Etymology and Meaning:
The name "Zaphon" is derived from the Hebrew word "צָפוֹן" (tsaphon), which means "north" or "hidden." In biblical contexts, it often refers to a geographical location or a direction.

Biblical References:
Zaphon is mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of territorial boundaries and tribal inheritances. In Joshua 13:27, Zaphon is listed as part of the territory given to the tribe of Gad: "and in the valley: Beth-haram, Beth-nimrah, Succoth, and Zaphon—the rest of the kingdom of Sihon king of Heshbon, with the Jordan as its border, as far as the edge of the Sea of Chinnereth on the east side of the Jordan."

Geographical Significance:
Zaphon is located in the region east of the Jordan River, within the territory allocated to the tribe of Gad. This area is part of the Transjordan, a region known for its fertile land and strategic importance. The mention of Zaphon alongside other cities like Beth-haram and Succoth indicates its role in the agricultural and economic life of the Gadites.

Cultural and Historical Context:
The allocation of Zaphon to the tribe of Gad reflects the broader division of the Promised Land among the twelve tribes of Israel. The Transjordanian tribes, including Gad, Reuben, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, chose their inheritance east of the Jordan due to the region's suitability for livestock, as described in Numbers 32. Zaphon's inclusion in this territory underscores its value and strategic location.

Theological Implications:
Zaphon's mention in the Bible highlights the fulfillment of God's promises to the Israelites regarding the land. The division of the land among the tribes was not only a practical matter but also a spiritual one, as it represented the realization of the covenantal promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The specific mention of cities like Zaphon serves as a testament to God's faithfulness in providing for His people.

Symbolic and Prophetic Aspects:
While Zaphon primarily serves as a geographical reference, its name, meaning "north" or "hidden," can carry symbolic connotations. In biblical literature, the north is sometimes associated with mystery or divine judgment. However, in the context of Zaphon, the focus remains on its role within the tribal inheritance and the historical narrative of Israel's settlement in the Promised Land.

Archaeological Insights:
Modern archaeological efforts have sought to identify the precise location of Zaphon, though definitive conclusions remain elusive. The region's rich history and the presence of ancient settlements provide valuable insights into the life and culture of the Transjordanian tribes during the biblical period.

Conclusion:
Zaphon, as a part of the Gadite territory, plays a role in the broader narrative of Israel's conquest and settlement of the Promised Land. Its mention in the Bible serves as a reminder of the historical and theological significance of the land divisions among the tribes of Israel.Zaphon

(north), a place mentioned in the enumeration of the allotment of the tribe of Gad. (Joshua 13:27)

ZAPHON

za'-fon (tsaphon; Codex Vaticanus Saphan; Codex Alexandrinus Saphon): A city on the East of the Jordan in the territory of Gad (Joshua 13:27). It is named again in Judges 12:1 as the place where the elders of Gilead gathered to meet with Jephthah (tsaphonah should be translated "to Zaphon," not "northward"). It must have lain well to the North of Gad. According to the Talmud Amathus represented Zaphon (Neubauer, Geog. du Talmud, 249). Here sat one of the Synedria created by Gabinius (Ant., XIV, v, 4). It was a position of great strength (B J, I, iv, 2). Eusebius, Onomasticon places it 21 Roman miles S. of Pella. This is the modern Tell 'Amateh, on the south bank of Wady er-Rujeib, 15 miles South of Pella, and nearly 5 miles North of the Jabbok. Buhl (GAP, 259) objects to the identification that Tell 'Amateh corresponds to the Asophon of Josephus (Ant., XIII, xii, 5). But this objection does not seem well founded.

W. Ewing

6829. Tsaphon -- "north," a place on the E. bank of the Jordan
... Tsaphon. 6830 . "north," a place on the E. bank of the Jordan. Transliteration:
Tsaphon Phonetic Spelling: (tsaw-fone') Short Definition: Zaphon. ... Zaphon. ...
/hebrew/6829.htm - 6k

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... The inscription appears to give the name of a goddess, Agana- Zaphon, the
second part of which recalls the name of Baal- Zephon. ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Zaphon (4 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ZAPHON. ... It must have lain well to the North of Gad.
According to the Talmud Amathus represented Zaphon (Neubauer, Geog. ...
/z/zaphon.htm - 8k

Zaphnath-paaneah (1 Occurrence)
Zaphnath-paaneah. Zaphnathpaaneah, Zaphnath-paaneah. Zaphon . Easton's Bible
Dictionary ... (BBE DBY WBS YLT). Zaphnathpaaneah, Zaphnath-paaneah. Zaphon . ...
/z/zaphnath-paaneah.htm - 8k

Zara (1 Occurrence)

/z/zara.htm - 6k

Kinnereth (7 Occurrences)
... Joshua 13:27 and in the valley, Beth-haram, and Beth-nimrah, and Succoth, and Zaphon,
the rest of the kingdom of Sihon king of Heshbon, the Jordan being the ...
/k/kinnereth.htm - 8k

Nimrah (3 Occurrences)
... Joshua 13:27 and in the valley, Beth Haram, Beth Nimrah, Succoth, and Zaphon, the
rest of the kingdom of Sihon king of Heshbon, the Jordan's bank, to the ...
/n/nimrah.htm - 8k

Northern (18 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 47:17 And the border from the sea hath been Hazar-Enan, the border of Damascus,
and Zaphon at the north, and the border of Hamath: and 'this is' the ...
/n/northern.htm - 12k

Jordan's (4 Occurrences)
... Joshua 13:27 and in the valley, Beth Haram, Beth Nimrah, Succoth, and Zaphon, the
rest of the kingdom of Sihon king of Heshbon, the Jordan's bank, to the ...
/j/jordan's.htm - 7k

Realm (23 Occurrences)
... Joshua 13:27 and in the valley, Beth Haram, Beth Nimrah, Succoth, and Zaphon, the
rest of the kingdom of Sihon king of Heshbon, the Jordan's bank, to the ...
/r/realm.htm - 14k

Beth-nimrah (2 Occurrences)
... Joshua 13:27 and in the valley, Beth-haram, and Beth-nimrah, and Succoth, and Zaphon,
the rest of the kingdom of Sihon king of Heshbon, the Jordan and the ...
/b/beth-nimrah.htm - 8k

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