Lexical Summary Abel: Abel Original Word: אָבֵל Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Abel From 'abel; a meadow; Abel, the name of two places in Palestine. -- Abel. see HEBREW 'abel NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as abel Definition "meadow," two places in Pal. NASB Translation Abel (2). Topical Lexicon Geographic identity אָבֵל designates a northern Israelite site most often paired with Beth-maacah (Abel Beth-maacah). It lay in the fertile upper Huleh Valley, about eight miles west of Tel Dan, on the main route from Damascus to the Phoenician coast. The term itself evokes lush, well-watered pastureland, a description that matches the rich agricultural basin surrounding the mound now known as Tel Abil el-Qameḥ. Historical background 1 Samuel 6:18 places a “great stone of Abel” in the territory of Judah near Beth-shemesh. Whether the verse preserves an earlier place-name or uses אָבֵל generically for a landmark, the stone functioned as a public testimony to the Lord’s judgment on Philistine idolatry and His protection of the ark. The city comes into sharp relief during the reign of King David when Sheba son of Bichri rebelled (2 Samuel 20:14-18). After rallying the Berite clan and others, Sheba sought refuge in Abel Beth-maacah. Joab’s forces built a siege ramp against the outer wall, threatening to destroy the town. Center of wisdom and arbitration From inside the besieged city a “wise woman” negotiated with Joab: “Long ago they used to say, ‘Seek counsel at Abel,’ and that is how they settled disputes” (2 Samuel 20:18). The proverb portrays Abel as a traditional seat of deliberation, where elders rendered decisions respected throughout Israel and the surrounding Aramean districts. The episode illustrates how covenant communities could avert bloodshed through godly counsel; Joab accepted the woman’s proposal, Sheba was executed, and the city was spared. Strategic and spiritual significance 1. Gateway city: Abel Beth-maacah guarded the northern approaches to the Jordan Rift, making it vital for controlling trade and military movements between Israel, Aram, and Phoenicia. Theological themes • God’s sovereignty over nations—He directs events from Philistine territory to the far north so that His purposes stand (Proverbs 21:1). Archaeological note Excavations at Tel Abil Beth-Maacah have uncovered Iron Age fortifications, domestic quarters, and cultic objects, confirming a sizeable settlement during David’s era. The prominent glacis and massive walls accord with the biblical description of a city able to withstand siege engines. Pastoral application • Seek counsel: The reputation of Abel urges believers and congregations to become places where scriptural wisdom is sought and revered (James 3:17). Related entries Abel-Beth-Maacah; Memorial Stones; Wise Woman of Abel; Sheba son of Bichri; Peacemaking in Scripture Forms and Transliterations אָבֵ֛לָה אָבֵ֣ל אבל אבלה בְּאָבֵ֖ל בְּאָבֵ֙לָה֙ באבל באבלה ’ā·ḇê·lāh ’ā·ḇêl ’āḇêl ’āḇêlāh aVel aVelah bə’āḇêl bə’āḇêlāh bə·’ā·ḇê·lāh bə·’ā·ḇêl beaVel beaVelahLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Samuel 6:18 HEB: הַפְּרָזִ֑י וְעַ֣ד ׀ אָבֵ֣ל הַגְּדוֹלָ֗ה אֲשֶׁ֨ר KJV: even unto the great [stone of] Abel, whereon they set down INT: country against Abel the large which 2 Samuel 20:14 2 Samuel 20:15 2 Samuel 20:18 4 Occurrences |
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