Where Sheba took refuge from Joab (2Sa 20:14-18); it was captured by Ben-hadad (1Ki 15:20), and by Tiglath-pileser (2Ki 15:29); corresponding to the modern Abil, west of Tell el-Kadi, and north of Lake Huleh.
R. A. S. Macalister.
And he went through all the tribes of Israel unto Abel-Bethmaacah and all Berim. And the people gathered unto him and went also after him. And they came and besieged him in Abel-Bethmaacah. And they cast up a bank against the city, and it was besieged: All the people that was with Joab laboured busily to overthrow the wall. read more. Then cried a wise woman out of the city, "Hear! Hear! Bid, I pray you, Joab that he come hither, that I may speak with him." When Joab was come the woman said, "Art thou Joab?" And Joab answered, "That am I." And she said to him, "Hear the words of thy handmaid." And he said, "I am ready to hear." And she said, "It hath been a common saying in the old time: 'Men must ask of Abel, and then go and finish the work.'
And Benhadad hearkened unto king Asa and sent the captains of the hosts which he had against the cities of Israel, and smote Ijon, Dan, Abel called Bethmaacah and all Chinnereth with all the land of Naphtali.
In the days of Pekah king of Israel, came Tiglathpileser, king of Assyria, and took Ijon, Abelbethmaacah, Janoah, Kadesh, Hazor, Gilead, Galilee, and all the land of Naphtali, and carried them away to Assyria.