Topical Encyclopedia Etymology and Meaning: The name "Mahaneh-dan" translates to "Camp of Dan" in Hebrew. It signifies a place associated with the tribe of Dan, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, named after Dan, the fifth son of Jacob and the first son of Bilhah, Rachel's maidservant. Biblical References: Mahaneh-dan is mentioned in the Book of Judges, specifically in Judges 18:12. The passage states: "They went up and camped at Kiriath-jearim in Judah. This is why the place west of Kiriath-jearim is called Mahaneh-dan to this day." Historical and Geographical Context: Mahaneh-dan is located in the region allotted to the tribe of Dan, which was situated in the western part of the land of Canaan, near the Philistine territory. The tribe of Dan initially struggled to secure their inheritance due to the strength of the local inhabitants, which led to their seeking additional territory. The site of Mahaneh-dan is traditionally identified near the modern-day area of Kiriath-jearim, which is west of Jerusalem. This location served as a temporary encampment for the Danites during their migration northward in search of a more secure and prosperous territory. Significance in the Narrative of Judges: The mention of Mahaneh-dan in Judges 18 is part of the narrative describing the migration of the Danites. The tribe, unable to fully conquer their allotted land, sent out spies to find a new territory. The spies discovered Laish, a peaceful and prosperous city, which they later conquered and renamed Dan. Mahaneh-dan served as a strategic encampment during this expedition. It highlights the challenges faced by the tribe of Dan in securing their inheritance and their eventual establishment in the northern part of Israel, which played a significant role in the tribal confederation of Israel. Theological Implications: The account of Mahaneh-dan and the migration of the Danites reflects themes of divine providence and the fulfillment of God's promises to the tribes of Israel. Despite initial setbacks, the tribe of Dan ultimately found a place within the Promised Land, illustrating the broader biblical narrative of God's faithfulness to His people. Additionally, the account serves as a reminder of the consequences of incomplete obedience. The Danites' failure to fully possess their original inheritance led to their need to seek new territory, which had lasting implications for their tribal identity and history. Cultural and Archaeological Insights: While specific archaeological evidence for Mahaneh-dan is limited, the broader region of the tribe of Dan has been the subject of archaeological interest. Excavations in areas associated with the tribe have provided insights into the material culture and historical context of the period, shedding light on the challenges faced by the Israelites during the settlement of Canaan. Conclusion: Mahaneh-dan stands as a testament to the dynamic history of the tribe of Dan and their journey within the land of Israel. It serves as a geographical marker in the biblical narrative, symbolizing both the struggles and the eventual establishment of the Danites in the Promised Land. Easton's Bible Dictionary Judges 18:12 = "camp of Dan" 13:25 (R.V., "Mahaneh-dan"), a place behind (i.e., west of) Kirjath-jearim, where the six hundred Danites from Zorah and Eshtaol encamped on their way to capture the city of Laish, which they rebuilt and called "Dan, after the name of their father" (18:11-31). The Palestine Explorers point to a ruin called `Erma, situated about 3 miles from the great corn valley on the east of Samson's home. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia MAHANEH-DANma'-ha-ne-dan (machaneh-dhan; parembole Dan): This place is mentioned twice: in Judges 13:25 (the King James Version "the camp of Dan"), and Judges 18:12. In Mahaneh-dan, between Zorah and Eshtaol, the spirit of the Lord began to move Samson. Here the 600 marauders of Dan, coming from Zorah and Eshtaol, encamped behind Kiriath-jearim. It has been thought that these two statements contradict each other; or at least that they cannot both apply to the same place. But if we accept the identification of Zorah with Surah, and of Eshtaol with Eshu`, which there seems no reason to question; and if, further, we identify Kiriath-jearim with Khirbet Erma, which is at least possible, the two passages may be quite reconciled. Behind Kiriath-jearim, that is West of Khirbet Erma, runs the Vale of Sorek, on the north bank of which, about 2 miles apart, stand Zorah and Eshtaol; the former 3 1/2 miles, the latter 2 1/2 miles fron khirbet Erma. No name resembling Mahanehdan has yet been recovered; but the place may have lain within the area thus indicated, so meeting the conditions of both passages, whether it was a permanent settlement, or derived its name only from the incident mentioned in Judges 18:12. Strong's Hebrew 4265. Machaneh-dan -- "camp of Dan," a place where the Danites ...... "camp of Dan," a place where the Danites stayed. Transliteration: Machaneh-dan Phonetic Spelling: (makh-an-ay'-dawn) Short Definition: Mahaneh-dan. ... Mahaneh-dan. ... /hebrew/4265.htm - 6k Thesaurus Mahanehdan (1 Occurrence)... In Mahaneh-dan, between Zorah and Eshtaol, the spirit of the Lord began to move ... No name resembling Mahanehdan has yet been recovered; but the place may have ... /m/mahanehdan.htm - 8k Mahaneh-dan (2 Occurrences) Kiriathjearim Kiriath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Mahaneh (2 Occurrences) Eshtaol (7 Occurrences) Dan (71 Occurrences) Zorah (10 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Resources Who was Dan in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat can we learn from the tribe of Dan? | GotQuestions.org What is Ugaritic, and what does it have to do with the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Mahaneh-dan (2 Occurrences)Judges 13:25 Judges 18:12 Subtopics Mahaneh-Dan: An Encampment of the Danites Related Terms |
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