### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Bêyth Maʻăkâh**, represented by `{{H1038}}`, identifies a **place in Palestine**. Its base definition is "house of Maakah; Beth-Maakah." Appearing only **2 times** in **2 unique verses**, its role in scripture is highly specific, pinpointing a location involved in a singular historical event.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H1038}}` is mentioned exclusively within the account of Joab's pursuit. The location is first identified as a destination on a route that `went through` `{{H5674}}` the `tribes` `{{H7626}}` of `Israel` `{{H3478}}` [[2 Samuel 20:14]]. The story culminates at this site, where Joab's forces `besieged` `{{H6696}}` their target in "Abel of Bethmaachah," casting up a `bank` `{{H5550}}` against the `city` `{{H5892}}` and battering the `wall` `{{H2346}}` [[2 Samuel 20:15]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the events at Beth-Maachah:
* `{{H59}}` **'Âbêl** (Abel): Defined as "a meadow; Abel, the name of two places in Palestine.", it is directly linked to the location in the text as "Abel of Bethmaachah" [[2 Samuel 20:15]].
* `{{H3097}}` **Yôwʼâb** (Joab): Meaning "Jehovah-fathered; Joab," this is the name of the commander who led the `people` `{{H5971}}` in the siege of the city [[2 Samuel 20:15]].
* `{{H6696}}` **tsûwr** (besiege): This root word, meaning to `cramp` or `confine`, is used to describe the primary military action taken against the city of Bethmaachah in the narrative [[2 Samuel 20:15]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H1038}}` is rooted in its narrative function as a specific setting.
* **Site of Military Conflict:** Beth-Maachah is remembered as the location of a significant siege, highlighting themes of internal strife and military resolution within `Israel` `{{H3478}}` [[2 Samuel 20:14]].
* **Illustration of Siege Warfare:** The account details ancient siege tactics, noting how a `bank` `{{H5550}}` was cast up against the city and how the `people` `{{H5971}}` with `Joab` `{{H3097}}` `battered` `{{H7843}}` the `wall` `{{H2346}}` to `throw it down` `{{H5307}}` [[2 Samuel 20:15]].
* **Specific Geographic Anchor:** Its name, used alongside `Abel` `{{H59}}` and the `Berites` `{{H1276}}`, provides a specific geographical marker that grounds the historical narrative in a tangible location within Palestine [[2 Samuel 20:14]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1038}}` is not a theological concept but a specific geographical place name. Its two occurrences are contained within a single, brief narrative in 2 Samuel, where it serves as the backdrop for a military siege. While its biblical presence is minimal, Beth-Maachah functions as a precise historical and geographical anchor for a dramatic event involving pursuit, conflict, and resolution in ancient Israel.
TRV