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ACHOR trouble, a valley near Jericho, so called in consequence of the trouble which the sin of Achan caused Israel (Joshua 7:24,26). The expression “valley of Achor” probably became proverbial for that which caused trouble, and when Isaiah (Isaiah 65:10) refers to it he uses it in this sense: “The valley of Achor, a place for herds to lie down in;” i.e., that which had been a source of calamity would become a source of blessing. Hosea also (Hos. 2:15) uses the expression in the same sense: “The valley of Achor for a door of hope;” i.e., trouble would be turned into joy, despair into hope. This valley has been identified with the Wady Kelt.

ACHSAH anklet, Caleb’s only daughter (1 Chronicles 2:49). She was offered in marriage to the man who would lead an attack on the city of Debir, or Kirjath-sepher. This was done by Othniel (q.v.), who accordingly obtained her as his wife (Joshua 15:16-19; Judges 1:9-15).

ACHSHAPH fascination, a royal city of the Canaanites, in the north of Palestine (Joshua 11:1; 12:20; 19:25). It was in the eastern boundary of the tribe of Asher, and is identified with the modern ruined village of Kesaf or Yasif, N.E. of Accho.

ACHZIB falsehood. (1.) A town in the Shephelah, or plain country of Judah (Joshua 15:44); probably the same as Chezib of Genesis 38:5 = Ain Kezbeh.

(2.) A Phoenician city (the Gr. Ecdippa), always retained in their possession though assigned to the tribe of Asher (Joshua 19:29; Judges 1:31). It is identified with the modern es-Zib, on the Mediterranean, about 8 miles north of Accho.

ACRE is the translation of a word (tse’med), which properly means a yoke, and denotes a space of ground that may be ploughed by a yoke of