Shaphat was the father of the prophet Elisha and belonged to the tribe of Issachar. He was a wealthy farmer from Abel-meholah who owned land and had resources to keep twelve yoke of oxen for plowing. Through his son Elisha, his family became connected to one of the most significant prophetic ministries in Israel's history.
The prophet Elijah found Elisha, Shaphat's son, plowing with twelve yoke of oxen on the family land. This shows that Shaphat was a wealthy landowner who could equip his son with substantial resources.
19So Elijah went from there and found Elisha son of Shaphat. He was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen, and he himself was driving the twelfth pair. Elijah passed by him and threw his cloak over him.
When Elisha was called, he slaughtered the oxen and cooked their meat using the plowing equipment as fuel, then took leave of his father Shaphat to follow the prophet Elijah.
20Elisha left the oxen and ran after Elijah. "Let me kiss my father and mother goodbye," he said, "and then I will follow you." "Go back," Elijah replied. "What have I done to you?"
21So he turned back from him, took his yoke of oxen and slaughtered them. He cooked the meat using the plowing equipment for fuel, gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he set out to follow Elijah and became his servant.
11But Jehoshaphat asked, "Is there no prophet of the LORD here, that we may inquire of the LORD through him?" One of the servants of the king of Israel answered, "Elisha son of Shaphat is here—the man who poured water on the hands of Elijah."