Ach'shaph is a city mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the context of the conquest of Canaan by the Israelites. It is referenced in several passages, primarily in the Book of Joshua, and is associated with the northern coalition of Canaanite kings who opposed Joshua and the Israelites.

Biblical References:

1. Joshua 11:1 · Ach'shaph is first mentioned in the context of a coalition of kings led by Jabin, king of Hazor. "When Jabin king of Hazor heard of this, he sent word to Jobab king of Madon, the king of Shimron, the king of Ach'shaph," . This verse situates Ach'shaph as part of a significant alliance against the Israelites during their campaign to take possession of the Promised Land.

2. Joshua 12:20 · Ach'shaph is listed among the cities whose kings were defeated by Joshua. "The king of Shimron-meron, one; the king of Ach'shaph, one;" . This enumeration underscores the comprehensive nature of Joshua's victories over the Canaanite kings.

3. Joshua 19:25 · Ach'shaph is also mentioned in the context of the territorial allotments to the tribes of Israel. It is included in the inheritance of the tribe of Asher. "Their territory included Helkath, Hali, Beten, Ach'shaph," . This indicates that Ach'shaph was part of the land apportioned to Asher, one of the twelve tribes of Israel.

Historical and Geographical Context:

Ach'shaph is believed to have been located in the northern region of ancient Canaan, although its exact location remains uncertain. It is often associated with the area near the modern-day city of Acre, in the western part of the Galilee region. The city's inclusion in the coalition against Israel suggests it was a place of some significance and influence during the Late Bronze Age.

Theological Significance:

The mention of Ach'shaph in the biblical narrative highlights the broader theme of God's faithfulness in delivering the land of Canaan into the hands of the Israelites, as promised to their forefathers. The defeat of the king of Ach'shaph, along with other Canaanite kings, serves as a testament to the fulfillment of divine promises and the establishment of Israel in the land.

Ach'shaph's inclusion in the tribal allotments further emphasizes the orderly distribution of the land among the tribes of Israel, reflecting God's providence and the establishment of a covenant community in the Promised Land. The city's role in the narrative underscores the challenges faced by the Israelites and the divine assistance they received in overcoming these obstacles.

Cultural and Archaeological Insights:

While specific archaeological evidence directly identifying Ach'shaph is limited, the city's mention in the biblical text provides insight into the political landscape of Canaan during the time of the Israelite conquest. The coalition of kings, including the king of Ach'shaph, illustrates the resistance faced by the Israelites and the complex network of city-states that characterized the region.

In summary, Ach'shaph is a city of historical and theological importance within the biblical narrative, representing both the opposition to Israel's divinely ordained mission and the ultimate triumph of God's people in securing their inheritance.Ach'shaph (3 Occurrences)

Joshua 11:1
And it came to pass, when Jabin king of Hazor heard thereof, that he sent to Jobab king of Madon, and to the king of Shimron, and to the king of Achshaph,
(See RSV)

Joshua 12:20
the king of Shimron-meron, one; the king of Achshaph, one;
(See RSV)

Joshua 19:25
And their border was Helkath, and Hali, and Beten, and Achshaph;
(See RSV)

Ach'shaph (3 Occurrences)
Ach'shaph. Achshaph, Ach'shaph. Achzib . Multi-Version Concordance
Ach'shaph (3 Occurrences). Joshua 11:1 And it came to pass, when ...
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Achshaph (3 Occurrences)

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Achzib (4 Occurrences)

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