Aphik is a location mentioned in the Old Testament, notable for its strategic and military significance in ancient Israelite history. The name "Aphik" is derived from a Hebrew root meaning "fortress" or "enclosure," which is fitting given its role in various biblical narratives.

Biblical References:

1. Joshua 12:18 · Aphik is listed among the cities whose kings were defeated by Joshua during the conquest of Canaan. This reference highlights its importance as a fortified city in the region. The verse states: "The king of Aphek, one; the king of Lasharon, one."

2. Judges 1:31 · The city is mentioned in the context of the tribe of Asher's failure to drive out the inhabitants of certain territories. Aphik is included in the list of places where the Canaanites continued to dwell among the Israelites. The verse reads: "Asher did not drive out the inhabitants of Acco or the inhabitants of Sidon, or of Ahlab, Achzib, Helbah, Aphik, or Rehob."

3. 1 Samuel 4:1 · Aphik is the site of a significant battle between the Israelites and the Philistines. The Israelites encamped at Ebenezer, while the Philistines camped at Aphik. This battle resulted in a devastating defeat for Israel, including the capture of the Ark of the Covenant. The verse states: "And Samuel’s words came to all Israel. Now Israel went out to meet the Philistines in battle; they camped at Ebenezer, and the Philistines encamped at Aphek."

4. 1 Samuel 29:1 · Aphik is again mentioned as a Philistine encampment during the time of King Saul. The Philistines gathered their forces at Aphik to fight against Israel, while David and his men were with the Philistine leaders. The verse reads: "Now the Philistines gathered all their forces at Aphek, while Israel camped by the spring in Jezreel."

Historical and Geographical Context:

Aphik is identified with several possible locations in the ancient Near East, reflecting its mention in different contexts. One prominent identification is with the site of Tel Afek, located near the Yarkon River in modern-day Israel. This site was strategically important due to its proximity to major trade routes and fertile lands.

In the biblical narrative, Aphik's repeated association with the Philistines underscores its role as a frontier city in the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Philistine territories. Its fortified nature made it a key military site, often serving as a staging ground for battles.

Theological Significance:

Aphik's mention in the Bible serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by the Israelites in securing the Promised Land. The city's repeated association with military encounters highlights the ongoing struggle between the forces of God's chosen people and their adversaries. The capture of the Ark at Aphik, in particular, underscores the consequences of Israel's disobedience and the importance of faithfulness to God's covenant.

In summary, Aphik is a significant biblical location that played a crucial role in the military and spiritual history of Israel. Its strategic importance and the events associated with it provide insight into the broader narrative of Israel's journey and relationship with God.Aphik

(strong), a city of Asher from which the Canaanites were not driven out. (Judges 1:31) Probably the same place as APHEK, 2.

(Judges 1:31); Aphek (Joshua 13:4; 19:30), stronghold.

(1.) A city of the tribe of Asher. It was the scene of the licentious worship of the Syrian Aphrodite. The ruins of the temple, "magnificent ruins" in a "spot of strange wildness and beauty", are still seen at Afka, on the north-west slopes of Lebanon, near the source of the river Adonis (now Nahr Ibrahim), 12 miles east of Gebal.

(2.) A city of the tribe of Issachar, near to Jezreel (1 Samuel 4:1; 29:1; Comp. 28:4).

(3.) A town on the road from Damascus to Palestine, in the level plain east of Jordan, near which Benhadad was defeated by the Israelites (1 Kings 20:26, 30; 2 Kings 13:17). It has been identified with the modern Fik, 6 miles east of the Sea of Galilee, opposite Tiberias.

APHIK

a'-fik: Variant of APHEK (which see).

663. Apheq -- perhaps "fortress," the name of several places in ...
... Word Origin from aphaq Definition perhaps "fortress," the name of several places
in Pal. NASB Word Usage Aphek (8), Aphik (1). Aphek, Aphik. ...
/hebrew/663.htm - 6kAphik (1 Occurrence)
... Tiberias. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. APHIK. a'-fik: Variant of APHEK (which
see). Multi-Version Concordance Aphik (1 Occurrence). Judges ...
/a/aphik.htm - 8k

Zidon (25 Occurrences)
... 1:31 Neither did Asher drive out the inhabitants of Accho, nor the inhabitants of
Zidon, nor of Ahlab, nor of Achzib, nor of Helbah, nor of Aphik, nor of Rehob ...
/z/zidon.htm - 17k

River (189 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary River. (1.) Hebrews `aphik, properly the channel or ravine
that holds water (2 Samuel 22:16), translated "brook," "river," "stream ...
/r/river.htm - 52k

Rehob (12 Occurrences)
... Judges 1:31 Asher didn't drive out the inhabitants of Acco, nor the inhabitants
of Sidon, nor of Ahlab, nor of Achzib, nor of Helbah, nor of Aphik, nor of Rehob ...
/r/rehob.htm - 13k

Accho (1 Occurrence)
... 1:31 Neither did Asher drive out the inhabitants of Accho, nor the inhabitants of
Zidon, nor of Ahlab, nor of Achzib, nor of Helbah, nor of Aphik, nor of Rehob ...
/a/accho.htm - 7k

Aphi'ah (1 Occurrence)
Aphi'ah. Aphiah, Aphi'ah. Aphik . Multi-Version Concordance Aphi'ah (1 Occurrence). ...
(See RSV). Aphiah, Aphi'ah. Aphik . Reference Bible.
/a/aphi'ah.htm - 6k

Aczib (4 Occurrences)
... Judges 1:31 Asher didn't drive out the inhabitants of Acco, nor the inhabitants
of Sidon, nor of Ahlab, nor of Achzib, nor of Helbah, nor of Aphik, nor of Rehob ...
/a/aczib.htm - 7k

Ahlab (1 Occurrence)
... Judges 1:31 Asher didn't drive out the inhabitants of Acco, nor the inhabitants
of Sidon, nor of Ahlab, nor of Achzib, nor of Helbah, nor of Aphik, nor of Rehob ...
/a/ahlab.htm - 7k

Achzib (4 Occurrences)
... Judges 1:31 Asher didn't drive out the inhabitants of Acco, nor the inhabitants
of Sidon, nor of Ahlab, nor of Achzib, nor of Helbah, nor of Aphik, nor of Rehob ...
/a/achzib.htm - 10k

Aphek (9 Occurrences)
... Judges 1:31 Asher drove not out the inhabitants of Acco, nor the inhabitants of
Zidon, nor of Ahlab, nor of Achzib, nor of Helbah, nor of Aphik, nor of Rehob ...
/a/aphek.htm - 11k

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