Battle of Aphek

Battle of Aphek 

 

The Battle of Aphek, also known as the Battle of Ebenezer, was a battle fought between the Israelites and Philistines in 1116 BC.

In 1116 BC, the Philistines mustered for war against Israel, and Israel went out to battle against them, encamping at Ebenezer as the Philistines encamped at Aphek.

 

The Philistines drew up in line against Israel, defeating the Israelites in battle and killing 4,000 men on the battlefield. The Israelites decided to bring the Ark of the Covenant out from Shiloh so that the power of God could save them from the Philistines, with Eli's sons Hophni and Phinehas accompanying the ark. 

 

The Israelites gave a mighty shout when the Ark arrived in their camp, alerting the Philistines to the arrival of the Ark. The Philistines were initially terrified, fearing that the plagues of Egypt would be visited upon them.

 

However, the Philistines resolved to fight to prevent themselves from becoming Israel's slaves, and they slew 30,000 Israelite footsoldiers and forced the survivors to flee for their homes. Hophni and Phinehas were both slain, the ark of God was captured, and Eli died on hearing of the disaster.