Abel Beth Maakah ("meadow of the house of Maacah") is a fortified city in northern Israel, near Dan and the territory of Naphtali. It was known as a center of wisdom.
This city appears twice in redemptive history. A wise woman of Abel Beth Maacah negotiated with Joab to prevent its destruction after Sheba's rebellion (2 Samuel 20), demonstrating that wisdom can avert catastrophe. Later, Ben-hadad of Aram and then Tiglath-Pileser of Assyria captured it — reminders that fortified cities fall when the LORD withdraws His protection. The city's name ("meadow of the house of oppression") also hints at the pattern of blessing and judgment.