Za'phon (Heb. Tsaphon', צָפוֹן, north, as often; Sept.'Σαφών v.r. Σαφάν; Vulg. Saphon), the name of a place mentioned (in connection with Beth-aram, Bethnimrah, and Succoth) in the enumeration of the allotment of the tribe of Gad (Jos 13:27). It is one of the places in "the valley" (i.e. of the Jordan), which appear to have constituted the "remainder (יֶתֶר) of the kingdom of Sihon" apparently referring to the portion of the same kingdom previously allotted to Reuben (ver. 17-21). The enumeration appears to proceed from south to north, and from the mention of the Sea of Chinneroth it is natural to infer that Zaphon was near that lake. The Talmud (Gemara Jerus. Shebiith, 6) identifies it with the ancient Amathus (q.v.), the remains of which are still called Amateh on Wady Rejib (Schwarz, Palest. p. 232), and this position is not an improbable one.
In Jg 12:1 the word rendered "northward" (tsaphonah) may with equal accuracy be rendered "to Zaphon." This rendering is supported by the Alexandrian copy of the Sept. (Κεφεινά) and a host of other MSS., and it has consistency on its side, since the Ephraimites were marching eastward rather than northward. SEE JEPHTHAH.
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John McClintock was born October 27, 1814 in Philadelphia to Irish immigrants, John and Martha McClintock. He began as a clerk in his father's store, and then became a bookkeeper in the Methodist Book Concern in New York. Here he converted to Methodism and considered joining the ministry. McClintock entered the University of Pennsylvania in 1832 and graduated with high honors three years later. Subsequently, he was awarded a doctorate of divinity degree from the same institution in 1848.WikipediaRead More