Topical Encyclopedia The city of Abel, often referred to as Abel Beth Maacah, is a significant location in the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of its formidable city walls. Abel is mentioned in the Old Testament, primarily in the books of 2 Samuel and 2 Kings. It is situated in the northern part of ancient Israel, near the border with Aram (modern-day Syria), and is associated with the tribe of Naphtali.Historical and Biblical Context Abel Beth Maacah is most notably mentioned in the account of Sheba's rebellion against King David. Sheba, a Benjamite, led a revolt against David, declaring, "We have no share in David, no inheritance in Jesse's son. Every man to his tent, Israel!" (2 Samuel 20:1). As Sheba fled, he sought refuge in the fortified city of Abel Beth Maacah. Joab, the commander of David's army, pursued Sheba to Abel. Upon arrival, Joab's forces began to besiege the city, constructing a siege ramp against the city wall. The narrative highlights the strength and significance of Abel's walls, as they were substantial enough to require a siege for entry. The Wise Woman of Abel A key figure in the account is the wise woman of Abel, who intervenes to prevent the destruction of the city. She calls out to Joab, seeking a peaceful resolution. Her wisdom and diplomacy are evident as she reminds Joab of Abel's reputation as a city of peace and faithfulness in Israel. She states, "They used to say in the past, 'Seek counsel at Abel,' and that is how disputes were settled" (2 Samuel 20:18). The wise woman negotiates with Joab, offering to deliver Sheba's head to him, thus sparing the city from destruction. Her actions underscore the importance of Abel's walls not only as physical defenses but also as symbols of the city's integrity and the wisdom of its inhabitants. Archaeological Insights Modern archaeological excavations at the site believed to be Abel Beth Maacah have uncovered remnants of ancient fortifications, providing tangible evidence of the city's historical significance and the strength of its walls. These findings align with the biblical description of Abel as a fortified city capable of withstanding sieges. Theological Significance From a theological perspective, the account of Abel Beth Maacah and its walls serves as a testament to the themes of wisdom, peace, and divine providence. The wise woman's intervention reflects the biblical principle that wisdom and righteousness can avert disaster and bring about peace. The city's walls, while physically imposing, ultimately rely on the moral and spiritual fortitude of its people for true protection. In summary, the city walls of Abel Beth Maacah are emblematic of the city's historical and spiritual legacy within the biblical narrative. They represent not only physical strength but also the enduring values of wisdom and peace that characterize the community within. Nave's Topical Index 2 Samuel 20:15,21And they came and besieged him in Abel of Bethmaachah, and they cast up a bank against the city, and it stood in the trench: and all the people that were with Joab battered the wall, to throw it down. Nave's Topical Index Library Of the Fratricidal Act of the Founder of the Earthly City, and the ... Book 8 Footnotes Secret Study of the Holy Scriptures. Faith and Courage. The Testament of Levi Concerning the Priesthood and Arrogance. The Old Testament and Archeology Questions. "The Time of Trouble. " The Time of Trouble The Cross as a Social Principle Resources Why was it important to rebuild the walls around Jerusalem? | GotQuestions.orgWhat should we learn from the walls of Jericho falling down? | GotQuestions.org What will be the purpose of the walls around the New Jerusalem? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics of the Cities Walls of Babylon of the Cities Walls of Bashan, Destroyed by the Israelites of the Cities Walls of Beth-Shan of the Cities Walls of Jericho of the Cities Walls of the New Jerusalem of the Cities Walls: Houses Built Upon Walls of Cities were Battered by Besieging Armies Walls of Cities were Broad and Places of Public Resort Walls of Cities were Strongly Manned in War Walls of Cities: Adroitness of Soldiers in Scaling Alluded To Walls of Cities: Custom of Dedicating Walls of Cities: Danger of Approaching Too Near To, in Time of War Walls of Cities: Destruction of, a Punishment and Cause of Grief Walls of Cities: Frequently Laid in Ruins Walls of Cities: had Towers Built on Them Walls of Cities: Houses often Built On Walls of Cities: Houses Sometimes Broken Down to Repair, and Fortify Walls of Cities: Idolatrous Rites Performed On Walls of Cities: Kept by Watchmen Night and Day Walls of Cities: Often Very High Walls of Cities: Persons Let Down From Walls of Cities: Sometimes Burned Walls of Cities: Strongly Fortified Walls of Cities: The Bodies of Enemies Sometimes Fastened On, As a Disgrace Walls of Cities: The Falling of, Sometimes Occasioned Great Destruction Walls of Houses: Could be Easily Dug Through Walls of Houses: had Nails or Pegs Fastened Into Them when Built Walls of Houses: Liable to Leprosy Walls of Houses: Often Infested With Serpents Walls of Houses: The Seat Next, Was the Place of Distinction Walls of Houses: Usually Plastered Walls of Ordinances As a Protection to the Church Walls of the Church As a Protection to the Nation Walls of the Protection of God Walls of the Wealth of the Rich in his own Conceit Walls of Those Who Afford Protection Walls were Probably often Strengthened With Plates of Iron or Brass Walls: (Bowing or Tottering) of the Wicked Under Judgments Walls: (Brazen) of Prophets in Their Testimony Against the Wicked Walls: (Daubed With Untempered Mortar) of the Teaching of False Walls: (Of Partition) Separation of Jews and Gentiles Walls: Designed for Separation Walls: Frequently Made of Stone and Wood Together Walls: Hyssop Frequently Grew On Walls: Miracles Connected With: Falling of the Walls of Jericho Walls: Miracles Connected With: Handwriting on the Wall of Belshazzar's Palace Walls: Small Towns and Villages Were not Surrounded By Related Terms Mother-of-pearl (1 Occurrence) Cause-of-fear-on-every-side (1 Occurrence) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) |
    |