Achshaph is a city mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the context of the conquest of Canaan by the Israelites. It is referenced in several passages, primarily in the Book of Joshua, and is associated with the northern coalition of Canaanite kings who opposed Joshua and the Israelites.

Biblical References:

1. Joshua 11:1 · Achshaph is first mentioned in the context of a coalition of Canaanite kings. "When Jabin king of Hazor heard of this, he sent word to Jobab king of Madon, to the king of Shimron, to the king of Achshaph," . This verse indicates that Achshaph was a significant city-state with its own king, who joined forces with other Canaanite rulers to resist the Israelite invasion.

2. Joshua 12:20 · Achshaph is listed among the cities whose kings were defeated by Joshua. "the king of Shimron-meron, one; the king of Achshaph, one;" . This enumeration underscores the comprehensive nature of Joshua's victories over the Canaanite territories.

3. Joshua 19:25 · Achshaph is also mentioned in the context of the territorial allotments to the tribes of Israel. It is included in the inheritance of the tribe of Asher. "Their territory included Helkath, Hali, Beten, Achshaph," . This indicates that Achshaph became part of the land apportioned to the tribe of Asher, suggesting its integration into the Israelite confederation.

Historical and Geographical Context:

Achshaph is believed to have been located in the northern part of ancient Canaan, although its exact location remains uncertain. Some scholars suggest it may have been situated near the modern-day site of Tell Keisan, based on archaeological findings and geographical correlations. The city's inclusion in the coalition against Joshua highlights its strategic importance and the threat perceived by the Canaanite kings from the advancing Israelites.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, the mention of Achshaph in the biblical narrative serves to illustrate the fulfillment of God's promise to the Israelites regarding the conquest of Canaan. The defeat of Achshaph's king, along with other Canaanite rulers, is seen as a testament to God's faithfulness and the divine mandate given to Joshua to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. The integration of Achshaph into the territory of Asher further signifies the establishment of Israelite presence and governance in the region.

Cultural and Archaeological Insights:

While specific archaeological evidence directly identifying Achshaph is limited, the general area believed to encompass the city has yielded artifacts and remains that provide insight into the Canaanite culture and the historical context of the biblical narrative. These findings contribute to a broader understanding of the ancient Near Eastern world in which the events of the Old Testament unfolded.

In summary, Achshaph is a city of notable mention in the biblical account of the Israelite conquest of Canaan, representing both a military challenge and a subsequent territorial acquisition for the people of Israel. Its role in the narrative underscores the themes of divine promise and fulfillment central to the biblical account.Achshaph

poison; tricks

Achshaph

(fascination), a city within the territory of Asher, named between Beten and Alammelech, (Joshua 19:25) originally the seat of a Canaanite king. (Joshua 11:1; 12:20)

Achshaph

A royal city of the Canaanites, Joshua 11:1, conquered by Joshua, and assigned to the tribe of Asher, Joshua 12:20; 19:25.

Fascination, a royal city of the Canaanites, in the north of Palestine (Joshua 11:1; 12:20; 19:25). It was in the eastern boundary of the tribe of Asher, and is identified with the modern ruined village of Kesaf or Yasif, N.E. of Accho. ACHSHAPH

ak'-shaf ('akhshaph, "sorcery," or "fascination"): A city in the northern part of the territory conquered by Joshua. The king of Achshaph was a member of the coalition against Israel under Jabin and Sisera. It is mentioned with Hazor, Megiddo, Taanach, etc., in the list of conquered kings. It is one of the cities marking the boundaries of the tribe of Asher (Joshua 11:1; Joshua 12:20; Joshua 19:25). Several attempts have been made to identify the site of it, but explorers are not agreed as to the identification.

407. Akshaph -- a place in N. Canaan
... 406, 407. Akshaph. 408 . a place in N. Canaan. Transliteration: Akshaph Phonetic
Spelling: (ak-shawf') Short Definition: Achshaph. ... Achshaph. ...
/hebrew/407.htm - 6k

Appendices
... Go forward on the way to the land of Pa-Kakina. Where is the road to Achshaph? Towards
no city. Pray look at the mountain of User. How is its crest? ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/appendices.htm

Achshaph (3 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ACHSHAPH. ... The king of Achshaph was a member
of the coalition against Israel under Jabin and Sisera. ...
/a/achshaph.htm - 8k

Ach'shaph (3 Occurrences)
Ach'shaph. Achshaph, Ach'shaph. Achzib . Multi-Version Concordance ... Joshua
12:20 the king of Shimron-meron, one; the king of Achshaph, one; (See RSV). ...
/a/ach'shaph.htm - 7k

Beten (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia BETEN. be'-ten (beTen; Batne): A city of
Asher mentioned between Hall and Achshaph (Joshua 19:25). ...
/b/beten.htm - 7k

Acshaph (3 Occurrences)
... Joshua 11:1 It happened, when Jabin king of Hazor heard of it, that he sent to Jobab
king of Madon, to the king of Shimron, to the king of Achshaph, (See NIV). ...
/a/acshaph.htm - 7k

Shimron (6 Occurrences)
... Joshua 11:1 It happened, when Jabin king of Hazor heard of it, that he sent to Jobab
king of Madon, to the king of Shimron, to the king of Achshaph, (WEB KJV ...
/s/shimron.htm - 9k

Shimron-meron (1 Occurrence)
... Here the name is followed by that of Achshaph, which also follows the name of Shimron
in 11:1. This suggests that the two are in reality one, and that Shimron ...
/s/shimron-meron.htm - 7k

Shimronmeron (1 Occurrence)
... Here the name is followed by that of Achshaph, which also follows the name of Shimron
in 11:1. This suggests that the two are in reality one, and that Shimron ...
/s/shimronmeron.htm - 7k

Achsah (5 Occurrences)

/a/achsah.htm - 9k

Hali (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia HALI. ha'-li (chali): A town named with Helkath,
Beten and Achshaph on the border of Asher (Joshua 19:25). ...
/h/hali.htm - 7k

Jabin (8 Occurrences)
... Joshua 11:1 It happened, when Jabin king of Hazor heard of it, that he sent to Jobab
king of Madon, to the king of Shimron, to the king of Achshaph, (WEB KJV ...
/j/jabin.htm - 11k

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