KJV ORIGINAL
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.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
When the next year came around, Ben-Hadad gathered his Syrian army and marched up to Aphek to fight against Israel.
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
This verse describes how the Syrian king Ben-Hadad prepared for a second military campaign against Israel after his previous defeat.
📚 Historical Context
This occurred during the reign of King Ahab of Israel, after Ben-Hadad had already been defeated once by the Israelites with God's help. Ancient armies typically campaigned during spring and summer when weather and food supplies were favorable, which is why the text mentions 'the return of the year.' Aphek was a strategic location east of the Sea of Galilee where armies would gather before battle.
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