Aphek

Aphek

CityOld Testament
32.1000°N, 34.9300°E View on Map

Aphek was a significant Canaanite city and military stronghold mentioned multiple times in the Old Testament. It served as a strategic location where the Philistines assembled their armies against Israel, including the battle where the Ark of the Covenant was captured and Eli's sons were killed.

Historical Timeline

The Israelites suffer a devastating defeat against the Philistines, losing 4,000 men in battle

1 SAMUEL 4:1-2

The Ark of the Covenant is captured by the Philistines after Israel's second defeat, with 30,000 Israelites killed including Eli's sons

1 SAMUEL 4:10-11

Ben-Hadad king of Syria besieges Samaria but is defeated by Ahab's forces near Aphek

1 KINGS 20:26-30

The Philistines gather at Aphek before advancing to Mount Gilboa where Saul and his sons would die in battle

1 SAMUEL 29:1

Notable Characters

Eli
EliHigh priest whose sons Hophni and Phinehas died in the battle at Aphek
Ahab
AhabKing of Israel who defeated the Syrian forces at Aphek during his reign
Saul
SaulKing of Israel whose final campaign began when Philistines gathered at Aphek

Related Locations

Shiloh
Shiloh

Location where the Ark of the Covenant was taken from before the battle at Aphek

Mount Gilboa
Mount Gilboa

Final battle location where Saul died, after Philistines gathered at Aphek

Key Verses

1 Samuel 4:11 Samuel 29:1Joshua 12:18

Frequently Asked Questions

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