The term "encamps" in the Bible often refers to the act of setting up a temporary dwelling or settlement, typically involving tents, by a group of people, often for military or nomadic purposes. This concept is prevalent throughout the Old Testament, where the Israelites frequently encamp during their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. The act of encamping is not merely a logistical necessity but often carries spiritual and symbolic significance.

Biblical Instances of Encamping:

1. The Israelites in the Wilderness:
The most notable example of encamping is the Israelites' journey through the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt. The Book of Exodus details how the Israelites encamped at various locations as they followed God's guidance through the desert. In Exodus 19:2 , it is recorded, "After they had set out from Rephidim, they entered the Wilderness of Sinai, and Israel encamped there in front of the mountain." This encampment at Mount Sinai is significant as it is where God gives the Ten Commandments to Moses.

2. Military Encampments:
Encamping is also a common military strategy in the Bible. In 1 Samuel 17:1 , the Philistines and Israelites encamp on opposite sides of the Valley of Elah before the famous battle between David and Goliath: "Now the Philistines gathered their forces for war and assembled at Socoh in Judah. They pitched camp at Ephes-dammim, between Socoh and Azekah." Here, encampment serves as a prelude to battle, highlighting the strategic importance of positioning.

3. Divine Protection:
Encamping is sometimes associated with divine protection. Psalm 34:7 states, "The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and he delivers them." This verse illustrates the protective nature of God's presence, likening it to an encampment that surrounds and safeguards the faithful.

4. Symbol of God's Presence:
The encampment of the Israelites around the Tabernacle in the wilderness symbolizes God's presence among His people. Numbers 2:2 describes the arrangement: "The Israelites are to camp around the Tent of Meeting at a distance from it, each man under his standard, with the banners of his family." This orderly encampment reflects the centrality of worship and God's dwelling among His people.

Spiritual Implications:

Encamping in the biblical context often signifies more than just a physical act; it represents a period of waiting, preparation, and reliance on God's guidance. The Israelites' encampments in the wilderness were times of testing and learning to trust in God's provision and timing. The concept of encamping can also be seen as a metaphor for the Christian life, where believers are called to dwell temporarily in the world, awaiting the eternal Promised Land.

Conclusion:

The act of encamping in the Bible is rich with meaning, encompassing themes of obedience, divine protection, and the presence of God. Whether in the context of the Israelites' journey, military strategy, or spiritual metaphor, encamping serves as a reminder of the transient nature of life and the importance of relying on God's guidance and protection.2583. chanah -- to decline, bend down, encamp
... bend down, encamp NASB Word Usage besieged* (2), camp (25), camped (96), camping
(5), coming to an end (1), encamp (3), encamped (3), encamps (2), pitched (2 ...
/hebrew/2583.htm - 6k

The Battle of Thermopylae.
... the battle."Approach of Xerxes."The Persian horseman."His observation."Report of
the horseman."Conversation with Demaratus."Xerxes encamps at the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/xerxes/chapter ix the battle of.htm

God's Protection of those who Trust in Him
... This afflicted man cried and he heard him, And from all his distresses delivered
him. The angel of the Lord encamps About those who revere him, and saves them. ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/gods protection of those who.htm

Psalm 34
... not shamed were their faces. ^6This poor man cry'd, God heard, and sav'd. him from
all his distresses. ^7The angel of the Lord encamps,. and round encompasseth. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/scottish psalter and paraphrases/psalm 34.htm

In the Next Place, as if He had Forgotten that it was his Object ...
... For verily "the angel of the Lord encamps round about them that fear Him, and
delivereth them" [4481] from all evil; and the angels of the little ones in the ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/origen/origen against celsus/chapter xli in the next.htm

The Children of the Poor.
... life. Cold that encamps itself in the empty fire-place, and blows through
the broken door, and paralyzes the naked limbs. Hunger ...
/.../chapin/humanity in the city/discourse vii the children of.htm

The Little Ones and their Angels.
... things also, whether these are indeed angels of the little ones "who are led by
the spirit of bondage to fear," "when the angel of the Lord encamps round about ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of matthew/26 the little ones and.htm

Chapter xxxiii
... He encamps "in front of (literally, 'eth peney, by the face') the city," an
expression which here definitely means "to the east of.". 19. ...
/.../leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxiii.htm

Encamps (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Encamps (3 Occurrences). ... Psalms 34:7 The angel of Yahweh
encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them. (WEB NAS RSV NIV). ...
/e/encamps.htm - 7k

Rescues (10 Occurrences)
... You deliver me from the violent man. (WEB). Psalms 34:7 The angel of Yahweh encamps
around those who fear him, and delivers them. (See NAS). ...
/r/rescues.htm - 9k

Enchant (1 Occurrence)

/e/enchant.htm - 6k

Encampments (6 Occurrences)

/e/encampments.htm - 8k

Delivers (38 Occurrences)
... violent man. (See NAS). Psalms 34:7 The angel of Yahweh encamps around those
who fear him, and delivers them. (WEB RSV NIV). Psalms ...
/d/delivers.htm - 16k

Scatter (65 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Psalms 53:5 There they were in great fear, where no fear was, for
God has scattered the bones of him who encamps against you. ...
/s/scatter.htm - 28k

Ungodly (41 Occurrences)
... Psalms 53:5 There they were in great fear, where no fear was, for God has
scattered the bones of him who encamps against you. You ...
/u/ungodly.htm - 18k

Dread (69 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). Psalms 53:5 There they were in great fear, where no fear was, for
God has scattered the bones of him who encamps against you. ...
/d/dread.htm - 26k

Rejected (96 Occurrences)
... (WEB NAS NIV). Psalms 53:5 There they were in great fear, where no fear was,
for God has scattered the bones of him who encamps against you. ...
/r/rejected.htm - 36k

Scattered (122 Occurrences)
... Psalms 53:5 There they were in great fear, where no fear was, for God has
scattered the bones of him who encamps against you. You ...
/s/scattered.htm - 39k

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