Bible Dictionary
CASPHOR
Casphor was a strongly fortified city east of the Jordan captured by Judas Maccabeus. A nearby lake is mentioned, but the city’s exact location is uncertain.
Definition
Casphor was a strongly fortified city east of the Jordan captured by Judas Maccabeus. A lake was located near it, but its ancient name and exact site have not been established.
Biblical Usage
Casphor appears in the accounts of Judas Maccabeus’s campaign east of the Jordan. It is probably the same place as Caspis in 2 Maccabees.
Historical Background
Because of the nearby lake, some have identified it with el-Muzerib, an important station on the pilgrim route to Mecca. The identification remains uncertain, and the ancient name has not been recovered.
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>kas'-for (the King James Version Casphon; Kasphor, 1 Macc 5:26; Chasphon, Chasphoth, 5:36; Kaspein, 2 Macc 12:13): A city East of the Jordan captured by Judas Maccabeus (1 Macc 5:36). It is probably identical with Caspis of 2 Macc 12:13. It was a fortress of great strength, with a lake near it. This has led some to think it may be represented by el-Muzerib, an important station on the pilgrim route to Mecca. The ancient name of this city, however, has not been discovered.</p><p>See ASHTAROTH</p>