Shaphat

Shaphat is a figure mentioned in the Hebrew Bible. He is identified as the father of Elisha, a prominent prophet who succeeded Elijah. The primary biblical reference to Shaphat is found in the Book of Kings.

According to 1 Kings 19:16, Shaphat was a farmer from Abel-meholah. It was in this location that Elijah, following divine instruction, found Elisha plowing with twelve yoke of oxen and anointed him as his successor. Shaphat's role is that of Elisha's parent, establishing Elisha's lineage and his humble origins.

Beyond this specific mention, Shaphat himself is not a central character in the biblical narrative. His significance lies in his connection to Elisha and the story of Elijah's commissioning of his successor. The details provided about Shaphat underscore the idea that God often chooses individuals from ordinary backgrounds to carry out extraordinary tasks. There is no further information recorded about Shaphat's life or deeds.