Casiphia is a location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon to Jerusalem. The name "Casiphia" appears in the Book of Ezra, which details the efforts of the Jewish people to rebuild the temple and reestablish their community in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile.

Biblical Reference:

The primary reference to Casiphia is found in Ezra 8:17. In this passage, Ezra, a scribe and leader among the returning exiles, is organizing a group to journey from Babylon to Jerusalem. He sends a delegation to Iddo, a leader at Casiphia, to request ministers for the house of God:

"Then I sent them to Iddo, the leader at Casiphia, and I told them what to say to him and his brothers, the temple servants at Casiphia, that they should bring us ministers for the house of our God." (Ezra 8:17)

Historical and Geographical Context:

The exact location of Casiphia is not definitively known, and it is not mentioned elsewhere in the Bible outside of the Book of Ezra. Some scholars suggest that Casiphia may have been a settlement or a district within the Babylonian Empire where a community of Levites and temple servants resided. This is inferred from the context in which Ezra seeks assistance from Iddo and his brethren, indicating that Casiphia was a place where individuals knowledgeable in temple service could be found.

Religious Significance:

Casiphia holds significance in the narrative of the Jewish return from exile as it represents a source of religious and spiritual support for the rebuilding efforts in Jerusalem. The request for ministers underscores the importance of proper worship and temple service in the reestablishment of the Jewish community. The Levites and temple servants were essential for conducting sacrifices and maintaining the religious practices that were central to Jewish identity and worship.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the mention of Casiphia highlights God's providence in providing for the needs of His people. Despite the challenges of the exile and the daunting task of rebuilding, God ensures that the necessary resources and personnel are available to fulfill His purposes. The cooperation between Ezra and the leaders at Casiphia exemplifies the unity and shared commitment to God's work among the Jewish exiles.

Conclusion:

While Casiphia is a minor detail in the broader narrative of the return from exile, it serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of God's people and the importance of each community's contribution to the collective mission. The passage in Ezra underscores the value of leadership, collaboration, and faithfulness in the pursuit of divine objectives.Casiphia

money; covetousness

Casiphia

(silvery, white), a place of uncertain site on the road between Babylon and Jerusalem. (Ezra 8:17)

Casiphia

The home of many of the exiled Jews, was probably in the vicinity of the Caspian sea, Ezra 8:17.

Silver, a place between Babylon and Jerusalem, where Iddo resided (Ezra 8:17); otherwise unknown. CASIPHIA

ka-sif'-i-a, ka-sif-e'-a (kaciphya'): A place in North Babylonia, near the river Ahava, to which Ezra sent for "ministers for the house of our God" (Ezra 8:17). Some have thought the name to be connected with keceph, "silver" or "money." Septuagint renders argurio tou topou, as in 1 Esdras 8:45, "the place of the treasury."

3703. Kasiphya -- a place in Babylon
... Kasiphya. 3704 . a place in Babylon. Transliteration: Kasiphya Phonetic Spelling:
(kaw-sif-yaw') Short Definition: Casiphia. ... NASB Word Usage Casiphia (2). ...
/hebrew/3703.htm - 6kCasiphia (1 Occurrence)
... otherwise unknown. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. CASIPHIA. ka-sif ... the treasury.".
Multi-Version Concordance Casiphia (1 Occurrence). Ezra 8 ...
/c/casiphia.htm - 7k

Casiphi'a (1 Occurrence)
Casiphi'a. Casiphia, Casiphi'a. Casluh . Multi-Version Concordance
Casiphi'a (1 Occurrence). ... (See RSV). Casiphia, Casiphi'a. Casluh . Reference
/c/casiphi'a.htm - 6k

Iddo (14 Occurrences)
... id'-o: (1) ('iddo (?'adhadh, "to be strong"), "hap," "happy" (?), Ezra 8:17): The
"chief at the place Casiphia," who provided Ezra with Levites and Nethinim ...
/i/iddo.htm - 14k

Nethinims (15 Occurrences)
... Ezra 8:17 And I sent them with commandment unto Iddo the chief at the place Casiphia,
and I told them what they should say unto Iddo, and to his brethren the ...
/n/nethinims.htm - 11k

Ministrants (18 Occurrences)
... Ezra 8:17 and I charge them for Iddo the head, in the place Casiphia, and put in
their mouth words to speak unto Iddo, 'and' his brethren the Nethinim, in the ...
/m/ministrants.htm - 11k

Commission (11 Occurrences)
... Ezra 8:17 And I gave them a commission to Iddo the chief, at the place Casiphia,
and I put words in their mouths to say to Iddo and his brethren the Nethinim ...
/c/commission.htm - 11k

Attendants (30 Occurrences)
... Ezra 8:17 I sent them forth to Iddo the chief at the place Casiphia; and I told
them what they should tell Iddo, and his brothers the Nethinim, at the place ...
/a/attendants.htm - 15k

Mouths (86 Occurrences)
... Ezra 8:17 And I gave them a commission to Iddo the chief, at the place Casiphia,
and I put words in their mouths to say to Iddo and his brethren the Nethinim ...
/m/mouths.htm - 32k

Ministers (49 Occurrences)
... Ezra 8:17 I sent them forth to Iddo the chief at the place Casiphia; and I told
them what they should tell Iddo, and his brothers the Nethinim, at the place ...
/m/ministers.htm - 21k

Nethinim (16 Occurrences)
... Ezra 8:17 I sent them forth to Iddo the chief at the place Casiphia; and I told
them what they should tell Iddo, and his brothers the Nethinim, at the place ...
/n/nethinim.htm - 18k

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