Overview:
Meholah, often referred to as Abel-meholah, is a location mentioned in the Old Testament of the Bible. It is primarily recognized as the birthplace of the prophet Elisha and is associated with the tribe of Issachar. The name "Meholah" is thought to mean "meadow of dancing" or "field of rejoicing," reflecting a place of fertility and joy.

Biblical References:
Meholah is first mentioned in the context of Gideon's battle against the Midianites. In Judges 7:22 , it is recorded: "When the three hundred trumpets sounded, the LORD set the sword of one man against another throughout the camp, and the army fled to Beth-shittah toward Zererah as far as the border of Abel-meholah near Tabbath." This passage highlights Meholah's geographical significance during the period of the Judges.

The most notable reference to Meholah is its connection to the prophet Elisha. In 1 Kings 19:16 , God instructs the prophet Elijah: "You are to anoint Jehu son of Nimshi as king over Israel, and Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel-meholah as prophet in your place." This indicates that Elisha hailed from this region, marking it as a place of prophetic importance.

Geographical Context:
Meholah is believed to have been located in the Jordan Valley, near the Jordan River. Its exact location is not definitively known, but it is generally thought to be in the vicinity of the modern-day Beit She'an Valley. The fertile land of the area would have supported agriculture, aligning with the meaning of its name.

Historical and Cultural Significance:
In the biblical narrative, Meholah serves as a backdrop for significant events, particularly in the accounts of Gideon and Elisha. The mention of Meholah in the context of Gideon's victory over the Midianites underscores its strategic location during times of conflict. Furthermore, as the home of Elisha, Meholah is linked to the prophetic tradition in Israel, highlighting its spiritual significance.

Elisha's association with Meholah is particularly noteworthy. As a prophet, Elisha performed numerous miracles and played a crucial role in the spiritual life of Israel. His roots in Meholah suggest that this region was not only agriculturally prosperous but also spiritually fertile, producing one of Israel's most influential prophets.

Theological Implications:
The references to Meholah in the Bible emphasize God's providence and the fulfillment of His plans through seemingly ordinary places and people. The choice of Elisha from Meholah as a successor to Elijah illustrates God's sovereign selection and the continuation of His prophetic work in Israel. Meholah's mention in the context of Gideon's victory also serves as a reminder of God's deliverance and the importance of faith and obedience in achieving divine purposes.

Conclusion:
While Meholah may not be as prominent as other biblical locations, its role in the narratives of Gideon and Elisha highlights its importance in Israel's history. As a place of both military and prophetic significance, Meholah stands as a testament to God's active involvement in the lives of His people and His ability to use any location for His divine purposes.4259. Mecholathi -- inhab. of Abel-meholah
... 4258, 4259. Mecholathi. 4260 . inhab. of Abel-meholah. Transliteration: Mecholathi
Phonetic Spelling: (mekh-o-law-thee') Short Definition: Meholathite. ...
/hebrew/4259.htm - 6k

65. Abel Mecholah -- Elisha's birthplace in Palestine
... Elisha's birthplace in Palestine. Transliteration: Abel Mecholah Phonetic Spelling:
(aw-bale' mekh-o-law') Short Definition: Abel-meholah. ... Abel-meholah. ...
/hebrew/65.htm - 6k

A Battle Without a Sword
... man's sword against his fellow, even throughout all the host: and the host fled
to Beth-shittah in Zererath, and to the border of Abel- meholah, unto Tabbath.23 ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/a battle without a sword.htm

Elijah's Weakness, and Its Cube
... And Jehu the son of Nimshi shalt thou anoint to be king over Israel: and Elisha
the son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah shalt thou anoint to be prophet in thy room ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/elijahs weakness and its cube.htm

"What Doest Thou Here?"
... Hazael to be king over Syria: and Jehu the son of Nimshi shalt thou anoint to be
king over Israel: and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah shalt thou ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 13 what doest thou.htm

Meholah (4 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Meholah (4 Occurrences). Judges 7:22 They blew
the three hundred trumpets, and Yahweh set every man's sword ...
/m/meholah.htm - 7k

Abel-meholah (3 Occurrences)
Abel-meholah. Abelmeholah, Abel-meholah. A'bel-Meho'lah . Easton's Bible
Dictionary ... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ABEL-MEHOLAH. ...
/a/abel-meholah.htm - 10k

Abelmeholah (3 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ABEL-MEHOLAH. a'-bel-me-ho'-lah ('abhel meholah,
"meadow of dancing"): The residence of Elisha the prophet (1 Kings 19:16). ...
/a/abelmeholah.htm - 9k

A'bel-Meho'lah (3 Occurrences)
A'bel-Meho'lah. Abel-meholah, A'bel-Meho'lah. Abelmizraim . Multi-Version
Concordance ... (See RSV). Abel-meholah, A'bel-Meho'lah. Abelmizraim . Reference
/a/a'bel-meho'lah.htm - 7k

Tabbath (1 Occurrence)
... tab'-ath (Tabbath; Codex Vaticanus Tabath; Gabath): A place named after Abel-meholah
in the account of the Midianite flight before Gideon (Judges 7:23). ...
/t/tabbath.htm - 7k

Abel (22 Occurrences)
... sword against his fellow, and against all the army; and the army fled as far as
Beth Shittah toward Zererah, as far as the border of Abel Meholah, by Tabbath. ...
/a/abel.htm - 22k

Elisha (70 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary God his salvation, the son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah,
who became the attendant and disciple of Elijah (1 Kings 19:16-19). ...
/e/elisha.htm - 61k

Beth (115 Occurrences)
... sword against his fellow, and against all the army; and the army fled as far as
Beth Shittah toward Zererah, as far as the border of Abel Meholah, by Tabbath. ...
/b/beth.htm - 40k

Zererah (1 Occurrence)
... sword against his fellow, and against all the army; and the army fled as far as
Beth Shittah toward Zererah, as far as the border of Abel Meholah, by Tabbath. ...
/z/zererah.htm - 7k

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