Mattan is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the political and religious turmoil during the reign of King Zedekiah of Judah. He is identified as the father of Shephatiah, one of the officials who opposed the prophet Jeremiah.

Biblical References:

Mattan is mentioned in the Book of Jeremiah, where his son Shephatiah is noted as one of the princes who sought to silence Jeremiah. The relevant passage is found in Jeremiah 38:1-4 :

"Now Shephatiah son of Mattan, Gedaliah son of Pashhur, Jehucal son of Shelemiah, and Pashhur son of Malchijah heard what Jeremiah was telling all the people when he said, 'This is what the LORD says: Whoever stays in this city will die by sword and famine and plague, but whoever goes over to the Chaldeans will live; he will escape with his life, and he will live.' But the officials said to the king, 'This man ought to die, because he is discouraging the soldiers who are left in this city, as well as all the people, by speaking such words to them. For this man is not seeking the well-being of these people, but their ruin.'"

Historical and Religious Context:

Mattan lived during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, marked by the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem. His son, Shephatiah, was among the leaders who viewed Jeremiah's prophecies as demoralizing and treasonous, given the prophet's message that surrender to the Babylonians was the only path to survival. This opposition to Jeremiah highlights the tension between the prophetic message and the political leadership of the time.

Role and Significance:

While Mattan himself is not a central figure in the biblical narrative, his mention as the father of Shephatiah places him within the broader context of the political and religious dynamics of late Judah. His family was evidently influential, as his son held a position of authority and was actively involved in the decision-making processes of the kingdom.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the account involving Mattan's son underscores the recurring biblical theme of conflict between divine prophecy and human authority. The resistance faced by Jeremiah from figures like Shephatiah son of Mattan serves as a reminder of the challenges prophets often encountered when delivering messages that contradicted the prevailing political or social sentiments.

Cultural and Genealogical Considerations:

Mattan's inclusion in the biblical record, though brief, contributes to the genealogical and cultural tapestry of the Scriptures. It reflects the importance of family lineage and the roles individuals played in the unfolding narrative of God's people. The mention of Mattan also provides insight into the familial connections that influenced the political landscape of Judah during its final days before the Babylonian exile.Jeremiah 38:1
Then Shephatiah the son of Mattan, and Gedaliah the son of Pashur, and Jucal the son of Shelemiah, and Pashur the son of Malchiah, heard the words that Jeremiah had spoken to all the people, saying,
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