Abel-beth-maacah

Abel-beth-maacah, also known as Abel-maim, was a fortified city in northern Israel, located near the city of Dan. It was besieged by Joab, King David's commander, when Sheba son of Bikri took refuge there after rebelling against David (2 Samuel 20:14-15). The city was known for its wisdom, as seen in the saying, "They used to say in former times, 'Let them inquire at Abel'" (2 Samuel 20:18). During the reign of King Baasha of Israel, Abel-beth-maacah was captured by Ben-Hadad I of Syria, who was allied with King Asa of Judah (1 Kings 15:20; 2 Chronicles 16:4). Later, in the reign of Pekah of Israel, the city was captured by King Tiglath-Pileser III of Assyria (2 Kings 15:29).