### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼAkshâph**, represented by `{{H407}}`, identifies **Achshaph, a place in Palestine**. The name is derived from a root meaning **fascination**. This term appears **3 times** in **3 unique verses**, exclusively within the book of Joshua, where it is presented as a Canaanite royal city.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, Achshaph `{{H407}}` first appears as a northern Canaanite kingdom. Its king joined a coalition led by Jabin, king of Hazor, along with the kings of Madon and Shimron, to fight against the Israelites [[Joshua 11:1]]. Following the defeat of this alliance, the "king of Achshaph" is listed among the thirty-one kings conquered by Joshua [[Joshua 12:20]]. Finally, the city of Achshaph is mentioned as part of the territory assigned to the tribe of Asher during the allotment of the land [[Joshua 19:25]].
### Related Words & Concepts
The context of Achshaph connects it to several other key figures and locations from the conquest narrative:
* `{{H2985}}` **Yâbîyn** (Jabin): Defined as "intelligent; Jabin, the name of two Canaanitish kings," he was the king of Hazor who organized the military alliance that included the king of Achshaph [[Joshua 11:1]].
* `{{H4068}}` **Mâdôwn** (Madon): A place in Palestine whose king was also part of Jabin's coalition against Israel [[Joshua 11:1]].
* `{{H4428}}` **melek** (king): Meaning "a king; royal," this title is used for the ruler of Achshaph, highlighting its status as a city-state ([[Joshua 11:1]], [[Joshua 12:20]]).
* `{{H8110}}` **Shimrôwn** (Shimron): This location, meaning "guardianship," was another kingdom allied with Achshaph in the northern coalition [[Joshua 11:1]].
### Theological Significance
The historical significance of `{{H407}}` is tied directly to the Israelite conquest of Canaan.
* **Canaanite Political Structure:** The mention of the "king of Achshaph" demonstrates the political landscape of the time, which consisted of independent city-states capable of forming military alliances.
* **Northern Campaign:** Achshaph was a key participant in the northern coalition that confronted Joshua, representing a major point of organized resistance to the Israelite settlement [[Joshua 11:1]].
* **Israelite Inheritance:** The inclusion of Achshaph within the borders of Asher's inheritance marks its transition from an enemy stronghold to a part of the Promised Land as defined in the biblical account [[Joshua 19:25]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H407}}` is more than a geographical footnote. As Achshaph, it functions as a narrative marker in the book of Joshua, tracing a clear arc from being an independent Canaanite kingdom allied against Israel, to a conquered city, and finally to a territory integrated into the tribal allotment of the Israelite people. Its appearances chronicle a pivotal stage in the biblical history of the conquest.
TRV