1 Kings 20:26

KJV

And it came to pass at the return of the year, that Benhadad numbered the Syrians, and went up to Aphek, to fight against Israel.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass at the return {H8666} of the year {H8141}, that Benhadad {H1130} numbered {H6485} the Syrians {H758}, and went up {H5927} to Aphek {H663}, to fight {H4421} against Israel {H3478}.

Complete Jewish Bible

At the same time the following year, Ben-Hadad mustered the army of Aram and went up to Afek to attack Isra'el.

Berean Standard Bible

In the spring, Ben-hadad mobilized the Arameans and went up to Aphek to fight against Israel.

American Standard Version

And it came to pass at the return of the year, that Ben-hadad mustered the Syrians, and went up to Aphek, to fight against Israel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Kings 20:26 details the re-emergence of King Ben-Hadad of Aram (Syria) for a renewed military campaign against Israel, following his previous defeat. This verse marks the commencement of the second major confrontation between the two kingdoms, highlighting Ben-Hadad's unwavering determination, his meticulous military preparation, and his strategic choice of Aphek as the battleground, thereby setting the stage for a significant and divinely orchestrated conflict with King Ahab and the kingdom of Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the surprising and decisive victory God granted Israel over Ben-Hadad in the previous engagement (1 Kings 20:1-25). The narrative in chapter 20 is structured around two distinct military encounters between Aram and Israel, both initiated by Ben-Hadad. The first battle saw Israel, though numerically inferior, triumph through divine intervention and prophetic guidance, leading to a controversial peace treaty brokered by Ahab. Verse 26 signals the breaking of this uneasy peace and the Aramean king's renewed aggression, driven perhaps by a desire for revenge and to reclaim lost honor. It sets the stage for the second battle, which will further reveal God's sovereignty and Israel's spiritual state under Ahab.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The phrase "at the return of the year" (Hebrew: _li'tshuvath ha'shanah_) refers to the springtime, the customary season for military campaigns in the ancient Near East. After the winter rains, rivers subsided, and agricultural activities were less demanding, making conditions ideal for troop movement, foraging, and battle. Kings like Ben-Hadad would typically mobilize their armies during this period. Aram (Syria) was a powerful kingdom to Israel's north, frequently clashing over territory, trade routes, and regional dominance. Their conflicts were common, reflecting the geopolitical realities of the 9th century BCE. Ben-Hadad's "numbering the Syrians" indicates a thorough military census and mobilization, a common practice for assessing strength and preparing for war. Aphek, likely the one in the Sharon plain, was a strategic location offering open terrain suitable for large armies and access to key routes, making it an ideal staging ground for an invasion of Israel.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within 1 Kings and the broader Deuteronomistic History. It underscores the **persistence of opposition**, demonstrating that even after a clear divine victory, adversaries may regroup and return, highlighting the ongoing nature of spiritual and physical conflict. It also illustrates the **cycles of conflict** prevalent in the ancient world, often driven by pride, territorial ambition, and vengeance, as seen in Ben-Hadad's unyielding aggression. Furthermore, the meticulous preparation of Ben-Hadad by "numbering the Syrians" emphasizes the theme of **strategic human planning**, which, though seemingly effective, will ultimately be shown to be subservient to divine will, as God continues to work out His purposes through and despite human actions, as seen later in [1 Kings 20:28](/1_kings/20-28 "1 Kings 20:28 - God's Intervention in Battle"). The choice of Aphek also highlights the strategic importance of geographical locations in ancient warfare, a recurring motif throughout the biblical narrative, as seen in [2 Samuel 11:1](/2_samuel/11-1 "2 Samuel 11:1 - The Season of War").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Return of the year (Hebrew, _tĕšûḇâ hǎššānâ'_):** This idiomatic phrase, _li'tshuvath ha'shanah_ (לִתְשׁוּבַת הַשָּׁנָה), literally translates to "at the turning of the year" or "at the circuit of the year." It is a common biblical idiom referring to the springtime, specifically the season when kings would typically go out to war (cf. [2 Samuel 11:1](/2_samuel/11-1 "2 Samuel 11:1 - David and Bathsheba")). This period, following the winter rains, offered favorable weather conditions for military campaigns, with dry ground for troop movement and less demand on agricultural labor. Its use here immediately signals the resumption of hostilities.
* **Numbered (Hebrew, _pāqaḏ'_):** The verb _pāqaḏ_ (פָקַד) means "to count," "to visit," "to muster," or "to review." In this context, it specifically denotes a military census or a mustering of troops. Ben-Hadad's act of "numbering the Syrians" implies a deliberate and thorough mobilization of his forces, indicating a more organized and perhaps more cautious approach than his previous, overconfident campaign. It suggests a comprehensive assessment of his military strength, aiming to ensure a decisive victory.
* **Aphek (Hebrew, _ʾăp̄ēq'_):** The name _ʾăp̄ēq_ (אֲפֵק) means "fortress" or "stronghold." While there were several places called Aphek in ancient Israel, the one referred to here is most likely the city in the Sharon plain, east of Joppa, near the modern city of Rosh Ha'ayin. This location was strategically significant, as it commanded important trade routes and offered open terrain suitable for large-scale military engagements. It served as a natural staging ground for an invasion of Israel from the north or northeast, providing a tactical advantage for Ben-Hadad's forces.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass at the return of the year":** This opening phrase immediately establishes the temporal setting for the renewed conflict. It signifies the arrival of the traditional campaigning season, indicating that the respite from war was over and that military action was expected. This timing underscores the cyclical nature of warfare in the ancient world and sets a tone of inevitability for the coming confrontation.
* **"that Benhadad numbered the Syrians":** This clause reveals Ben-Hadad's proactive and meticulous preparation. Unlike his previous, perhaps overconfident, advance, he now undertakes a thorough military census and mobilization. This action demonstrates his determination to avenge his earlier defeat and his commitment to a full-scale, organized assault, suggesting a learning from past mistakes and a desire for overwhelming force.
* **"and went up to Aphek, to fight against Israel":** This final clause specifies the destination and purpose of Ben-Hadad's mobilized army. "Went up" implies a movement towards a higher or more significant location, or simply an advance into enemy territory. Aphek, as a strategic stronghold, was chosen as the staging ground, indicating Ben-Hadad's tactical planning. The explicit declaration "to fight against Israel" leaves no doubt about his hostile intent and the impending confrontation.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its message effectively. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as the meticulous preparation of Ben-Hadad "at the return of the year" clearly signals the inevitable renewal of hostilities, building tension for the reader who knows the previous conflict's outcome. The phrase "return of the year" itself functions as a **Chronological Marker**, anchoring the narrative in a specific, culturally understood time for warfare. There is also an element of **Repetition** in the cycle of conflict, reinforcing the theme of persistent opposition that Israel faces. The naming of "Aphek" serves as **Strategic Imagery**, immediately evoking a sense of military planning and a specific battleground, making the narrative more vivid and concrete. The entire verse acts as a **Narrative Transition**, smoothly shifting the focus from the aftermath of the first battle to the initiation of the second, maintaining the pace of the overarching story of Ahab's reign and Israel's relationship with God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, while seemingly a straightforward historical account of military preparation, carries significant theological weight. It highlights the persistent nature of opposition, both physical and spiritual, against God's people. Ben-Hadad's unwavering determination to fight again, despite a clear divine intervention in the previous battle, underscores the reality that evil and hostile forces do not easily concede defeat. This persistence serves as a backdrop against which God's continued sovereignty and faithfulness to His covenant people will be demonstrated, even when His people are disobedient. It also implicitly raises questions about human pride and the futility of relying solely on military might or numerical superiority, as Ben-Hadad's meticulous numbering of his troops will ultimately prove insufficient against the Lord's purposes. The verse sets the stage for another divine demonstration that "the battle is the Lord's" ([1 Samuel 17:47](/1_samuel/17-47 "1 Samuel 17:47 - The Battle is the Lord's")).

