Lexical Summary Machanayim: Mahanaim Original Word: מַחֲניִם Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Mahanaim Dual of machaneh; double camp; Machanajim, a place in Palestine -- Mahanaim. see HEBREW machaneh NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origindual of machaneh Definition "two camps," a place E. of the Jordan NASB Translation Mahanaim (13). Brown-Driver-Briggs מַחֲנַיִם proper name, of a location (two camps) — east of Jordan; name from Jacob's meeting angels according to Genesis 32:3 (J), place on border of Gad Joshua 13:26, of Manasseh Joshua 13:30 (P); Levitical city in Gad Joshua 21:36 (P) = 1 Chronicles 6:65; named also 2 Samuel 2:8 (מַחֲנָ֑יִם), 2 Samuel 2:12; 2 Samuel 2:29 (נָ֑יִם-), 2 Samuel 19:33; 1 Kings 2:8 (נָ֑ים-); מַחֲנָ֑יְמָה 2 Samuel 17:24,27; 1 Kings 4:14; site unknown, see DiGn; כִּמְחֹלַת הַמַּחֲנָ֑יִם Cant 7:1 is put here by Ew Hi Öttli and others: as at a (the) dance of Mahanaim; dance of a double choir Gi Stickel RV. Topical Lexicon Geographical Setting Mahanaim lay east of the Jordan River, just north of the Jabbok (modern Zarqa) in the plateau region variously called Gilead and Jazer. Its elevated terrain, ample pastureland, and proximity to major river crossings made it an ideal encampment, a frontier fortress, and later a Levitical city. Patriarchal Significance (Genesis 32:1-2) The site first appears when Jacob, returning from Paddan-Aram, is met by angelic hosts: “When Jacob saw them, he said, ‘This is the camp of God.’ So he called that place Mahanaim”. The dual-camp motif—Jacob’s company and God’s—became a standing reminder that the Lord’s unseen army accompanies His covenant people. Jacob’s naming act stamped the location with a testimony of divine guardianship just before his reconciliation with Esau. Allotment to the Tribe of Gad (Joshua 13:26, 30) During the conquest, Moses and later Joshua confirmed Mahanaim within Gad’s inheritance, bordering on Ammonite territory. Its placement on the frontier entrusted Gad with the task of defending Israel’s eastern flank, a responsibility the tribe embraced through its reputation for valiant warriors (1 Chronicles 12:8). Levitical Status (Joshua 21:38; 1 Chronicles 6:80) Mahanaim was assigned to the Merarite Levites, underscoring its spiritual role. As a Levitical town it functioned not only as a military post but also as a center for Torah instruction and worship east of the Jordan, reinforcing covenant faithfulness among the Transjordan tribes. Royal Stronghold in the Early Monarchy • Rise of Ish-bosheth: After Saul’s death, Abner installed Ish-bosheth in Mahanaim (2 Samuel 2:8). From this fortified seat the house of Saul contested David’s rule. Mentions in Solomon’s Era Shimei’s restriction from crossing the Kidron recalls his earlier movements around Mahanaim during Absalom’s revolt (1 Kings 2:8). Later, Ben-geber was appointed governor “in Ramoth-gilead… also the towns of Jair… and the region of Argob… together with Mahanaim” (1 Kings 4:13-14), indicating continued administrative importance. Theological and Practical Themes 1. Divine Protection: Mahanaim’s origin account anchors confidence in God’s unseen host. Believers today draw assurance that “the angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him” (Psalm 34:7). Key References Genesis 32:1-2; Joshua 13:26, 30; Joshua 21:38; 2 Samuel 2:8, 12, 29; 2 Samuel 17:24-29; 2 Samuel 19:32; 1 Kings 2:8; 1 Kings 4:14; 1 Chronicles 6:80. Summary Mahanaim stands as a multifaceted witness: a geographic frontier, a Levitical center, a royal refuge, and above all a memorial that God’s camp abides with His people. Its thirteen Old Testament occurrences weave a consistent message of divine presence, covenant loyalty, and the calling to trust and serve the true King. Forms and Transliterations בְמַחֲנַ֔יִם במחנים וּמִֽמַּחֲנַ֖יִם וממחנים מִֽמַּחֲנַ֖יִם מִמַּחֲנַ֨יִם מַֽחֲנָֽיִם׃ מַחֲנַ֖יִם מַחֲנָ֑יְמָה מַחֲנָ֑יִם מַחֲנָֽיְמָה׃ מַחֲנָֽיִם׃ מחנים מחנים׃ מחנימה מחנימה׃ ממחנים ḇə·ma·ḥă·na·yim ḇəmaḥănayim ma·ḥă·nā·yə·māh ma·ḥă·na·yim ma·ḥă·nā·yim machaNayemah MachaNayim maḥănāyəmāh maḥănayim maḥănāyim mim·ma·ḥă·na·yim mimachaNayim mimmaḥănayim ū·mim·ma·ḥă·na·yim umimachaNayim ūmimmaḥănayim vemachaNayimLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 32:2 HEB: הַמָּק֥וֹם הַה֖וּא מַֽחֲנָֽיִם׃ פ NAS: So he named that place Mahanaim. KJV: the name of that place Mahanaim. INT: place he Mahanaim Joshua 13:26 Joshua 13:30 Joshua 21:38 2 Samuel 2:8 2 Samuel 2:12 2 Samuel 2:29 2 Samuel 17:24 2 Samuel 17:27 2 Samuel 19:32 1 Kings 2:8 1 Kings 4:14 1 Chronicles 6:80 13 Occurrences |
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