Topical Encyclopedia Etymology and Meaning: The name "Abelkeramim" is derived from Hebrew, where "Abel" means "meadow" or "stream," and "keramim" means "vineyards." Thus, Abelkeramim can be translated as "Meadow of Vineyards" or "Vineyard of the Meadow." Biblical References: Abelkeramim is mentioned in the context of the military campaigns of Jephthah, a judge of Israel. The specific reference to Abelkeramim is found in the Book of Judges: · Judges 11:33 : "And he struck them from Aroer to the vicinity of Minnith—twenty cities in all—and as far as Abel-keramim. So the Ammonites were subdued before the Israelites." In this passage, Abelkeramim is noted as the endpoint of Jephthah's victorious campaign against the Ammonites. The mention of Abelkeramim highlights the extent of the territory affected by Jephthah's military actions. Geographical Context: Abelkeramim is believed to be located in the region east of the Jordan River, within the territory historically associated with the Ammonites. The exact location of Abelkeramim is not definitively known, but it is thought to be in the area that is now part of modern-day Jordan. The reference to vineyards suggests a fertile area suitable for agriculture, particularly viticulture. Historical and Cultural Significance: The mention of Abelkeramim in the narrative of Jephthah underscores the strategic and agricultural importance of the region. Vineyards were a valuable resource in ancient times, providing wine, which was a staple in the diet and economy of the Near East. The victory at Abelkeramim would have been significant not only for its military implications but also for the control of agricultural resources. Related Biblical Themes: The account of Jephthah and his campaign against the Ammonites, including the mention of Abelkeramim, is part of the larger narrative of the Judges, a period characterized by cycles of Israelite apostasy, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. Jephthah's leadership and the subsequent victory over the Ammonites are seen as acts of divine deliverance, consistent with the recurring theme of God raising up judges to rescue Israel from its enemies. Cross-References: · Judges 11: The broader context of Jephthah's vow and his leadership in the battle against the Ammonites. · Judges 10:6-18: The background of Israel's oppression by the Ammonites and the people's cry for deliverance, setting the stage for Jephthah's rise as a judge. Archaeological and Scholarly Insights: While there is limited archaeological evidence directly associated with Abelkeramim, the general region east of the Jordan has been the subject of various archaeological studies. These studies provide insights into the settlement patterns, agricultural practices, and historical geography of the area during the period of the Judges. Scholars continue to explore the historical context of biblical sites like Abelkeramim to better understand their significance in the biblical narrative. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia ABEL-CHERAMIMa'-bel-ker'-a-mim ('abhel keramim, "meadow of vineyards"): A city mentioned in the Revised Version (British and American) in Judges 11:33, along with Aroer, Minnith, and "twenty cities," in summarizing Jephthah's campaign against the Ammonites. The King James Version translates "the plain of the vineyards." The site has not been identified, though Eusebius and Jerome speak of it as in their time a village about seven Roman miles from the Ammonite city of Rabbah. Thesaurus Abelkeramim/a/abelkeramim.htm - 6k Abel-keramim (1 Occurrence) Abel-cheramim (1 Occurrence) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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