* [2 Samuel 11:1](/2_samuel/11-1 "2 Samuel 11:1 - The Season of War")
* [Psalm 20:7](/psalms/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Trust in the Lord, Not Chariots")
* [Proverbs 21:30-31](/proverbs/21-30 "Proverbs 21:30-31 - No Wisdom Against the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The return of Ben-Hadad "at the return of the year" serves as a profound reminder that challenges and opposition in life are often cyclical and persistent. Just as Ben-Hadad, undeterred by a previous defeat, meticulously regrouped and prepared for another assault, so too must believers recognize that spiritual battles and life's difficulties do not always vanish after a single victory. This verse calls us to move beyond complacency, especially after seasons of success or divine intervention. It underscores the importance of ongoing vigilance, strategic preparedness, and unwavering reliance on God's strength, rather than our own. We are reminded that our adversary, like Ben-Hadad, is relentless and seeks every opportunity to attack. Therefore, we are called to remain spiritually alert, to continually put on the full armor of God, and to seek His guidance in every season, understanding that true victory comes not from our strength or numbers, but from the Lord who fights for us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "return of the year" moments have you experienced in your life, where a past challenge or temptation resurfaced after a period of peace?**
* **How does Ben-Hadad's persistence challenge any complacency you might feel after a spiritual victory or a season of ease?**
* **In what ways can you "number your Syrians" (i.e., prepare strategically) for recurring spiritual battles, while still trusting fully in God's sovereignty?**
* **What does this verse teach us about the nature of spiritual warfare and the enemy's relentless pursuit?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "at the return of the year" in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "at the return of the year" is a common biblical idiom referring to the springtime, typically after the winter rains. This was the customary season for military campaigns in the ancient Near East, as the weather conditions became favorable for troop movements, and agricultural demands were lower, allowing for the mobilization of armies. Its significance here is to mark the predictable resumption of hostilities, signaling that the period of peace after the first battle was merely a temporary lull, and Ben-Hadad was returning to war at the earliest opportune moment. This timing emphasizes the cyclical nature of conflict and the relentless determination of Ben-Hadad.

