2 Samuel 20:14-22

Sheba besieged in Abel-Beth-Maachah

14. And he went Joab marched rapidly northward, gathering forces as he went.

unto Abel, and to Beth-maachah Abel was apparently near Beth-Maachah, which is not elsewhere mentioned as a distinct place, and was commonly called Abel-beth-Maachah to distinguish it from other places named Abel (meadow). It was also known as Abel Maim = meadow of waters(2 Chronicles 16:4). It was one of the towns which fell a prey to Benhadad (1 Kings 15:20), and afterwards to Tiglath-pileser (2 Kings 15:29). The name Maachah may point to some connexion with the Syrian kingdom of that name (ch. 2 Samuel 10:6). Its site is supposed to be marked by the village of Abil, about twelve miles north of Lake Huleh, the ancient Waters of Merom.

all the Berites If the text is sound, Berimor the Beritesmust be the name of a district or people in northern Palestine otherwise unknown to us. But perhaps following the Vulg. and the indications of the Sept. we should read and all the chosen men were gathered together.