Ijon is a location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the military campaigns during the divided monarchy of Israel. It is situated in the northern part of the Kingdom of Israel, within the territory traditionally associated with the tribe of Naphtali. Ijon is first mentioned in 1 Kings 15:20 and 2 Chronicles 16:4, where it is recorded that Ben-hadad, the king of Aram, attacked and captured Ijon along with other cities in response to a request from King Asa of Judah. Asa sought Ben-hadad's assistance to divert the attention of Baasha, the king of Israel, who was fortifying Ramah against Judah. The capture of Ijon by Ben-hadad was part of a broader strategy to weaken Baasha's hold over the northern territories.

Dan

Dan is both a tribe of Israel and a city within the territory allotted to this tribe. The tribe of Dan was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Dan, the fifth son of Jacob and the first son of Bilhah, Rachel's maidservant. The territory of Dan was originally located in the southwestern part of the land of Canaan, near the Philistine cities. However, due to pressure from the Philistines, the Danites migrated northward and captured the city of Laish, renaming it Dan. This city became a significant religious and cultural center, often associated with idolatry, as noted in Judges 18:30-31. Dan is frequently mentioned in the Bible as the northernmost point of the land of Israel, often in the phrase "from Dan to Beersheba," indicating the full extent of the Israelite territory.

Abel-maim

Abel-maim, also known as Abel-beth-maacah, is a city located in the northern part of ancient Israel, near the border with Aram (modern-day Syria). It is mentioned in 2 Chronicles 16:4, where it is listed among the cities captured by Ben-hadad of Aram during his campaign against the northern kingdom of Israel. The city is also referenced in 2 Samuel 20:14-15, where it is described as a place of refuge for Sheba, the son of Bichri, during his rebellion against King David. Abel-maim was known for its strategic location and its role in various military and political events in the biblical narrative.

Naphtali

Naphtali is one of the twelve tribes of Israel, named after the sixth son of Jacob and the second son of Bilhah, Rachel's maidservant. The tribe of Naphtali was allotted a territory in the northern part of the land of Canaan, which included fertile lands and significant trade routes. The region of Naphtali is noted for its natural beauty and agricultural productivity. In the biblical narrative, the tribe of Naphtali played a role in various military campaigns, including those led by Barak and Deborah against the Canaanite king Jabin, as recorded in Judges 4-5. The territory of Naphtali was also among those affected by the Assyrian invasions, leading to the exile of its inhabitants, as mentioned in 2 Kings 15:29: "In the days of Pekah king of Israel, Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria came and took Ijon, Abel-beth-maacah, Janoah, Kedesh, Hazor, Gilead, and Galilee—all the land of Naphtali—and he carried the people captive to Assyria." The tribe of Naphtali is also prophetically significant, as its land is mentioned in Isaiah 9:1-2, a passage often associated with the coming of the Messiah.