Etymology and Meaning:
The name "Abel-cheramim" is derived from Hebrew, where "Abel" means "meadow" or "stream," and "cheramim" is often translated as "vineyards." Thus, Abel-cheramim can be understood to mean "Meadow of Vineyards" or "Stream of Vineyards."

Biblical References:
Abel-cheramim is mentioned in the context of the military campaigns of Jephthah, a judge of Israel. The specific reference to Abel-cheramim is found in the Book of Judges:

· Judges 11:33 : "He struck them from Aroer to the vicinity of Minnith—twenty cities in all—and as far as Abel-cheramim. So the Ammonites were subdued before the Israelites."

In this passage, Abel-cheramim is noted as the endpoint of Jephthah's victorious campaign against the Ammonites. The location is significant as it marks the extent of Jephthah's conquest, highlighting the comprehensive nature of his victory.

Geographical Context:
Abel-cheramim is believed to be located east of the Jordan River, in the region traditionally associated with the territory of the Ammonites. The exact location of Abel-cheramim is not definitively known, but it is thought to be in the vicinity of modern-day Jordan. The mention of vineyards suggests a fertile area conducive to agriculture, which aligns with the broader geographical characteristics of the region.

Historical and Cultural Significance:
The mention of Abel-cheramim in the narrative of Jephthah underscores the strategic and agricultural importance of the area. Vineyards were a valuable resource in ancient times, providing wine, which was a staple in the diet and economy of the region. The victory at Abel-cheramim would have not only been a military success but also an economic advantage for the Israelites.

Related Biblical Themes:
The account of Jephthah and his campaign against the Ammonites, culminating at Abel-cheramim, is part of the larger narrative of the Judges, a period characterized by cycles of Israelite apostasy, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. Jephthah's victory is a testament to the recurring theme of divine intervention and deliverance in response to the Israelites' cries for help.

Cross-References:
· Aroer: Another location mentioned in Judges 11:33, marking the starting point of Jephthah's campaign.
· Minnith: A city mentioned alongside Abel-cheramim, indicating the breadth of Jephthah's military success.

Archaeological Insights:
While there is limited archaeological evidence directly identifying Abel-cheramim, the general region east of the Jordan has been the subject of various archaeological studies. These studies provide insights into the ancient Ammonite civilization and their interactions with neighboring peoples, including the Israelites.

Conclusion:
Abel-cheramim serves as a geographical marker in the biblical narrative of Jephthah, illustrating the extent of his military achievements and the strategic importance of the region. The reference to vineyards highlights the area's agricultural value, contributing to our understanding of the historical and economic context of the time.(Judges 11:33, R.V.; A. V., "plain of the vineyards"), a village of the Ammonites, whither Jephthah pursued their forces. ABEL-CHERAMIM

a'-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.

Abelcheramim (1 Occurrence)
... forces. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ABEL-CHERAMIM. a'-bel ... Rabbah.
Multi-Version Concordance Abelcheramim (1 Occurrence). Judges 11 ...
/a/abelcheramim.htm - 7k

Abel-cheramim (1 Occurrence)
Abel-cheramim. Abelcheramim, Abel-cheramim. Abelkeramim . Easton's Bible
Dictionary ... (BBE JPS). Abelcheramim, Abel-cheramim. Abelkeramim . Reference Bible
/a/abel-cheramim.htm - 7k

Meadow (8 Occurrences)
... (3) 'abhel keramim, "Abel-cheramim," the Revised Version margin "The meadow of
vineyards," the King James Version "the plain (the King James Version margin ...
/m/meadow.htm - 12k

Minnith (2 Occurrences)
... Eusebius, Onomasticon mentions a place called Maanith, 4 Roman miles from Heshbon,
on the road to Philadelphia (`Amman), and locates Abelcheramim, which is ...
/m/minnith.htm - 8k

Abelkeramim
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ABEL-CHERAMIM. a'-bel-ker'-a-mim ('abhel
keramim, "meadow of vineyards"): A city mentioned in the ...
/a/abelkeramim.htm - 6k

Abel-beth-maachah (2 Occurrences)
Abel-beth-maachah. Abelbethmaachah, Abel-beth-maachah. Abelcheramim . ... (DBY WBS
YLT). Abelbethmaachah, Abel-beth-maachah. Abelcheramim . Reference Bible
/a/abel-beth-maachah.htm - 8k

Plain (113 Occurrences)
... 11:33), a "grassy plain" or "meadow." Instead of "plains of the vineyards," as in
the Authorized Version, the Revised Version has "Abel-cheramim" (qv), comp. ...
/p/plain.htm - 71k

Vicinity (18 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Judges 11:33 He struck them from Aroer until you come to Minnith, even
twenty cities, and to Abelcheramim, with a very great slaughter. ...
/v/vicinity.htm - 11k

Vineyards (55 Occurrences)
... PLAIN OF THE VINEYARDS. See ABEL-CHERAMIM. Multi-Version Concordance Vineyards
(55 Occurrences). Leviticus 25:3 Six years thou shalt ...
/v/vineyards.htm - 25k

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