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.
Sheba went through all of the tribes of Israel when he came to the town of Abel Beth-Maacah. His best soldiers met him there and followed him into the town. Joab and his troops surrounded Abel, so no one could go in or come out. They made a dirt ramp (rampart) up to the town wall. Then they used a battering ram to knock the wall down. read more. A wise woman shouted from the top of the wall: Hear this! Listen to me! I must talk to Joab! Tell him to come here! He came near. She asked: Are you Joab? I am, He answered. Listen to what I have to say, She told him. I am listening, He answered. She said: There is an old saying: 'Be sure to seek guidance from Abel before doing anything.' That is the way they settle disputes.
Ben-hadad agreed to King Asa's request and sent his armies to attack Israel. He conquered Ijon and Dan and Abel-beth-maacah, and all Chinneroth as far as the land of Naphtali.
In the days of Pekah king of Israel Tiglathpileser king of Assyria captured Ijon and Abelbethmaacah and Janoah and Kedesh and Hazor and Gilead and Galilee and all the land of Naphtali. He took the people captive to Assyria.