Bible Dictionary
Achshaph
Achshaph was a Canaanite royal city in the northern land conquered by Joshua and later a boundary city of Asher. Its exact location is uncertain.
Definition
Achshaph was a Canaanite royal city in the northern land conquered by Joshua and later a boundary city of Asher. Its exact location remains uncertain.
Biblical Usage
The king of Achshaph belonged to the coalition opposing Israel under Jabin and Sisera. Achshaph is also included among the cities marking Asher’s boundary.
Historical Background
Several attempts have been made to identify the site, but the explorers cited in the sources do not agree. A proposed identification is the ruined village of Kesaf or Yasif northeast of Accho.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Fascination, a royal city of the Canaanites, in the north of Palestine (Josh. 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.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(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)
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>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 (Jos 11:1; 12:20; 19:25). Several attempts have been made to identify the site of it, but explorers are not agreed as to the identification.</p>