Maon

Maon, a city in the hill country of Judah (Joshua 15:55), home of Nabal and Abigail (1Sa 25:2).

Maon was a city located in the hill country of Judah (Joshua 15:55), south of Hebron. It is best known as the hometown of Nabal, the wealthy but foolish man who refused to help David and his men (1Sa.25.2). Nabal's wife, Abigail, interceded on his behalf and provided food for David's men, preventing David from taking revenge on Nabal (1Sa.25.18-35). After Nabal's death, David married Abigail (1Sa.25.39-42). Maon is also mentioned as one of the places where David and his men sought refuge from King Saul (1Sa.23.24-25). The wilderness of Maon, located near the city, was one of the areas where David hid from Saul. Additionally, the Maonites are listed among the oppressors of Israel during the time of the judges (Judges 10:12).

Habitation, a town in the tribe of Judah, about 7 miles south of Hebron, which gave its name to the wilderness, the district round the conical hill on which the town stood. Here David hid from Saul, and here Nabal had his possessions and his home (1 Sam. 23:24, 25; 25:2). “Only some small foundations of hewn stone, a square enclosure, and several cisterns are now to be seen at Maon. Are they the remains of Nabal’s great establishment?” The hill is now called Tell M’ain.