Shaphan שָׁפָן
Father of Jaazaniah, an idolatrous worshipper
Who is Shaphan in the Bible?
Shaphan was the father of Jaazaniah, one of the seventy elders of Israel mentioned in Ezekiel 8:11. In a vision given to the prophet Ezekiel, Jaazaniah and other elders are depicted burning incense and committing abominable idolatrous practices in a secret chamber of the temple. The specific naming of Jaazaniah as "the son of Shaphan" suggests that Shaphan was likely a prominent figure in Israelite society, though the biblical text provides no further details about him personally. This account is significant because it illustrates the spiritual corruption that had infiltrated even the leadership of Israel, with these revered elders engaging in forbidden worship within God's own temple during a time of national spiritual decline.
Biography
Shaphan, mentioned in Ezk.8.11, was the father of Jaazaniah, one of the seventy elders of Israel who were involved in idolatrous worship practices within the temple. In a vision given to the prophet Ezekiel, he sees these elders burning incense and engaging in abominable practices in a secret chamber of the temple. Jaazaniah, the son of Shaphan, is specifically named among these elders. This event highlights the spiritual decay and the prevalence of idolatry among the leaders of Israel, even within the sacred precincts of the temple. The mention of Shaphan as the father of Jaazaniah suggests that he may have been a well-known figure, possibly due to his own position or the significance of his family. However, the text does not provide any further details about Shaphan himself or his role in the events described in the vision.
Family
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | שָׁפָן |