Interesting Facts

• Zepho is identified as the son of Eliphaz, the son of Esau.
• He escaped from captivity in Egypt after the death of Joseph.
• Zepho became the captain of the host for Angeas, the king of Africa (Dinhabah).
• He is credited with slaying a hybrid creature (man from the middle upward, animal downward) in the land of Chittim, leading to a yearly commemoration in his honor.
• Zepho eventually became the king of Chittim after delivering the land from the plundering troops of Africa.

Genealogy

• Zepho’s father was Eliphaz, who was a son of Esau.
• His grandfather was Esau, and his great-grandfather was Isaac [as Esau was Isaac’s son].
• His great-great-grandfather was Abraham [as Isaac was Abraham’s son].
• Zepho was a descendant of Esau’s wife Adah, as Eliphaz was her son.
• The sources do not explicitly mention Zepho’s birth year, mother, marital connections, or offspring, though he is associated with “his men” who fled Egypt with him and later commanded troops.

Historical Context

Zepho’s story unfolds in the aftermath of Jacob’s and Joseph’s deaths, a period when the relationship between the Israelites in Egypt and the descendants of Esau remained significant, albeit marked by past conflicts. The narrative highlights the continued existence and activities of the Edomites, led by figures like Hadad, son of Bedad. Zepho’s flight to Africa and subsequent rise to power in Chittim introduce new geographical and political players, suggesting a wider network of interactions in the ancient world. His military prowess and eventual kingship over Chittim indicate the fluid nature of power and alliances in this era. The account also touches upon cultural practices such as the deification of individuals (Uzu) and the establishment of commemorative holidays. The conflicts between Zepho and Angeas, king of Africa, illustrate the ongoing power struggles and territorial disputes of the time.

Narrative

Zepho’s narrative arc is one of escape, military leadership, and ultimately, kingship. Fleeing captivity in Egypt after Joseph’s death, he finds favor in the court of Angeas, king of Africa, becoming the captain of his host. Despite failing to incite Angeas to war against Egypt, Zepho demonstrates his valor by slaying a monstrous creature in Chittim, earning the respect and a dedicated annual festival from the inhabitants. He later delivers Chittim from African plunder, leading to his ascent as their king. As king, Zepho continues to engage in military conflicts, notably against Angeas’s forces, securing his reign. However, the text notes his failure to acknowledge the Lord’s role in his victories, aligning him with the wicked ways of his lineage. In his ambition, Zepho seeks to rally the Edomites and Ishmaelites to wage war against Egypt, aiming to avenge past grievances against the Israelites. This ambition sets the stage for further conflict, with Zepho relying on divination before engaging the Egyptians. Zepho’s story portrays a figure of significant military capability and ambition who carves out his own kingdom but remains tied to the historical tensions between his lineage and the descendants of Jacob.