Etymology and Meaning:
The name "Abel-maim" is derived from Hebrew, where "Abel" means "meadow" or "stream," and "maim" means "waters." Thus, Abel-maim can be translated as "Meadow of Waters" or "Waters of the Meadow."

Biblical References:
Abel-maim is mentioned in the context of the Northern Kingdom of Israel during the reign of King Asa of Judah. It is referenced in 2 Chronicles 16:4, where it is associated with the city of Abel-beth-maacah. The Berean Standard Bible translates this passage as follows:

"So Ben-hadad listened to King Asa and sent the commanders of his armies against the cities of Israel, conquering Ijon, Dan, Abel-maim, and all the store cities of Naphtali."

Historical and Geographical Context:
Abel-maim is identified with Abel-beth-maacah, a significant city located in the northern part of ancient Israel, near the border with Aram (modern-day Syria). This city was strategically important due to its location and its proximity to trade routes and water sources. The mention of Abel-maim in the context of military campaigns highlights its strategic value and the role it played in the regional power dynamics of the time.

Archaeological Insights:
The site traditionally associated with Abel-maim is Tell Abil el-Qameh, located in the modern-day Upper Galilee region of Israel. Archaeological excavations at this site have revealed evidence of a fortified city with significant remains from the Iron Age, which corresponds to the biblical period of the divided monarchy. These findings support the biblical account of Abel-maim as a fortified city of importance.

Cultural and Theological Significance:
Abel-maim, as part of the Northern Kingdom, was involved in the complex political and military interactions between Israel, Judah, and neighboring Aram. The city's capture by Ben-hadad, as recorded in 2 Chronicles 16:4, illustrates the shifting alliances and conflicts that characterized the period. Theologically, the events surrounding Abel-maim reflect the broader themes of divine providence and judgment, as the biblical narrative often interprets military successes and failures as expressions of God's will and the faithfulness or unfaithfulness of the Israelite kings.

Related Entries:
· Abel-beth-maacah
· Ben-hadad
· Asa, King of Judah
· Northern Kingdom of Israel
· Aram (Syria)Abel-Maim

mourning of waters

ABEL-MAIM

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

66. Abel Mayim -- "meadow of water"
... 65, 66. Abel Mayim. 67 . "meadow of water". Transliteration: Abel Mayim Phonetic
Spelling: (aw-bale' mah'-yim) Short Definition: Abel-maim. ... Abel-maim. ...
/hebrew/66.htm - 6kAbelmaim (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

Abelbethmaacah
... In the account in Chronicles parallel to this last (2 Chronicles 16:4)
the cities mentioned are Ijon, Dan, Abel-maim. Abel-maim...
/a/abelbethmaacah.htm - 7k

Abel-beth-maacah (2 Occurrences)
... In the account in Chronicles parallel to this last (2 Chronicles 16:4)
the cities mentioned are Ijon, Dan, Abel-maim. Abel-maim...
/a/abel-beth-maacah.htm - 8k

A'bel-Ma'im (1 Occurrence)
A'bel-Ma'im. Abel-maim, A'bel-Ma'im. Abelmeholah . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(See RSV). Abel-maim, A'bel-Ma'im. Abelmeholah . Reference Bible.
/a/a'bel-ma'im.htm - 6k

Ijon (3 Occurrences)
... 16:4 Ben Hadad listened to king Asa, and sent the captains of his armies against
the cities of Israel; and they struck Ijon, and Dan, and AbelMaim, and all ...
/i/ijon.htm - 8k

I'jon (2 Occurrences)
... 16:4 Ben Hadad listened to king Asa, and sent the captains of his armies against
the cities of Israel; and they struck Ijon, and Dan, and AbelMaim, and all ...
/i/i'jon.htm - 7k

Maim (4 Occurrences)
... 16:4 Ben Hadad listened to king Asa, and sent the captains of his armies against
the cities of Israel; and they struck Ijon, and Dan, and AbelMaim, and all ...
/m/maim.htm - 8k

Meadow (8 Occurrences)
... Numbers 25:1 Joshua 2:1; Joshua 3:1 Judges 7:22 Joel 3:18 Micah 6:5); "Abel-meholah"
(Judges 7:22 1 Kings 4:12; 1 Kings 19:16); "Abel-maim" (2 Chronicles 16:4 ...
/m/meadow.htm - 12k

Who was Abel in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Of whom was Cain afraid after he killed Abel? | GotQuestions.org

Why did God accept Abel's offering but reject Cain's offering? Why did Cain then kill Abel? | GotQuestions.org

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