Shaphan, a significant figure in the Old Testament, served as a scribe during the reign of King Josiah of Judah. His role is prominently featured in the narrative of the religious reforms initiated by Josiah, as recorded in the books of 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles. Shaphan's actions and influence are pivotal in the rediscovery and subsequent implementation of the Book of the Law, which led to a national revival and return to covenantal faithfulness.

Background and Role

Shaphan was the son of Azaliah and belonged to a family that held positions of influence in the kingdom of Judah. As a scribe, Shaphan's responsibilities would have included recording royal decrees, managing official documents, and advising the king on matters of state and religion. His position placed him in close proximity to the king, allowing him to play a crucial role in the events that unfolded during Josiah's reign.

Rediscovery of the Book of the Law

The most notable event involving Shaphan is the rediscovery of the Book of the Law during the eighteenth year of King Josiah's reign. This event is detailed in 2 Kings 22 and 2 Chronicles 34. As the temple was being repaired, Hilkiah the high priest found the Book of the Law, believed to be a copy of the Torah, which had been neglected during the reigns of previous kings.

2 Kings 22:8-10 records this momentous discovery: "Then Hilkiah the high priest said to Shaphan the scribe, 'I have found the Book of the Law in the house of the LORD.' And he gave it to Shaphan, who read it. And Shaphan the scribe went to the king and reported, 'Your servants have paid out the money that was found in the house and have put it into the hands of the workers and supervisors at the house of the LORD.' Moreover, Shaphan the scribe told the king, 'Hilkiah the priest has given me a book.' And Shaphan read it in the presence of the king."

Impact on Josiah's Reforms

Upon hearing the words of the Book of the Law, King Josiah was deeply moved and tore his clothes in a sign of repentance and mourning. Recognizing the nation's departure from the covenant, Josiah initiated a series of reforms to restore proper worship and adherence to the Law. Shaphan's role in reading the book to the king underscores his influence and the trust placed in him by Josiah.

Josiah's reforms included the removal of idolatrous practices, the destruction of pagan altars, and the reinstitution of the Passover celebration, as described in 2 Kings 23 and 2 Chronicles 35. Shaphan's involvement in these reforms highlights his commitment to the spiritual renewal of Judah and his support for the king's efforts to lead the nation back to God.

Family Legacy

Shaphan's legacy extended beyond his own lifetime through his descendants, who continued to serve in significant roles. His son Ahikam supported the prophet Jeremiah, providing protection during a time of persecution (Jeremiah 26:24). Another son, Gemariah, is mentioned in connection with the reading of Jeremiah's scroll (Jeremiah 36:10). This legacy of faithfulness and service to God and the king underscores the enduring impact of Shaphan's life and work.

Conclusion

Shaphan's role as a scribe during King Josiah's reign was instrumental in the spiritual revival of Judah. His faithful service, particularly in the rediscovery and dissemination of the Book of the Law, played a crucial part in the reforms that sought to restore the nation to covenantal faithfulness. Through his actions and the legacy of his family, Shaphan's influence extended beyond his own generation, contributing to the preservation and proclamation of God's word in a time of national renewal.2 Kings 22:3-14
And it came to pass in the eighteenth year of king Josiah, that the king sent Shaphan the son of Azaliah, the son of Meshullam, the scribe, to the house of the LORD, saying,
Nave's Topical Index

2 Chronicles 34:8-20
Now in the eighteenth year of his reign, when he had purged the land, and the house, he sent Shaphan the son of Azaliah, and Maaseiah the governor of the city, and Joah the son of Joahaz the recorder, to repair the house of the LORD his God.
Nave's Topical Index

Josiah and the Newly Found Law
... One of them, Ahikam, was a friend and protector of Jeremiah, and Shaphan the scribe
was the ... They may all have been in accord with the king, or they may not ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/josiah and the newly found.htm

How Amon Reigned Instead of Manasseh; and after Amon Reigned ...
... rent his garment, and called for Eliakim the high priest, and for [Shaphan] the
scribe, and for ... her by the king, she bid them go back to the king, and say ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 4 how amon reigned.htm

The Rediscovered Law and Its Effects
... Again Shaphan is the reader, as it was natural that a 'scribe' should be ... threatenings,
and promises,"the deepening eagerness of the king, the gradual ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/the rediscovered law and its.htm

The Book of the Law
... harmony with King Josiah's plan for the preservation of the sacred structure. The
high priest handed the precious volume to Shaphan, a learned scribe, who read ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 33 the book of.htm

Synagogues: their Origin, Structure and Outward Arrangements
... read that "the book of the law" was discovered by Shaphan the scribe in "the house
of the Lord," this implies that during the reign of King Josiah there could ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 16 synagogues their origin.htm

The Earlier Hebrew Histories.
... The temple had fallen into ruin, and the good king determined to ... which he manifests
at this discovery, the trepidation of Shaphan the scribe, who hastens ...
/.../gladden/who wrote the bible/chapter iv the earlier hebrew.htm

The Doctrine of the Scriptures.
... Michaiah the son of Gemariah, the son of Shaphan, had heard ... roll, and give it to
Baruch the scribe, the son ... the words of the book which Jehoiakim king of Judah ...
/.../evans/the great doctrines of the bible/the doctrine of the scriptures.htm

Was Moses "A Literary Fiction"?
... (Margin, RV) And Hilkiah answered and said to Shaphan, I have ... called "The Book."
It was read before the King, who humbled ... was a ready scribe in the law of Moses ...
/.../iii was moses a literary.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... Josiah, King of Judah: the discovery and public reading of the Book of
the Covenant; the religious reform"Necho II. invades Syria ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

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