Lexical Summary Abel Mecholah: Abel Mecholah Original Word: אָבֵל מְחוֹלָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Abel-meholah From 'abel and mchowlah; meadow of dancing; Abel-Mecholah, a place in Palestine -- Abel-meholah. see HEBREW 'abel see HEBREW mchowlah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom abel and mecholah Definition Elisha's birthplace in Pal. NASB Translation Abel-meholah (3). Topical Lexicon Abel-meholahGeographic Setting Abel-meholah, literally “meadow of the dance,” lay in the Jordan Valley south of Beth-shean and north of the Jabbok, on the west side of the Jordan River. Flanked by rich alluvial soil and watered by several springs, the site was ideally suited for agriculture and grazing, contributing to its depiction as a “meadow.” Its proximity to the fords of the Jordan made it a strategic waypoint between the central highlands and the Trans-Jordan plateau. Role in Gideon’s Deliverance (Judges 7:22) During Gideon’s nighttime assault on the Midianite coalition, the terrified enemy fled “as far as the border of Abel Meholah near Tabbath” (Judges 7:22). The mention of Abel-meholah marks the end of the Midianites’ retreat and underscores the completeness of the LORD’s deliverance. Geographically, their flight traced a south-easterly arc that exposed the invaders to harassment by the tribes stationed east of the Jordan. Spiritually, the narrative showcases God’s supremacy: a mere three hundred Israelite trumpeters routed a vast army, and the flight to Abel-meholah testifies to the LORD’s power to defend His covenant people in seemingly impossible circumstances. Administrative Importance under Solomon (1 Kings 4:11–12) Solomon’s kingdom was divided into twelve tax districts to support the royal court. “Baana son of Ahilud” oversaw the northern Jezreel Valley region “from Beth Shean to Abel Meholah” (1 Kings 4:12). The inclusion of Abel-meholah in this royal list demonstrates its ongoing economic value centuries after the Judges period. The fertile lowlands yielded grain, olives, and livestock that sustained the united monarchy’s flourishing—an illustration of covenant blessing tied to obedience (Deuteronomy 28:1-8). Birthplace of Elisha (1 Kings 19:16) The LORD instructed Elijah, “anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel Meholah to succeed you as prophet” (1 Kings 19:16). Raised amid productive farmland, Elisha stands plowing with twelve yoke of oxen when Elijah casts the prophetic mantle upon him (1 Kings 19:19). The detail roots Elisha in a context of industrious faithfulness: large teams of oxen imply family wealth, yet Elisha promptly forsakes all to follow God’s call. Abel-meholah therefore becomes emblematic of wholehearted surrender and a launching place for a ministry marked by miracles of provision (2 Kings 4:1-7), healing (2 Kings 5:1-14), and resurrection (2 Kings 4:32-37). Theological and Ministry Significance 1. God transforms humble locales into stages for His glory. What was once a simple meadow becomes a memorial of divine victory (Gideon) and a cradle of prophetic authority (Elisha). Archaeological Considerations Potential identifications include modern Tell Abu Sus and Tell el-Maqlub, both situated near the historic course of the Harod River. Excavations reveal Iron Age I-II occupation layers consistent with the periods of Gideon, Solomon, and the prophets. While definitive proof remains elusive, the topography aligns with biblical descriptions: fertile, low-lying, and accessible to the Jordan crossings mentioned in Judges 7. Summary Though referenced only three times, Abel-meholah traces a narrative arc from battlefield refuge to administrative hub to prophetic hometown. Each appearance amplifies the same theme: the LORD uses ordinary places and people to accomplish extraordinary purposes, securing deliverance, establishing righteous governance, and raising up faithful servants who proclaim His word. Forms and Transliterations מְחוֹלָ֔ה מְחוֹלָ֖ה מחולה mə·ḥō·w·lāh mechoLah məḥōwlāhLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Judges 7:22 HEB: שְׂפַת־ אָבֵ֥ל מְחוֹלָ֖ה עַל־ טַבָּֽת׃ NAS: as the edge of Abel-meholah, by Tabbath. KJV: [and] to the border of Abelmeholah, unto Tabbath. INT: far as the edge of Abel-meholah by Tabbath 1 Kings 4:12 1 Kings 19:16 3 Occurrences |
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