1 Kings 20:26

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.

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}.

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

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

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

1 Kings 20:26 details the immediate aftermath of King Ben-Hadad of Aram's (Syria's) previous defeat by Israel, setting the stage for a renewed conflict. The verse highlights Ben-Hadad's determination and strategic preparation for another confrontation with King Ahab and the kingdom of Israel.

Context

This verse marks the beginning of the second major military confrontation between the kingdom of Israel, under King Ahab, and the Arameans (Syrians), led by King Ben-Hadad. It immediately follows a surprising victory for Israel in the previous battle, where God granted victory despite Israel's numerical disadvantage (see 1 Kings 20:13). The phrase "at the return of the year" signifies springtime, the customary season for military campaigns in the ancient Near East, as weather conditions became favorable for troop movement and battle. Ben-Hadad, undeterred by his earlier defeat, meticulously "numbered the Syrians," indicating a thorough military mobilization, perhaps suggesting he learned from previous mistakes or was driven by a desire for revenge and to restore his prestige. His target, Aphek, was a strategic location for engaging Israelite forces.

Key Themes

  • Perseverance of Opposition: Ben-Hadad's immediate return to war highlights the persistent nature of opposition. Despite a decisive defeat, he quickly regrouped and prepared for another attack, demonstrating an unyielding spirit of aggression.
  • Cycles of Conflict: The verse illustrates a recurring pattern of conflict in the ancient world, often driven by territorial disputes, desires for dominance, and the pursuit of vengeance.
  • Strategic Preparation: Ben-Hadad's action of "numbering the Syrians" emphasizes careful military planning and resource assessment, indicating a more organized and deliberate approach to warfare compared to his previous campaign.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "at the return of the year" is a direct translation of the Hebrew li'tshuvath ha'shanah (ืœึดืชึฐืฉืื•ึผื‘ึทืช ื”ึทืฉืึผึธื ึธื”), literally meaning "at the turn of the year." This common idiom refers to the spring season, after the winter rains, when rivers subsided and agricultural activities were less demanding, making it the ideal time for armies to march and engage in battle. This timing is also noted in other biblical narratives concerning military movements, such as 2 Samuel 11:1, emphasizing its widely understood significance as the campaigning season.

Strategic Significance

Ben-Hadad's choice of Aphek as the battleground was strategic. While there were several locations named Aphek, the one likely referred to here was a fortified city in the Sharon plain, offering open terrain suitable for large armies and access to key routes. Numbering his troops suggests a deliberate and organized preparation, contrasting with possibly overconfident or less coordinated efforts in his previous campaign. This move signaled Ben-Hadad's intent to wage a full-scale, decisive war against Israel, aiming to reclaim lost honor and territory.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a reminder that challenges and opposition often return, even after apparent victories. Just as Ben-Hadad regrouped, we too must be prepared for renewed spiritual battles or life's difficulties. It underscores the importance of vigilance and seeking divine guidance, rather than complacency after a success. For believers, this may involve putting on the full armor of God, understanding that the enemy does not easily give up, and that preparedness is key to standing firm in faith.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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

    ยถ 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

    ยถ 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.
โ† Back