Bible Dictionary
Abelmeholah
Abel-meholah was a place in the northern Jordan Valley, whose name means “meadow of the dance.” The Midianite army fled there after Gideon’s victory, and Elisha was found plowing there when Elijah called him to prophetic service.
Definition
Abel-meholah was a place in the northern part of the Jordan Valley. Its name means “meadow of the dance.” It was associated with the Jordan Valley and stood along the route connected with the events involving Gideon and Elisha.
Biblical Usage
After Gideon’s victory, the routed Midianite or Bedouin host fled toward Abel-meholah. Elisha was found there at his plough when Elijah, returning from Horeb and going up the valley, called him to prophetic service.
Historical Background
Abel-meholah was situated in the northern Jordan Valley. The place-name means “meadow of the dance,” and the site is presented in connection with the valley through which Elijah returned from Horeb.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(meadow of the dance), in the northern pat of the Jordan valley, (1 Kings 4:12) to which the routed Bedouin host fled from Gideon, (Judges 7:22) Here Elisha was found at his plough by Elijah returning up the valley from Horeb. (1 Kings 19:16-19)