Etymology and Meaning:
The name "A'bel-Meho'lah" is often understood to mean "Meadow of Dancing" or "Meadow of the Dance." The Hebrew root words suggest a place associated with joy or festivity, possibly indicating a fertile or lively area.

Biblical References:
A'bel-Meho'lah is mentioned in several passages in the Old Testament, primarily in the context of geographical and historical narratives.

1. Judges 7:22 · A'bel-Meho'lah is noted in the account of Gideon's battle against the Midianites. After Gideon's army of 300 men defeated the Midianites, the enemy fled, and their route of escape included A'bel-Meho'lah: "When the three hundred trumpets sounded, the LORD set the sword of one man against another throughout the camp, and the army fled to Beth-shittah toward Zererah as far as the border of Abel-meholah near Tabbath."

2. 1 Kings 4:12 · A'bel-Meho'lah is listed as part of the district governed by Baana son of Ahilud during the reign of King Solomon. This indicates its inclusion in the administrative divisions of Solomon's kingdom: "Baana son of Ahilud, in Taanach, Megiddo, and all Beth-shean next to Zarethan below Jezreel, from Beth-shean to Abel-meholah to the region of Jokmeam."

3. 1 Kings 19:16 · The prophet Elisha is associated with A'bel-Meho'lah. God instructed Elijah to anoint Elisha, who was from A'bel-Meho'lah, as a prophet to succeed him: "You are also to anoint Jehu son of Nimshi as king over Israel, and Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel-meholah as prophet in your place."

Geographical Location:
A'bel-Meho'lah is believed to have been located in the Jordan Valley, south of Beth-shean. Its exact location is not definitively known, but it is generally thought to be in the vicinity of the modern Wadi el-Malih. The fertile nature of the Jordan Valley aligns with the meaning of its name, suggesting a place suitable for agriculture and settlement.

Historical and Cultural Significance:
A'bel-Meho'lah holds historical significance as the hometown of the prophet Elisha, one of the major prophets in the Hebrew Bible. The mention of A'bel-Meho'lah in the context of Gideon's battle and Solomon's administrative districts highlights its role in the broader narrative of Israel's history. The references to A'bel-Meho'lah in various biblical accounts suggest it was a well-known location during the periods of the Judges and the United Monarchy.

Archaeological Insights:
While there is no definitive archaeological identification of A'bel-Meho'lah, the region's archaeological findings provide insights into the lifestyle and culture of the inhabitants during the biblical period. The area is characterized by its agricultural potential, which would have supported a thriving community.

Theological Implications:
The association of A'bel-Meho'lah with Elisha underscores the theme of divine calling and succession in prophetic ministry. Elisha's anointing at A'bel-Meho'lah signifies the continuation of God's work through chosen individuals, emphasizing the importance of obedience and faithfulness in fulfilling divine purposes.A'bel-Meho'lah (3 Occurrences)

Judges 7:22
When they blew the three hundred trumpets, the LORD set every man's sword against his fellow and against all the army; and the army fled as far as Beth-shit'tah toward Zer'erah, as far as the border of A'bel-meho'lah, by Tabbath.
(DBY RSV)

1 Kings 4:12
Baana the son of Ahilud, in Taanach and Megiddo, and all Beth Shean which is beside Zarethan, beneath Jezreel, from Beth Shean to Abel Meholah, as far as beyond Jokmeam;
(See RSV)

1 Kings 19:16
You shall anoint Jehu the son of Nimshi to be king over Israel; and you shall anoint Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel Meholah to be prophet in your place.
(See RSV)

A'bel-Meho'lah (3 Occurrences)
A'bel-Meho'lah. Abel-meholah, A'bel-Meho'lah. Abelmizraim . Multi-Version
Concordance A'bel-Meho'lah (3 Occurrences). Judges 7:22 ...
/a/a'bel-meho'lah.htm - 7k

Abel-meholah (3 Occurrences)
Abel-meholah. Abelmeholah, Abel-meholah. A'bel-Meho'lah . Easton's Bible
Dictionary Meadow of dancing, or the dancing-meadow, the ...
/a/abel-meholah.htm - 10k

Abelmizraim (1 Occurrence)

/a/abelmizraim.htm - 8k

Zer'erah (1 Occurrence)
... sword against his fellow and against all the army; and the army fled as far as
Beth-shit'tah toward Zer'erah, as far as the border of A'bel-meho'lah, by Tabbath ...
/z/zer'erah.htm - 6k

Beth-shit'tah (1 Occurrence)
... sword against his fellow and against all the army; and the army fled as far as
Beth-shit'tah toward Zer'erah, as far as the border of A'bel-meho'lah, by Tabbath ...
/b/beth-shit'tah.htm - 6k

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