Shaphat שָׁפָט

Shaphat, mentioned in 1Ch.27.29, was an official in King David's administration who was responsible for overseeing the royal herds that grazed in the valleys. He is identified as the son of Adlai, but no further details about his family background are provided. As the overseer of the herds in the valleys, Shaphat would have been in charge of managing the livestock, ensuring their well-being, and organizing their grazing and care. The valleys likely refer to the fertile lowlands of Israel, which were suitable for grazing cattle and other livestock. Shaphat's appointment to this position indicates that he possessed the necessary skills and trustworthiness to manage this important aspect of the king's property. The mention of Shaphat in the context of David's administrative organization highlights the king's efforts to establish a well-structured and efficient system for managing his assets and resources.