Casphon
Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature [1]
( Χασφών v. r. Χασφώρ and Χασφώθ , 1 Maccabees 5:36) Or Cas ´ Phor ( Χασφώρ v. r. Χασφών and Χάσφωθ , 1 Maccabees 5:26), one of the fortified cities in the "land of Galaad," i.e. Gilead ( 1 Maccabees 5:26), in which the Jews took refuge from the Ammonites under Timotheus (comp. 1 Maccabees 5:6), and which, with other cities, was taken by Judas Maccabseus (5:36). Josephus, in the parallel account (Ant. 12:8, 3), calls it Chasphoma ( Χάσφωμα ). Grotius and Calmet (in loc.) consider it the same (but on very slight grounds) with HESHBON (See Heshbon) (q.v.). It was situated near Bostra, Ashtaroth-Karnaimn, and Edrei, and was perhaps one of the ruined sites in the Hauran still found by travelers. (See Hauran). Seetzen's commentators (notes on pt. 7, March, 1806, 4:198) suggest the modern Esszb '''''Â''''' N'' as the possible site of Casphon, but add, "Site, however, uncertain." (See Caspis).
