Overview
The name Shaphat appears multiple times in Scripture, referring to different individuals across Israel's history. The most significant was Shaphat, father of Elisha the prophet, who was called by Elijah to succeed him in ministry. Other men named Shaphat included a spy sent to scout Canaan, various descendants in genealogies, and officials in Israel's government.
Key Scriptures
"Shaphat the son of Hori, from the tribe of Simeon" (Numbers 13:5, ESV). "Then the Lord said to him, 'Go, return on your way to the Wilderness of Damascus; and when you arrive, you shall anoint Hazael as king over Syria. Also you shall anoint Jehu the son of Nimshi as king over Israel. And Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel Meholah you shall anoint as prophet in your place'" (1 Kings 19:15–16, NASB). "So he departed from there, and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing" (1 Kings 19:19, NIV).
Application
Consider how God calls ordinary people engaged in daily work—like Elisha plowing—to fulfill extraordinary purposes in His kingdom.