Aphek
Site of multiple battles between Israel and the Philistines; the Ark was captured here
First mentioned in the Bible
"The Philistines fought, and Israel was defeated... The Ark of God was captured, and Eli's two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, died."— 1 Samuel 4:10-11
Background
Aphek was a strategic site on the coastal plain where Israel and the Philistines fought multiple battles. In the most famous battle, Israel brought the Ark of the Covenant from Shiloh to the battlefield but suffered a devastating defeat. The Ark was captured by the Philistines, and Eli's two sons Hophni and Phinehas were killed. When Eli heard the news, he fell backward from his seat and died. Later, King Ben-hadad of Syria was also defeated by Israel at Aphek.
Related Scriptures (New World Translation)
So the Phi·lisʹtines fought and Israel was defeated, and each one fled to his tent. The slaughter was very great; on Israel’s side, 30,000 foot soldiers fell. Moreover, the Ark of God was captured, and the two sons of Eʹli, Hophʹni and Phinʹe·has, died.— 1 Samuel 4:10-11
Appears in these Bible journeys
Explore Aphek on the interactive map →
Click the button above to open the interactive map