Shaphan was evidently much older than Josiah and could therefore be a good spiritual adviser to him and a supporter of Josiahs first campaign of restoring true worship
त्याअर्थी, राजाचा चिटणीस या नात्याने शाफान यहुदातील सर्वात वजनदार पुरुषांत गणला जात असे.