**Why did Ben-Hadad "number the Syrians" if he had just been defeated?**

Answer: Ben-Hadad's act of "numbering the Syrians" (a military census or mustering) indicates a deliberate and thorough preparation, contrasting with his previous, perhaps overconfident, approach. Despite his recent defeat, he was determined to regain his honor and territory. This action suggests he was learning from his mistakes, aiming to ensure overwhelming numerical superiority and better organization for the upcoming battle. It reflects a strategic recalculation and a commitment to a full-scale, decisive war, rather than a haphazard attack.

**What was the strategic importance of Aphek?**

Answer: Aphek was a strategically significant city in ancient Israel, likely the one located in the Sharon plain (modern Rosh Ha'ayin). Its importance lay in its geographical position, commanding key trade routes and offering open terrain suitable for large armies to maneuver. For an invading force like the Arameans, Aphek served as an ideal staging ground or a fortified base from which to launch an attack into Israelite territory. Its selection by Ben-Hadad underscores his tactical planning and his intent to engage Israel in a decisive battle on favorable ground.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Kings 20:26 details a historical military conflict, it prophetically points to the persistent nature of spiritual opposition that ultimately finds its decisive defeat in Christ. Ben-Hadad's relentless return "at the return of the year" foreshadows the enduring reality of spiritual warfare, where the enemy, though defeated, continually seeks to regroup and attack God's people ([1 Peter 5:8](/1_peter/5-8 "1 Peter 5:8 - The Roaring Lion")). However, unlike the earthly kings who number their armies in vain, Christ is the true Commander who has already secured the ultimate victory. His "numbering" is not of troops for battle, but of His redeemed, whose names are written in the [Lamb's Book of Life](/revelation/21-27 "Revelation 21:27 - The Book of Life"). The strategic location of Aphek, where earthly battles were fought, contrasts with the cosmic battle won on the cross, where Christ disarmed the principalities and powers, triumphing over them ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). Just as God intervened to grant Israel victory despite their weakness, Christ, through His finished work, provides believers with an eternal triumph over sin, death, and the devil. His resurrection is the ultimate "return of the year," ushering in a new season of victory and life for all who trust in Him, ensuring that though battles may persist, the war is won, and the ultimate kingdom belongs to Him ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Has Become the Kingdom of Our Lord")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Kings 13:17

And he said, Open the window eastward. And he opened [it]. Then Elisha said, Shoot. And he shot. And he said, The arrow of the LORD'S deliverance, and the arrow of deliverance from Syria: for thou shalt smite the Syrians in Aphek, till thou have consumed [them].

1 Kings 20:22

¶ And the prophet came to the king of Israel, and said unto him, Go, strengthen thyself, and mark, and see what thou doest: for at the return of the year the king of Syria will come up against thee.

1 Kings 20:30

But the rest fled to Aphek, into the city; and [there] a wall fell upon twenty and seven thousand of the men [that were] left. And Benhadad fled, and came into the city, into an inner chamber.

Judges 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:

1 Samuel 29:1

¶ Now the Philistines gathered together all their armies to Aphek: and the Israelites pitched by a fountain which [is] in Jezreel.

Joshua 13:4

From the south, all the land of the Canaanites, and Mearah that [is] beside the Sidonians, unto Aphek, to the borders of the Amorites:

Joshua 19:30

Ummah also, and Aphek, and Rehob: twenty and two cities with their villages.