Topical Encyclopedia Beth-maachah, also referred to as Abel-beth-maachah, is a significant location mentioned in the Old Testament of the Bible. It is situated in the northern part of ancient Israel, near the border of the territories of Naphtali and Aram. The name "Beth-maachah" translates to "house of Maachah," indicating a possible connection to a person or a deity named Maachah.Biblical References: 1. 2 Samuel 20:14-15 : Beth-maachah is prominently mentioned in the narrative 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 passage 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 all the troops with Joab were battering the wall to bring it down." 2. 1 Kings 15:20 : The city is also mentioned in the context of the conflict between King Asa of Judah and Baasha, king of Israel. Asa sought the help of Ben-hadad, king of Aram, to break Baasha's power. Ben-hadad attacked several cities, including Abel-beth-maachah. The scripture 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 : The city is again mentioned during the reign of Pekah, king of Israel, when Tiglath-pileser III, king of Assyria, invaded the region. The verse 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 Archaeological Insights: Beth-maachah's strategic location made it a significant site for military and political events in the biblical narrative. Its proximity to the northern borders of Israel made it a frequent target during conflicts involving neighboring kingdoms such as Aram and Assyria. Archaeological excavations in the region have sought to uncover more about the city's history and its role in ancient Israelite society. Cultural and Theological Significance: Beth-maachah serves as a backdrop for several key biblical events, illustrating themes of rebellion, divine judgment, and the geopolitical struggles of ancient Israel. The city's repeated mention in the context of military campaigns highlights the turbulent nature of Israel's history and the constant threat from surrounding nations. The narrative of Sheba's rebellion, in particular, underscores the challenges to Davidic authority and the importance of wise leadership, as demonstrated by the intervention of a wise woman from the city who negotiated with Joab to end the siege peacefully (2 Samuel 20:16-22). Beth-maachah's inclusion in the biblical text serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between faith, politics, and warfare in the history of God's chosen people. 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 1038. Beth Maakah -- "house of Maakah," a place in Northern Israel Library The Great Confession - the Great Commission - the Great ... Thesaurus Bethmaachah (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance Bethmaachah (1 Occurrence). 2 Samuel 20:14 And he went through all the tribes of Israel unto Abel, and ... /b/bethmaachah.htm - 6k Beth-maachah (1 Occurrence) Abel-beth-maachah (2 Occurrences) Abelbethmaachah (2 Occurrences) Kinneroth (1 Occurrence) Removeth (27 Occurrences) Beth-ma'acah (1 Occurrence) Bethmarcaboth (2 Occurrences) Abelcheramim (1 Occurrence) Resources Does the Bible say anything about Russia in relation to the end times? | GotQuestions.orgWhat can we learn from the tribe of Naphtali? | GotQuestions.org What is the significance of Bethel in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Beth-maachah (1 Occurrence)2 Samuel 20:14 Subtopics Beth-Maachah: A City of the Territory of the Tribe of Manasseh Related Terms Abel-beth-maachah (2 Occurrences) |
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