The Hebrew phrase ʼAbêl Mayim, represented by H66, translates to meadow of water. It is the name of a place in Palestine, also rendered as Abel-maim. This name appears only 1 time in a single verse in the entire biblical text, marking it as a location mentioned in a specific historical context.
The sole appearance of Abelmaim H66 is in 2 Chronicles 16:4. The passage describes a military campaign initiated by King Asa. He successfully convinced Ben-Hadad H1130 to attack the northern kingdom of Israel H3478. In response, Ben-Hadad sent H7971 his armies H2428 to smite H5221 several key locations. Abelmaim is listed among the targets, alongside the cities H5892 of Ijon H5859, Dan H1835, and the store H4543 cities within the territory of Naphtali H5321.
Several other words in its only context help clarify the event surrounding ʼAbêl Mayim:
- H1130 Ben-Hădad: This is the name of the Syrian king H4428 who commanded the attack. He hearkened H8085 to King Asa's request to invade Israel 2 Chronicles 16:4.
- H5221 nâkâh: This primitive root means "to strike" or smite. It describes the military action taken against Abelmaim and the other cities, indicating they were attacked and defeated 2 Chronicles 16:4.
- H5859 ʻÎyôwn: Meaning "ruin," this was another city in Palestine, Ijon, that was smitten alongside Abelmaim in the same campaign 2 Chronicles 16:4.
- H4543 miçkᵉnâh: Translated as store-house or treasure, this word highlights the strategic value of the cities that were attacked, as they contained valuable resources and provisions for the kingdom of Israel 2 Chronicles 16:4.
The significance of H66 is entirely tied to the military and political events of its single mention.
- Military Conflict: The record of Abelmaim is one of conflict, where it was a target of an invading army H2428. The action of being smote H5221 underscores its role as a casualty in the hostilities between regional kings 2 Chronicles 16:4.
- Strategic Importance: Its inclusion with Dan H1835, Ijon H5859, and the store cities H4543 of Naphtali H5321 suggests it was a location of strategic value, likely contributing to the strength and resources of Israel H3478.
- Political Alliance: The attack on Abelmaim was the direct result of an alliance between King Asa of Judah and Ben-Hadad H1130, a Syrian king H4428. This event highlights the complex and often violent political maneuvering between the kingdoms of that era 2 Chronicles 16:4.
In summary, ʼAbêl Mayim H66 is a location whose name, "meadow of water," contrasts with its biblical record. It appears only once, not as a place of peaceful sustenance, but as a strategic city targeted and smitten during a military campaign 2 Chronicles 16:4. Its story is a snapshot of the conflicts and alliances that defined the relationship between the kingdoms of Israel, Judah, and Syria, preserved in a single verse of scripture.
TRV