Etymology and Meaning:
Abelbethmaacah, sometimes spelled Abel-beth-maachah, is a compound name in Hebrew, which can be broken down into "Abel," meaning "meadow" or "stream," and "Beth-maacah," which refers to the "house of Maacah." The name suggests a location associated with a meadow or stream in the region of Maacah.

Biblical References:
Abelbethmaacah is mentioned in several passages in the Old Testament, primarily in the context of military campaigns and political events.

1. 2 Samuel 20:14-15 · Abelbethmaacah is noted as the place where Sheba, the son of Bichri, sought refuge during his rebellion against King David. Joab, David's military commander, pursued Sheba to this city. The Berean Standard Bible states: "Sheba passed through all the tribes of Israel to Abelbethmaacah and through the entire region of the Berites, who gathered together and followed him. And Joab’s troops came and besieged Sheba in Abelbethmaacah. They built a siege ramp against the outer rampart of the city, and all the troops with Joab were battering the wall to bring it down."

2. 1 Kings 15:20 · Abelbethmaacah is mentioned in the context of the conflict between King Asa of Judah and King Baasha of Israel. Asa sought the help of Ben-hadad, the king of Aram, who attacked several cities, including Abelbethmaacah, to relieve pressure on Judah. 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, Abelbethmaacah, and all Chinnereth, as far as all the land of Naphtali."

3. 2 Kings 15:29 · The city is again mentioned during the reign of Pekah, king of Israel, when Tiglath-pileser III, the king of Assyria, invaded the northern kingdom. The BSB notes: "In the days of Pekah king of Israel, Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria came and captured Ijon, Abelbethmaacah, Janoah, Kedesh, Hazor, Gilead, and Galilee—all the land of Naphtali—and he took the people to Assyria."

Geographical Location:
Abelbethmaacah is believed to have been located in the northern part of ancient Israel, near the border with Aram (modern-day Syria). It is often associated with the region of Naphtali and is thought to be near the modern site of Tell Abil al-Qamh, close to the border with Lebanon.

Historical and Archaeological Significance:
The site of Abelbethmaacah has been the focus of archaeological interest due to its strategic location and historical significance. Excavations have revealed evidence of occupation during the Iron Age, which corresponds to the biblical period. The city's mention in the context of various military campaigns highlights its importance as a fortified city and a regional center.

Cultural and Political Context:
Abelbethmaacah's repeated mention in the context of military campaigns underscores its strategic importance in the ancient Near East. Its location made it a target for various powers, including Israel, Aram, and Assyria. The city's involvement in the rebellion of Sheba and the conflicts between Israel and Judah reflects the turbulent political landscape of the time.

Theological Implications:
The events at Abelbethmaacah, particularly the account of Sheba's rebellion, illustrate themes of loyalty, rebellion, and divine justice in the biblical narrative. The city's fate in the hands of foreign powers also serves as a reminder of the consequences of Israel's disobedience to God, as prophesied by the prophets.ABEL-BETH-MAACAH

a'-bel-beth-ma'-a-ka ('abhel beth ma`akhah, "the meadow of the house of Maacah"): The name appears in this form in 1 Kings 15:20 and 2 Kings 15:29. In 2 Samuel 20:15 (Hebrew) it is Abel-beth-hammaacah (Maacah with the article). In 20:14 it appears as Beth-maacah, and in 20:14 and 18 as Abel.

In 2Sa it is spoken of as the city, far to the north, where Joab besieged Sheba, the son of Bichri. In 2 Kings it is mentioned, along with Ijon and other places, as a city in Naphtali captured by Tiglathpileser, king of Assyria. The capture appears also in the records of Tiglath-pileser. In 1 Kings it is mentioned with Ijon and Dan and "all the land of Naphtali" as being smitten by Benhadad of Damascus in the time of Baasha. In the account in Chronicles parallel to this last (2 Chronicles 16:4) the cities mentioned are Ijon, Dan, Abel-maim. Abel-maim is either another name for Abel-beth-maacah, or the name of another place in the same vicinity.

The prevailing identification of Abel-beth-maacah is with Abil, a few miles West of Dan, on a height overlooking the Jordan near its sources. The adjacent region is rich agriculturally, and the scenery and the water supply are especially fine. Abel-maim, "meadow of water," is not an inapt designation for it. Willis J. Beecher

Abelbethmaacah

/a/abelbethmaacah.htm - 7k

Abel-beth-maacah (2 Occurrences)
Abel-beth-maacah. Abelbethmaacah, Abel-beth-maacah. A'bel-Beth-Ma'acah . Int. ...
(ASV BBE JPS NAS). Abelbethmaacah, Abel-beth-maacah. A'bel-Beth-Ma'acah . ...
/a/abel-beth-maacah.htm - 8k

Abel (22 Occurrences)

/a/abel.htm - 22k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus