Lexical Summary Abel Mayim: Abel of the Waters Original Word: אַבֵל מַיִם Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Abel-maim From 'abel and mayim; meadow of water; Abel-Majim, a place in Palestine -- Abel-maim. see HEBREW 'abel see HEBREW mayim NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom abel and mayim Definition "meadow of water," same location as NH0062 NASB Translation Abel-maim (1). Topical Lexicon Geographical Setting Abel-Mayim occupied a strategic point in the far north of the land, on the approaches to the upper Hula Valley and within reach of both the tribal territory of Naphtali and the city of Dan. The site’s abundance of springs made it valuable for agriculture, herding, and as a staging ground for military movements that required reliable water supplies. Modern identifications often favor Tell Abil (Abil el-Qamh), but the precise location remains subject to further archaeological confirmation. Biblical Context The place enters the biblical record only once, in the reign of King Asa of Judah. Under pressure from Baasha of Israel, Asa sought aid from Ben-Hadad of Aram. The Aramean king obliged: “Ben-Hadad listened to King Asa and sent the commanders of his armies against the cities of Israel. They conquered Ijon, Dan, Abel-Mayim, and all the store cities of Naphtali.” (2 Chronicles 16:4) The loss of Abel-Mayim and its neighboring towns forced Baasha to halt his southern fortification at Ramah, relieving Judah. Yet the prophet Hanani later rebuked Asa for relying on Syria instead of the LORD (2 Chronicles 16:7-9). Historical Significance 1. Military Corridor: Control of Abel-Mayim meant dominion over the northern routes that connected Phoenicia, Aram, and the inland valleys of Galilee. Intertextual Connections Many scholars equate Abel-Mayim with Abel-Beth-Maacah, where Sheba’s rebellion ended (2 Samuel 20:14-22) and which Tiglath-Pileser III later captured (2 Kings 15:29). If the identification is correct, the town witnessed repeated sieges that underscore its defensive importance and its residents’ reputation for wisdom and negotiation (2 Samuel 20:16-22). Theological Insights • Divine Sovereignty over Nations: The LORD can employ external powers—even pagan Aram—to discipline or deliver His people, yet He still calls His covenant people to trust Him alone. Archaeological Notes Surface surveys at Tell Abil have revealed Iron Age pottery, defensive earthworks, and proximity to perennial springs—features consistent with the biblical description. Ongoing excavations may yet clarify whether the tell preserves the layers corresponding to Asa’s era and later Assyrian destruction levels. Applications for Ministry 1. Leadership: The account challenges leaders to weigh immediate tactical gains against long-term spiritual integrity. Summary Abel-Mayim stands as a northern stronghold whose brief mention in Scripture highlights vital themes: the volatility of border politics, the folly of misplaced trust, and the unbroken thread of God’s sovereign governance. Its story, though concise, enriches our understanding of the divided monarchy and offers enduring counsel for faith-filled living today. Forms and Transliterations מָ֑יִם מים mā·yim Mayim māyimLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 2 Chronicles 16:4 HEB: וְאֵ֖ת אָבֵ֣ל מָ֑יִם וְאֵ֥ת כָּֽל־ NAS: Ijon, Dan, Abel-maim and all the store KJV: and Dan, and Abelmaim, and all the store INT: Ijon Dan Abel-maim and all the store |
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