Aphek

A Canaanite city west of the Jordan River. It was conquered by Israel and later included in Ephraim’s territory (Joshua 12:18). It was located near the source of the Yarkon River in the plain of Sharon. Aphek was later captured by the Philistines (1 Samuel 4:1; 29:1). In Roman times, Herod the Great rebuilt the city and named it Antipatris. It is mentioned in Acts 23:31. Its modern name is Ras el-‘Ain. See also Antipatris.

A place in Phoenicia (modern Lebanon). It remained unconquered after Joshua’s campaigns (Joshua 13:4). This Aphek was probably located near the source of the river Ibrahim, east of Byblos.

A town given to Asher’s tribe in the distribution of conquered cities (Joshua 19:30). Asher’s tribe failed to drive out the pagan inhabitants (Judges 1:31). Here it is spelled “Aphik”. Aphek was located on the plain of Acco. This is the present site of Tell Kurdaneh near the source of the river Na’main.

A city east of the Jordan River. It is on the main highway between Damascus and the valley of Jezreel. The Syrian king Ben-hadad was defeated by King Ahab of Israel. Ben-hadad retreated into Aphek. Here a falling wall demolished the rest of his army (1 Kings 20:26, 30). A century later Elisha prophesied to King Joash of Israel that he would defeat the Syrians in the same city (2 Kings 13:17).