Capharsalama is a location mentioned in the context of the Maccabean Revolt, specifically in the First Book of Maccabees, which is part of the Apocrypha. While not included in the canonical texts of the Protestant Bible, the First Book of Maccabees is considered valuable for historical context and is included in the Septuagint and the Catholic and Orthodox canons.

Biblical Reference:

The primary reference to Capharsalama is found in 1 Maccabees 7:31-32. The passage describes a battle between the forces of Judas Maccabeus and the army of Nicanor, a general of the Seleucid Empire. The text states:

"When Nicanor learned that Judas and his men were in the region of Samaria, he decided to attack them on the Sabbath. However, Judas and his men met him at Capharsalama. There, a fierce battle ensued, and Nicanor's army was defeated."

Historical and Geographical Context:

Capharsalama is believed to have been located in the region of Samaria, though its exact location remains uncertain. The name "Capharsalama" is thought to derive from the Hebrew or Aramaic, with "Kaphar" meaning "village" and "Salama" possibly being a proper name or a term meaning "peace" or "safety." This suggests that Capharsalama may have been a village or settlement known for its strategic or peaceful characteristics.

The battle at Capharsalama is significant in the Maccabean narrative as it highlights the ongoing struggle of the Jewish people against Hellenistic influences and oppression. Judas Maccabeus, a central figure in the revolt, is portrayed as a leader who is not only militarily adept but also deeply committed to the religious and cultural preservation of his people.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, the events at Capharsalama underscore themes of divine providence and the righteousness of defending one's faith and heritage. The victory of Judas Maccabeus at Capharsalama is seen as a testament to God's favor upon those who remain faithful to His commandments, even in the face of overwhelming odds.

The narrative also serves as an encouragement to believers to stand firm in their convictions, trusting that God will provide strength and deliverance. The Maccabean Revolt, including the battle at Capharsalama, is often viewed as a precursor to the later struggles faced by the Jewish people and an example of the enduring spirit of faith and resistance.

Cultural and Religious Impact:

The account of Capharsalama and the Maccabean Revolt has had a lasting impact on Jewish culture, particularly in the celebration of Hanukkah, which commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple following the Maccabean victories. For Christians, the Maccabean narratives provide historical context for the intertestamental period and illustrate the resilience of God's people in maintaining their identity and faith.

In summary, Capharsalama represents a significant moment in the history of the Jewish resistance against Hellenistic domination, highlighting the themes of faith, courage, and divine intervention that resonate throughout the biblical narrative.CAPHARSALAMA

kaf-ar-sal'-a-ma, kaf-ar-sala'-ma (Chapharsalama): The site of an indecisive skirmish between Judas Maccabeus and Nicanor, an officer of the king of Syria and governor of Judea. The situation cannot be precisely fixed but it must have been in the neighborhood of Jerusalem, for Nicanor, after losing 5,000 men, retired with the remainder to "the city of David" (1 Maccabees 7:26-32). The first part of the word, "Caphar," means village or hamlet; the last part has been identified with Siloam and also with Khirbet Deir Sellam, about 12 1/2 miles West of Jerusalem.

How Bacchides, the General of Demetrius's Army, Made an Expedition ...
... war with him, and gathered his army together, and prepared for fighting him; and
upon joining battle with him at a certain village called Capharsalama, he beat ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 10 how bacchides the.htm

Capharsalama
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia CAPHARSALAMA. kaf-ar-sal'-a-ma,
kaf-ar-sala'-ma (Chapharsalama): The site of an indecisive skirmish ...
/c/capharsalama.htm - 6k

Nicanor (1 Occurrence)
... Then followed the battle of Capharsalama ("village of peace"), in which the Syrians
were defeated, though Josephus (Ant., XII, x, 5) says Judas was defeated. ...
/n/nicanor.htm - 14k

Demetrius (3 Occurrences)
... win by guile, but Judas saw through his treachery, and Nicanor was forced to fight
openly, suffering two signal defeats, the first at Capharsalama (1 Maccabees ...
/d/demetrius.htm - 17k

Caphenatha
Caphenatha. Capharsalama, Caphenatha. Caphira . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ...
See CHAPHENATHA. Capharsalama, Caphenatha. Caphira . Reference Bible.
/c/caphenatha.htm - 6k

Caph (1 Occurrence)

/c/caph.htm - 6k

Maccabaeus
... The victory over Nicanor first at Capharsalama and later (161 BC) at Adasa near
Beth-horon, in which engagement Nicanor was slain, was the greatest of Judas ...
/m/maccabaeus.htm - 17k

Asmoneans
... In the ensuing battle at Capharsalama he was defeated and compelled to fall back
on Jerusalem and thence on Beth-horon, where Judas attacked, again defeated ...
/a/asmoneans.htm - 27k

Maccabees
... The victory over Nicanor first at Capharsalama and later (161 BC) at Adasa near
Beth-horon, in which engagement Nicanor was slain, was the greatest of Judas ...
/m/maccabees.htm - 52k

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