At the return of the year, Ben Hadad mustered the Syrians and went up to Aphek to fight against Israel.
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 26. Aphec, belonging to the tribe of Aser, though it does not appear that they ever obtained possession of it. Joshua 19:30. A subterraneous fire and earthquake have caused the city to sink; and a lake, nine miles in circumference, now occupies its place. The ruins may still be discerned in its waters. It is about two hours walk from the plains of Balbec, (Paul Lucas. Levant i. 20.) at the foot of Libanus. The waters must be very thick and bituminous, if what is related by the ancients be true; namely, that the presents, offered to the Aphacite goddess, were tried by them, and deemed agreeable to her, if they sunk; as wool would do, while tiles, and often metals, would swim. Calmet. Adrichomius places this Aphec on the great plain of Esdrelon, not far from Jezrahel. Menochius.