Mahanaim
“Two camps or two hosts”
Summary
Mahanaim, meaning 'two camps,' was a city east of the Jordan where Jacob saw the angels of God, and which later served as the capital of Ishbosheth's kingdom and David's refuge during Absalom's rebellion.
☩Jacob's Vision
The name Mahanaim means 'two camps' or 'two hosts,' given by Jacob when he returned from Padan-aram to Canaan. At this place the angels of God met him, prompting his exclamation 'This is God's host.' The 'two' may refer to Jacob's own camp alongside the angelic company, or to his division of his own party into two groups which he made shortly afterward in preparation for meeting Esau, with corresponding angelic protection for each.
☩Location and Status
Mahanaim was located north of the river Jabbok in the territory east of the Jordan. It stood on the boundary between the tribes of Gad and Manasseh, and also marked the southern edge of Bashan. The town was assigned to the Levites as one of their cities. The exact site remains uncertain, though it is commonly identified with ruins at Mahneh or in the vicinity of the Jabbok.
☩Royal History
Mahanaim became a place of considerable importance during the monarchy. When Saul's kingdom collapsed after his death, Abner brought Ishbosheth to Mahanaim and made him king over Israel, while David reigned at Hebron over Judah. The choice of this stronghold suggests Abner found David's influence less dominant east of the Jordan; it also indicates Mahanaim was then a well-fortified and important city. Here Ishbosheth was later assassinated. Many years afterward, David himself fled to Mahanaim when Absalom's rebellion drove him from Jerusalem. The aged Barzillai of Gilead came to supply David's needs there, and in the nearby 'wood of Ephraim' Absalom met his death.
Related Verses13 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Mahanaim," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. V (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Mahanaim," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).
- 3.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Mahanaim," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).
- 4.James Orr (ed.), "Mahanaim," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. III (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).