Aphek
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
Period of the Judgesc. 1050 BC
The Israelites suffer a devastating defeat against the Philistines, losing 4,000 men in battle
1 SAMUEL 4:1-2Period of the Judgesc. 1050 BC
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 4:10-11Reign of Ahabc. 853 BC
Ben-Hadad king of Syria besieges Samaria but is defeated by Ahab's forces near Aphek
1 KINGS 20:26-30Reign of Saulc. 1010 BC
The Philistines gather at Aphek before advancing to Mount Gilboa where Saul and his sons would die in battle
1 SAMUEL 29:1
