Judges 18:12
and went up and encamped at Kiriath-jearim in Judah. On this account that place is called Mahaneh-dan to this day; behold, it is west of Kiriath-jearim.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This verse is more than just a travel log; the phrase "to this day" suggests that this place, "the camp of Dan," became a significant marker in their history, a reminder of their journey and the beginnings of their fateful expedition, even though its exact location is a bit of a mystery to us now. It hints at how places can hold collective memory, becoming touchstones for a people's story.
Having left the hill country of Ephraim, the spies from the tribe of Dan, seeking new territory, now encamp near the city of Kiriath-jearim in Judah. This temporary camp, a significant stopping point on their long journey, would become known as "Mahaneh-dan," meaning "the camp of Dan," a name that would stick and mark this stage of their expedition. Their next move would bring them face-to-face with the very religious items they had previously stolen from Micah's house.
Ever wonder how places get their names? This verse tells us about a temporary stop that earned a permanent title.
The tribe of Dan, on their quest to find new territory, stopped at a town called Kiriath-jearim. Their brief stay was so significant that the place was renamed "Mahaneh-dan," meaning "the camp of Dan." This new name stuck, serving as a lasting reminder of their presence and purpose. It wasn't just a casual overnight stop; it was the start of a major undertaking that would shape their future and the history of the region. The permanence of the name "Mahaneh-dan" highlights how even seemingly small moments in our journey can leave a significant, lasting impact.
The Danites weren't just wandering; they were moving with purpose. This verse gives us clues about their strategic thinking and God's subtle guidance.
The text places Kiriath-jearim "behind" or to the west of its usual location. This might seem like a minor detail, but geographical accuracy often matters in Scripture. This specific location, Kiriath-jearim (meaning "city of forests"), was strategically positioned on the road towards their ultimate goal, Laish. More importantly, this region was historically significant. The Ark of the Covenant had been housed here for twenty years after its return from the Philistines. The Danites' choice to camp in this area, even temporarily, places them in a landscape already steeped in God's dealings with His people. It hints that their journey, though initiated by their own flawed decision-making, was unfolding within the broader narrative of God's unfolding plan.
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The reference to Mahaneh-dan as 'the camp of Dan' points to a temporary military encampment during the Danites' northward migration, highlighting the tribe's restless search for a permanent home and the historical significance of Kiriath-jearim as a place where the Ark of the Covenant once resided.
c. 11th-10th century BC
Ark of the Covenant at Kiriath-jearim
After being returned by the Philistines, the Ark of the Covenant was housed in Kiriath-jearim for approximately 20 years. This event placed the town in a significant religious context within Judah.
Before Samson's time (c. 11th century BC)
Danites migrate north
The tribe of Dan, unable to secure territory in the lowlands, sent spies to find new land. This expedition led them north, passing through the territory of the tribe of Ephraim.
On the journey north— this verse
The Danites camp near Kiriath-jearim
During their migration and search for territory, the Danites encamped in an area west of Kiriath-jearim, a place that became known as Mahaneh-dan (the camp of Dan).
This passage mentions the Spirit of the Lord beginning to stir Samson 'between Zorah and Eshtaol,' which are located near Kiriath-jearim and are part of the Danite territory. It highlights the Danites' presence and movement in this general region, setting the stage for their later migration described in Judges 18.
Joshua 9:17This verse names Kiriath-jearim as one of the cities of the Gibeonites, showing its historical significance as a settled town in the land. It provides a geographical anchor for the Danites' encampment, reminding us that they were traveling through established Israelite territory.
1 Samuel 6:21This verse recounts how the Ark of the Covenant was brought to Kiriath-jearim after being with the Philistines, and remained there for twenty years. This connects the location to a significant period of Israel's spiritual history and God's presence, making the Danites' encampment there a moment in a place where God had dwelled.
Psalm 132:6This psalm alludes to finding God's dwelling 'in the fields of Jaar' (which refers to Kiriath-jearim), highlighting the Ark's time there. It underscores the sacredness and importance of the location where the Danites paused on their journey.
bensonJudges 18:12: "And they went up, and pitched in Kirjathjearim, in Judah: wherefore they called that place Mahanehdan unto this day: behold, it is behind Kirjathjearim."
Jdg 18:12-14 . Mahaneh-dan — That is, the camp of Dan. They came unto the house of Micah — That is, to the town in which his house was, for they had not yet entered into it. Then answered the five men — That is, they spake; the word answering being often used in Scripture of the first speaker. There is in these houses — That is,…
clarkeJudges 18:12: "And they went up, and pitched in Kirjathjearim, in Judah: wherefore they called that place Mahanehdan unto this day: behold, it is behind Kirjathjearim."
Mahaneh-dan - "The camp of Dan;" so called from the circumstance of this armament encamping there. See Judges 13:25 (note), which affords some proof that this transaction was previous to the days of Samson.
This verse is more than just a travel log; the phrase "to this day" suggests that this place, "the camp of Dan," became a significant marker in their history, a reminder of their journey and the beginnings of their fateful expedition, even though its exact location is a bit of a mystery to us now. It hints at how places can hold collective memory, becoming touchstones for a people's story.
Having left the hill country of Ephraim, the spies from the tribe of Dan, seeking new territory, now encamp near the city of Kiriath-jearim in Judah. This temporary camp, a significant stopping point on their long journey, would become known as "Mahaneh-dan," meaning "the camp of Dan," a name that would stick and mark this stage of their expedition. Their next move would bring them face-to-face with the very religious items they had previously stolen from Micah's house.
Having left the hill country of Ephraim, the spies from the tribe of Dan, seeking new territory, now encamp near the city of Kiriath-jearim in Judah. This temporary camp, a significant stopping point on their long journey, would become known as "Mahaneh-dan," meaning "the camp of Dan," a name that would stick and mark this stage of their expedition. Their next move would bring them face-to-face with the very religious items they had previously stolen from Micah's house.
"and went up and encamped at Kiriath-jearim in Judah. On this account that place is called Mahaneh-dan to this day; behold, it is west of Kiriath-jearim." — This verse is more than just a travel log; the phrase "to this day" suggests that this place, "the camp of Dan," became a significant marker in their history, a reminder of their journey and the begi…
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