☀️
← Back to Lexicon
H65 · Hebrew · Old Testament
אָבֵל מְחוֹלָה
Abel Meholah
Proper noun, place
Abel Meholah

Definition

Abel Meholah means "meadow of dancing." It is a town in the Jordan Valley associated with two important biblical figures: Gideon's victory flight and the birthplace of the prophet Elisha.

Usage & Theological Significance

The town's name — "meadow of dancing" — carries double significance. Gideon chased the Midianites as far as Abel Meholah, turning a place of labor into one of victory. But it is most remembered as the hometown of Elisha (1 Kings 19:16), whom Elijah anointed as his successor. From a place of dancing springs one of Israel's greatest prophets. This echoes the pattern of God calling His servants from humble, ordinary places for extraordinary purposes.

Key Bible Verses

Judges 7:22 The LORD set every man's sword against his companion throughout the camp. The army fled to Beth Shittah toward Zererah, as far as the border of Abel Meholah near Tabbath.
1 Kings 4:12 Baana son of Ahilud — in Taanach and Megiddo, and in all of Beth Shan next to Zarethan below Jezreel, from Beth Shan to Abel Meholah...
1 Kings 19:16 Also, anoint Jehu son of Nimshi king over Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel Meholah to succeed you as prophet.
1 Kings 19:19 So Elijah went from there and found Elisha son of Shaphat. He was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen...
2 Kings 3:11 But Jehoshaphat asked, 'Is there no prophet of the LORD here, through whom we may inquire of the LORD?' An officer of the king of Israel answered, 'Elisha son of Shaphat is here...'

Related Words

External Resources

🌙
☀️