### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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}}`.
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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]].
### Summary
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