Vaticanus Sabatha; Codex Alexandrinus Sabathan,
F, Saphatan, Lucian, ((S)ephatha): An Ephraimite prince (Numbers 34:24). ...
/s/shiphtan.htm - 7k

Kemuel (3 Occurrences)
... (1.) The third son of Nahor (Genesis 22:21). (2.) Son of Shiphtan, appointed on
behalf of the tribe of Ephraim to partition the land of Canaan (Numbers 34:24). ...
/k/kemuel.htm - 8k

Ephraim (168 Occurrences)
... spies was Hoshea (ie Joshua), the son of Nun (Numbers 13:8). At the division of
the land Ephraim was represented by prince Kemuel, son of Shiphtan (Numbers 34 ...
/e/ephraim.htm - 56k

Kemu'el (2 Occurrences)
... Numbers 34:24 and of the tribe of the children of Ephraim a prince, Kemuel the son
of Shiphtan. (See RSV). Kem'uel, Kemu'el. Kenaanah . Reference Bible.
/k/kemu'el.htm - 6k

E'phraim (146 Occurrences)
... families. (See RSV). Numbers 34:24 Of the tribe of the children of Ephraim
a prince, Kemuel the son of Shiphtan. (See RSV). Deuteronomy ...
/e/e'phraim.htm - 35k

Shipmaster (2 Occurrences)

/s/shipmaster.htm - 7k

Shiph'rah (1 Occurrence)
Shiph'rah. Shiphrah, Shiph'rah. Shiphtan . Multi-Version Concordance
Shiph'rah (1 Occurrence). ... Shiphrah, Shiph'rah. Shiphtan . Reference Bible.
/s/shiph'rah.htm - 6k

Leader (183 Occurrences)
... (See NAS RSV NIV). Numbers 34:24 Of the tribe of the children of Ephraim
a prince, Kemuel the son of Shiphtan. (See NAS RSV NIV). ...
/l/leader.htm - 35k

Prince (160 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT). Numbers 34:24 Of the tribe of the children of Ephraim
a prince, Kemuel the son of Shiphtan. (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT). ...
/p/prince.htm - 53k

Tribe (250 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Numbers 34:24 Of the tribe of
the children of Ephraim a prince, Kemuel the son of Shiphtan. ...
/t/tribe.htm - 45k

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