דברי הימים א, פרק ה׳, פסוק י״ב

The governance of the tribe of Gad in the Bashan region relied on a structured hierarchy of four central figures who served as local leaders and heads of their families [מצודת דוד, רד״ק]. At the top of this structure stood Joel, who acted as the primary leader of the tribe during that generation [רד״ק, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. There is an approach that connects him to earlier historical accounts, identifying him as the founder of a leadership dynasty that was passed down through the generations [מלבי״ם]. Serving directly under him was Shapham, who held the rank and position of second-in-command [מצודת ציון, מלבי״ם].

Working alongside them were Jaanai and Shaphat, who managed the affairs of the Bashan territory, an area where the tribe of Gad had recently expanded and established new settlements [מלבי״ם]. Shaphat carries an additional layer of historical significance, as traditional sources identify him as the father of the prophet Elisha. His connection to the Bashan region is viewed not merely as a geographic detail, but as a symbolic parallel. Just as the Bashan territory was known for containing exactly sixty cities, Shaphat's son Elisha was destined to lead and provide for the Israelites for exactly sixty years [רד״ק, מלבי״ם].