Etymology and Meaning:
The name "Abelmaim" is derived from Hebrew, where "Abel" means "meadow" or "stream," and "Maim" means "waters." Thus, Abelmaim can be understood as "meadow of waters" or "waters of the meadow."

Biblical References:
Abelmaim is mentioned in the context of the territorial and administrative divisions during the reign of King Solomon. It is referenced in 2 Chronicles 16:4, where it is associated with the northern kingdom of Israel.

Geographical Context:
Abelmaim is identified with the region of Abel-beth-maacah, a significant city in the northern part of ancient Israel. It is located near the sources of the Jordan River, in the territory that was historically associated with the tribe of Naphtali. The area is characterized by its fertile land and abundant water sources, which align with the meaning of its name.

Historical Context:
In the biblical narrative, Abelmaim is noted during the reign of King Asa of Judah. In 2 Chronicles 16:4 , it is recorded: "And Ben-hadad listened to King Asa and sent the commanders of his armies against the cities of Israel, conquering Ijon, Dan, Abelmaim, and all the store cities of Naphtali." This passage highlights Abelmaim's strategic importance and its involvement in the conflicts between the kingdoms of Israel and Judah.

Archaeological Insights:
The site traditionally associated with Abelmaim is Tell Abil, located in modern-day northern Israel. Archaeological excavations in this area have uncovered remains from various periods, including the Iron Age, which corresponds to the biblical era of the united and divided monarchies. These findings provide insights into the city's historical significance and its role in regional politics and trade.

Cultural and Theological Significance:
Abelmaim, as part of the northern kingdom, played a role in the broader narrative of Israel's history, particularly in the context of the divided monarchy. Its mention in the biblical text underscores the geopolitical dynamics of the time and the ongoing conflicts between neighboring kingdoms. The city's fertile location and water resources also symbolize the prosperity and sustenance that were central to the life and economy of ancient Israel.

Related Entries:
· Abel-beth-maacah
· Naphtali
· King Asa
· Ben-hadad
· Divided Monarchy

Bibliography:
· The Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible
· Archaeological reports on Tell Abil
· Historical analyses of the divided monarchy period in Israel

Note:
The identification of Abelmaim with Abel-beth-maacah is widely accepted among scholars, though some variations in ancient manuscripts and translations may lead to different interpretations of its exact location and significance.Abelmaim

(Abel on the waters), also called simply Abel, (2 Samuel 20:14,18) another name for Abel-bethmaachah. (2 Chronicles 16:4)

ABEL-MAIM

a'-bel-ma'-im ('abhel mayim, "meadow of water"). See ABEL-BETH-MAACAH.

Abelmaim (1 Occurrence)
... Standard Bible Encyclopedia ABEL-MAIM. a'-bel-ma'-im ('abhel mayim, "meadow of water").
See ABEL-BETH-MAACAH. Multi-Version Concordance Abelmaim (1 Occurrence). ...
/a/abelmaim.htm - 7k

Abel-maim (1 Occurrence)
Abel-maim. Abelmaim, Abel-maim. A'bel-Ma'im . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ...
(ASV BBE YLT NAS). Abelmaim, Abel-maim. A'bel-Ma'im . Reference Bible.
/a/abel-maim.htm - 7k

Abel-keramim (1 Occurrence)
Abel-keramim. Abelkeramim, Abel-keramim. Abelmaim . Int. Standard Bible
Encyclopedia ... (DBY NAS RSV). Abelkeramim, Abel-keramim. Abelmaim . Reference
/a/abel-keramim.htm - 7k

Store-magazines (1 Occurrence)
... 16:4 And Ben-hadad hearkened to king Asa, and sent the captains of his forces against
the cities of Israel; and they smote Ijon and Dan and Abelmaim, and all ...
/s/store-magazines.htm - 6k

Ben-ha'dad (26 Occurrences)
... 4 And Ben-hadad hearkened unto king Asa, and sent the captains of his armies against
the cities of Israel; and they smote Ijon, and Dan, and Abelmaim, and all ...
/b/ben-ha'dad.htm - 14k

Naph'tali (47 Occurrences)
... 4 And Ben-hadad hearkened unto king Asa, and sent the captains of his armies against
the cities of Israel; and they smote Ijon, and Dan, and Abelmaim, and all ...
/n/naph'tali.htm - 18k

Forces (123 Occurrences)
... 16:4 And Ben-hadad hearkened to king Asa, and sent the captains of his forces against
the cities of Israel; and they smote Ijon and Dan and Abelmaim, and all ...
/f/forces.htm - 39k

Store (134 Occurrences)
... 4 And Benhadad hearkened unto king Asa, and sent the captains of his armies against
the cities of Israel; and they smote Ijon, and Dan, and Abelmaim, and all ...
/s/store.htm - 39k

Benhadad (24 Occurrences)
... 4 And Benhadad hearkened unto king Asa, and sent the captains of his armies against
the cities of Israel; and they smote Ijon, and Dan, and Abelmaim, and all ...
/b/benhadad.htm - 28k

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