Biblical References:
Acshaph is mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the conquest of Canaan by the Israelites. The city is referenced in the Book of Joshua.

1. Joshua 11:1 · "Now when Jabin king of Hazor heard of this, he sent word to Jobab king of Madon, to the king of Shimron, and to the king of Acshaph," . This verse places Acshaph among the coalition of northern Canaanite kings who opposed Joshua during the Israelite conquest of the Promised Land. The king of Acshaph joined forces with other regional leaders to resist the advancing Israelites.

2. Joshua 12:20 · "the king of Shimron-meron, one; the king of Acshaph, one;" . This passage lists the king of Acshaph among the defeated kings in the comprehensive account of Joshua's victories over the Canaanite kings. The enumeration of these kings underscores the thoroughness of the Israelite conquest under Joshua's leadership.

3. Joshua 19:25 · "Their territory included Helkath, Hali, Beten, Achshaph," . Acshaph is also mentioned as part of the territory allotted to the tribe of Asher. This allocation indicates that Acshaph was situated in the northern region of Canaan, within the boundaries assigned to Asher.

Historical and Geographical Context:
Acshaph was a Canaanite city-state during the time of the Israelite conquest. Its exact location is not definitively known, but it is generally believed to have been situated in the northern part of ancient Canaan, possibly near the modern-day region of Galilee. The city's inclusion in the coalition against Joshua suggests it was a place of some significance and influence in the region.

Theological Significance:
The mention of Acshaph in the biblical narrative highlights the broader theme of God's promise to the Israelites to deliver the land of Canaan into their hands. The defeat of the king of Acshaph, along with other Canaanite kings, serves as a testament to the fulfillment of God's covenant with Israel. It also illustrates the resistance faced by the Israelites and the divine assistance they received in overcoming formidable adversaries.

Cultural and Archaeological Insights:
While specific archaeological evidence directly identifying Acshaph has not been conclusively found, the city's mention in the biblical text provides insight into the political landscape of Canaan during the Late Bronze Age. The coalition of kings, including the king of Acshaph, reflects the fragmented nature of Canaanite society, with numerous city-states each ruled by their own king.

Acshaph's role in the biblical narrative, though brief, contributes to the understanding of the complex interactions between the Israelites and the existing Canaanite populations. The city's eventual inclusion in the territory of Asher signifies the transition of control from Canaanite to Israelite hands, a key aspect of the biblical account of the conquest and settlement of the Promised Land.407. Akshaph -- a place in N. Canaan
... Achshaph. From kashaph; fascination; Acshaph, a place in Palestine -- Achshaph.
see HEBREW kashaph. 406, 407. Akshaph. 408 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/407.htm - 6kAcshaph (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Acshaph (3 Occurrences). ... Joshua 19:25 And their territory
was Helkath, and Hali, and Beten, and Acshaph, (DBY NIV). ...
/a/acshaph.htm - 7k

Acsah (5 Occurrences)

/a/acsah.htm - 7k

Act (204 Occurrences)

/a/act.htm - 36k

Territory (140 Occurrences)
... NAS RSV NIV). Joshua 19:25 And their territory was Helkath, and Hali, and
Beten, and Acshaph, (DBY NAS RSV NIV). Joshua 19:41 And ...
/t/territory.htm - 56k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus