Definition and Meaning:
The term "Mahaneh" is derived from the Hebrew word "מַחֲנֶה" (machaneh), which means "camp" or "encampment." In the biblical context, it often refers to a place where people, particularly the Israelites, set up temporary dwellings during their travels.

Biblical References:
Mahaneh is notably mentioned in the context of Mahanaim, a significant location in the Old Testament. Mahanaim, meaning "two camps," is first referenced in Genesis 32:2, where Jacob encounters angels of God and names the place Mahanaim. The Berean Standard Bible states: "When Jacob saw them, he said, 'This is the camp of God.' So he named that place Mahanaim."

Historical and Geographical Context:
Mahanaim was situated east of the Jordan River, in the region of Gilead. It served as a strategic and fortified city during various periods in Israel's history. The location is associated with several key biblical events and figures, including King David and Ish-bosheth, the son of Saul.

Significant Events and Figures:

1. Jacob's Encounter with Angels:
In Genesis 32, Jacob, returning to Canaan after years with Laban, encounters angels at Mahanaim. This divine encounter reassures Jacob of God's presence and protection as he prepares to meet his estranged brother Esau.

2. David's Refuge:
During Absalom's rebellion, King David fled Jerusalem and sought refuge in Mahanaim. The city provided a safe haven for David and his followers. 2 Samuel 17:24 records, "Then David went to Mahanaim, and Absalom crossed the Jordan with all the men of Israel."

3. Ish-bosheth's Reign:
After the death of King Saul, Ish-bosheth, Saul's son, was made king over Israel by Abner, Saul's army commander, and ruled from Mahanaim. This is documented in 2 Samuel 2:8-9 : "Meanwhile, Abner son of Ner, the commander of Saul’s army, took Saul’s son Ish-bosheth and brought him over to Mahanaim. He made him king over Gilead, Asher, Jezreel, Ephraim, and Benjamin—over all Israel."

Theological Significance:
Mahaneh, particularly in the form of Mahanaim, symbolizes God's providence and protection. Jacob's encounter with the angels at Mahanaim serves as a reminder of divine intervention and assurance. The city's role as a refuge for David highlights God's provision of safety and support for His anointed king during times of crisis.

Cultural and Religious Impact:
The concept of a "camp" or "encampment" is central to the narrative of the Israelites' journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. Mahaneh, as a place of divine encounter and refuge, reflects the transient yet purposeful journey of God's people, underscoring themes of faith, reliance on God, and the fulfillment of His promises.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 - 6kMahaneh (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Mahaneh (2 Occurrences). Judges 13:25 The Spirit of Yahweh
began to move him in Mahaneh Dan, between Zorah and Eshtaol. ...
/m/mahaneh.htm - 7k

Mahaneh-dan (2 Occurrences)
Mahaneh-dan. Mahanehdan, Mahaneh-dan. Ma'haneh-dan . Easton's Bible Dictionary
Judges ... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. MAHANEH-DAN. ma ...
/m/mahaneh-dan.htm - 9k

Mahanehdan (1 Occurrence)
... Judges 18:12 = "camp of Dan" 13:25 (RV, "Mahaneh-dan"), a place behind (ie, west
of) Kirjath-jearim, where the six hundred Danites from Zorah and Eshtaol ...
/m/mahanehdan.htm - 8k

Kiriathjearim
... 1. Scripture References: Judges 18:12 records that the men of Dan set forth out
of Zorah and Eshtaol and encamped in Mahaneh-dan behind (West of) Kiriath-jearim ...
/k/kiriathjearim.htm - 13k

Kiriath-jearim (17 Occurrences)
... 1. Scripture References: Judges 18:12 records that the men of Dan set forth out
of Zorah and Eshtaol and encamped in Mahaneh-dan behind (West of) Kiriath-jearim ...
/k/kiriath-jearim.htm - 19k

Eshtaol (7 Occurrences)
... Between these two cities lay Mahaneh-dan (the camp of Dan) where the Spirit of the
Lord began to move Samson (Judges 13:25), and where he was buried (Judges 16 ...
/e/eshtaol.htm - 10k

Mahana'im (13 Occurrences)
Mahana'im. Mahanaim, Mahana'im. Mahaneh . Multi-Version Concordance
Mahana'im (13 Occurrences). ... Mahanaim, Mahana'im. Mahaneh . Reference Bible.
/m/mahana'im.htm - 9k

Dan (71 Occurrences)
... (see MAHANEH-DAN.). Noah Webster's Dictionary. ... Judges 13:25 The Spirit of Yahweh
began to move him in Mahaneh Dan, between Zorah and Eshtaol. ...
/d/dan.htm - 41k

Encamp (108 Occurrences)
... Psalm 78:28). The multitudes who flocked to David are styled "a great host (ie,
"camp;" Hebrews mahaneh), like the host of God" (1 Chronicles 12:22). ...
/e/encamp.htm - 36k

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