Topical Encyclopedia Etymology and Meaning: Abel-beth-maachah, sometimes referred to simply as Abel, is a compound name that can be translated to mean "Meadow of the House of Maachah." The name suggests a location associated with a person or family named Maachah, and the term "Abel" often denotes a meadow or grassy area. Biblical References: Abel-beth-maachah is mentioned in several passages in the Old Testament, primarily in the context of military campaigns and political events. It is located in the northern part of ancient Israel, near the border with Aram (modern-day Syria). 1. 2 Samuel 20:14-15: Abel-beth-maachah is first mentioned in the context of Sheba's rebellion against King David. Sheba, a Benjamite, led a revolt and sought refuge in Abel-beth-maachah. Joab, David's military commander, pursued Sheba to this city. The Berean Standard Bible states: "Sheba passed through all the tribes of Israel to Abel-beth-maachah and through the entire region of the Berites, who gathered together and followed him. And Joab’s troops came and besieged Sheba in Abel-beth-maachah. They built a siege ramp against the outer rampart of the city, and as all the troops with Joab were battering the wall to bring it down..." 2. 1 Kings 15:20: The city is mentioned again during the reign of King Asa of Judah. Asa formed an alliance with Ben-hadad, king of Aram, to counter the threat from Baasha, king of Israel. Ben-hadad attacked several cities, including Abel-beth-maachah. The BSB records: "So Ben-hadad listened to King Asa and sent the commanders of his armies against the cities of Israel, conquering Ijon, Dan, Abel-beth-maachah, and all Chinnereth, as far as all the land of Naphtali." 3. 2 Kings 15:29: Abel-beth-maachah is also noted in the account of the Assyrian invasion under Tiglath-pileser III. During the reign of Pekah, king of Israel, the Assyrians captured several cities, including Abel-beth-maachah. The BSB states: "In the days of Pekah king of Israel, Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria came and captured Ijon, Abel-beth-maachah, Janoah, Kedesh, Hazor, Gilead, and Galilee—all the land of Naphtali—and he took the people to Assyria." Historical and Geographical Context: Abel-beth-maachah was strategically located in the northern part of Israel, making it a significant site during military campaigns. Its proximity to the Aramean border made it a frequent target during conflicts between Israel and Aram. The city is identified with the modern archaeological site of Tell Abil, near the present-day town of Metula in northern Israel. Archaeological Significance: Excavations at Tell Abil have revealed layers of occupation dating back to the Bronze and Iron Ages, confirming its long history as a fortified city. Artifacts and architectural remains provide insights into the city's role and significance during biblical times. Cultural and Theological Insights: Abel-beth-maachah serves as a backdrop for narratives that highlight themes of rebellion, political alliances, and divine judgment. The city's repeated mention in military contexts underscores the turbulent nature of the region during the biblical period. The account of Sheba's rebellion, in particular, illustrates the challenges faced by King David in unifying the tribes of Israel and maintaining control over his kingdom. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary Abel-Beth-Maachahmourning to the house of Maachah Easton's Bible Dictionary Meadow of the house of Maachah, a city in the north of Palestine, in the neighbourhood of Dan and Ijon, in the tribe of Naphtali. It was a place of considerable strength and importance. It is called a "mother in Israel", i.e., a metropolis (2 Samuel 20:19). It was besieged by Joab (2 Samuel 20:14), by Benhadad (1 Kings 15:20), and by Tiglath-pileser (2 Kings 15:29) about B.C. 734. It is elsewhere called Abel-maim, meadow of the waters, (2 Chronicles 16:4). Its site is occupied by the modern Abil or Abil-el-kamh, on a rising ground to the east of the brook Derdarah, which flows through the plain of Huleh into the Jordan, about 6 miles to the west-north-west of Dan. Strong's Hebrew 62. Abel Beth-maakah -- a city in Northern Israel... Word Origin from abel, bayith and Maakah Definition a city in N. Isr. NASB Word Usage Abel (1), Abel-beth-maacah (2). Abel-beth-maachah, Abel of Beth-maachah,. ... /hebrew/62.htm - 6k Library The Great Confession - the Great Commission - the Great ... Thesaurus Abelbethmaachah (2 Occurrences)... west of Dan. Multi-Version Concordance Abelbethmaachah (2 Occurrences). 1 Kings 15:20 So Benhadad hearkened unto king Asa, and sent ... /a/abelbethmaachah.htm - 8k Abel-beth-maachah (2 Occurrences) Kinneroth (1 Occurrence) Tiglathpileser (3 Occurrences) Removeth (27 Occurrences) Cinneroth (4 Occurrences) Abelcheramim (1 Occurrence) A'bel-Beth-Ma'acah (2 Occurrences) Asshur (133 Occurrences) Resources What can we learn from the tribe of Naphtali? | GotQuestions.orgWho was King Pekah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Are there beheadings recorded in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Abel-beth-maachah (2 Occurrences)1 Kings 15:20 2 Kings 15:29 Subtopics Abel-Beth-Maachah: Sheba Slain In Abel-Beth-Maachah: Taken by Benhadad Abel-Beth-Maachah: Taken by Tiglath Related Terms Abel-beth-maachah (2 Occurrences) Tiglathpileser (3 Occurrences) |
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