### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew place name **ʼÂbêl Bêyth-Măʻakâh**, represented by `{{H62}}`, identifies a location in Palestine. The name itself means **meadow of Beth-Maakah; Abel of Beth-maakah**. It appears only **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible, marking its role as a specific site of historical events rather than a common term.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H62}}` is mentioned exclusively in the context of military conquest. The Syrian king **Benhadad** `{{H1130}}` **smote** `{{H5221}}` the city as part of a campaign against the **cities** `{{H5892}}` of **Israel** `{{H3478}}` [[1 Kings 15:20]]. Later, during the reign of **Pekah** `{{H6492}}` king of Israel, **Tiglathpileser** `{{H8407}}` king of **Assyria** `{{H804}}` **took** `{{H3947}}` **Abelbethmaachah** along with other cities in the **land** `{{H776}}` of **Naphtali** `{{H5321}}` and **carried them captive** `{{H1540}}` to Assyria [[2 Kings 15:29]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words and names provide the context for the city's fate:
* `{{H5321}}` **Naphtâlîy** (my wrestling): This term identifies the territory of the tribe of **Naphtali**, where **Abelbethmaachah** was located. Both accounts of its conquest explicitly mention it as part of "all the land of **Naphtali**" ([[1 Kings 15:20]], [[2 Kings 15:29]]).
* `{{H1130}}` **Ben-Hădad** (son of Hadad): The name of the Syrian **king** `{{H4428}}` who first attacked the city, along with others in northern Israel, after being prompted by king Asa [[1 Kings 15:20]].
* `{{H8407}}` **Tiglath Pilʼeçer** (of foreign derivation): The Assyrian **king** `{{H4428}}` who conquered **Abelbethmaachah** and other cities of **Naphtali** `{{H5321}}`, ultimately exiling their inhabitants to **Assyria** `{{H804}}` [[2 Kings 15:29]].
### Theological Significance
The historical accounts of `{{H62}}` carry significant weight, illustrating themes of conflict and judgment.
* **A Target of Invasion:** The city's location in the northern territory of **Naphtali** `{{H5321}}` made it a frontline target for foreign powers. Its story is defined by being **smote** `{{H5221}}` by the Syrian king **Benhadad** `{{H1130}}` and later **took** `{{H3947}}` by the Assyrian king **Tiglathpileser** `{{H8407}}` ([[1 Kings 15:20]], [[2 Kings 15:29]]).
* **The Loss of a Promised Land:** The conquest of **Abelbethmaachah** represents the tangible loss of Israel's inheritance. It was one of the **cities** `{{H5892}}` of **Israel** `{{H3478}}` that fell into enemy hands, diminishing the territory promised to the nation.
* **The Reality of Exile:** The city's narrative culminates in its population being **carried... captive** `{{H1540}}` to **Assyria** `{{H804}}`. This event was a key part of the judgment that befell the northern kingdom of Israel [[2 Kings 15:29]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H62}}` **ʼÂbêl Bêyth-Măʻakâh** is more than just a place on a map; it is a biblical landmark of conflict and consequence. Its two appearances in Scripture document its strategic importance and its fate at the hands of invading Syrian and Assyrian armies. The story of this city in the **land** `{{H776}}` of **Naphtali** `{{H5321}}` serves as a historical testament to the vulnerability of Israel's northern border and the eventual exile that resulted from judgment on the northern kingdom.
TRV