### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼĂphêq**, represented by `{{H663}}`, primarily means **fortress**. It appears 9 times across 9 unique verses and is used as the name for at least three different locations in Palestine. Its meaning is directly tied to its function as a strategic and fortified place.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H663}}` consistently marks a location of significant military and territorial importance. It is first mentioned as the seat of a king defeated during the conquest of the land [[Joshua 12:18]]. Later, it is allocated as a city within the tribal territory of Asher [[Joshua 19:30]], though it is also noted as a place from which Asher failed to drive out the inhabitants [[Judges 1:31]]. Aphek frequently serves as an encampment site for armies, such as the Philistines preparing for battle against Israel ([[1 Samuel 4:1]], [[1 Samuel 29:1]]). It was also the stage for a major conflict with Syria, where a city wall collapsed on 27,000 Syrian soldiers [[1 Kings 20:30]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help illuminate the context surrounding Aphek's significance:
* `{{H4421}}` **milchâmâh** (battle): This word defines the primary activity associated with Aphek in the narrative, as it was a key site for **battle** between Israel and its enemies [[1 Samuel 4:1]].
* `{{H2583}}` **chânâh** (to encamp): Armies repeatedly **pitched** their camps at Aphek, highlighting its strategic value as a staging ground for military campaigns [[1 Samuel 29:1]].
* `{{H1130}}` **Ben-Hădad** (Ben-Hadad): The name of the Syrian king who led his forces against Israel at Aphek and subsequently **fled** into the city ([[1 Kings 20:26]], [[1 Kings 20:30]]).
* `{{H2346}}` **chôwmâh** (wall): The dramatic collapse of a **wall** in Aphek, which killed thousands of Syrian soldiers, is one of the most memorable events associated with this location [[1 Kings 20:30]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H663}}` is tied to the events that transpired there, illustrating several key themes.
* **A Stage for Conflict:** Aphek serves as a consistent geographical backdrop for pivotal conflicts in Israel's history, particularly with the Philistines and Syrians. Its identity as a "fortress" is borne out by its repeated use as a military stronghold and battlefield ([[1 Samuel 4:1]], [[1 Kings 20:26]]).
* **Site of Divine Deliverance and Judgment:** The events at Aphek are portrayed as being under divine authority. Elisha designates the victory at Aphek as "the arrow of the LORD'S deliverance" [[2 Kings 13:17]]. The subsequent collapse of the city's wall upon the Syrian army serves as a powerful display of God's judgment against Israel's enemies [[1 Kings 20:30]].
* **A Symbol of Incomplete Conquest:** In the book of Judges, Aphik `{{H663}}` is listed as one of the cities the tribe of Asher failed to conquer [[Judges 1:31]]. This highlights the recurring theme of Israel's failure to fully possess the land as commanded.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H663}}` is more than a geographical name; it is a place defined by its role as a **fortress** and a battleground. From the early conquests to major wars with the Philistines and Syrians, Aphek is a location where Israel's fate was often contested. The narratives connected to it illustrate themes of divine judgment, miraculous deliverance, and the consequences of incomplete obedience, making it a significant landmark in the Old Testament story.
TRV