Lexical Summary shaphah: To sweep, to scrape, to shave Original Word: שָׁפָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance cheese From shaphah in the sense of clarifying; a cheese (as strained from the whey) -- cheese. see HEBREW shaphah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom shaphah Definition perhaps cream NASB Translation cheese (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs שְׁפוֺת (Köii. 1. 186) noun feminine dubious, perhaps cream (as skimmed of ? compare WetzstZAW iii (1883), 276 f., who connects with Arabic  cream, and this with √ take off the top (but שׁ =  ?); EV cheese (after ᵑ6 ᵑ7, compare ARSKKB 3091)); — construct שְׁפוֺת בָּקָר 2 Samuel 17:29 cream of the herd ( + דְּבַשׁ וְחֶמְאָה וְצאֹן), compare Now Bu; ᵐ5. of Lucian HPS calves. Topical Lexicon Meaning and Context שָׁפָה names a prepared dairy product—cheese of the herd—served to David and his followers while they were in flight from Absalom’s revolt. Though humble, the food is singled out, highlighting the care taken to supply nourishment that was both sustaining and portable. Occurrence in Scripture Historical Background After Absalom temporarily seized the throne, David crossed the Jordan and camped at Mahanaim. Three supporters—Shobi of Rabbah, Machir of Lo-debar, and Barzillai of Gilead—brought provisions: “honey, curds, sheep, and cheese of the herd for David and his people to eat” (2 Samuel 17:29). Cheese, a luxury compared with plain milk, testifies to their generosity. In an era without refrigeration, pressed curds kept well, travelled easily, and supplied protein, fat, and salt—ideal for weary soldiers. The list of gifts mirrors the agricultural abundance of Transjordan, showing that even in political turmoil the Lord could raise allies from unexpected quarters. Theological Themes 1. Providence in the Wilderness: David’s path echoes Israel’s earlier wanderings; God again feeds His people through human agents. Ministry Reflections • Practical service is spiritual service. A simple gift of food refreshes God’s people and advances His purposes as surely as prophecy or music did in David’s life. Practical Application for Believers – Provide tangible support to missionaries, pastors, or any believer under pressure. – Set aside resources that travel well—both materially (meals, funds) and spiritually (encouraging words, Scripture readings). – Remember that small tokens, offered promptly, can steady the hearts of many. Related Concepts and Passages Psalm 23:5; Isaiah 7:15; John 6:11-12—each links food with divine care. Job 10:10 portrays God “curdling” Job like cheese, reminding readers that He who forms life can also sustain it. Proverbs 3:27 urges distribution of good “when it is in your power to act,” mirroring the quick intervention of Shobi, Machir, and Barzillai. Summary שָׁפָה appears but once, yet it captures a rich tapestry of hospitality, providence, and covenant faithfulness. The cheese delivered at Mahanaim stands as a memorial to those who quietly advance God’s kingdom by meeting physical needs, proving that even the most ordinary provision can serve an extraordinary purpose in the unfolding plan of redemption. Forms and Transliterations וּשְׁפ֣וֹת ושפות ū·šə·p̄ō·wṯ ūšəp̄ōwṯ usheFotLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 2 Samuel 17:29 HEB: וְחֶמְאָ֗ה וְצֹאן֙ וּשְׁפ֣וֹת בָּקָ֔ר הִגִּ֧ישׁוּ NAS: sheep, and cheese of the herd, KJV: and sheep, and cheese of kine, INT: curds sheep and cheese of the herd approach 1 Occurrence |
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