The term "encampeth" is derived from the verb "to encamp," which means to set up a camp or to settle temporarily in a location. In the context of the Bible, "encampeth" often refers to the act of the Israelites or other groups setting up their tents and dwelling in a particular area during their journeys. This term is frequently used in the Old Testament, particularly in the narratives of the Israelites' exodus from Egypt and their subsequent wanderings in the wilderness.

Biblical Usage:

1. Israelites in the Wilderness:
The concept of encampment is central to the narrative of the Israelites' journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. The Book of Exodus details how the Israelites encamped at various locations as they traveled through the wilderness. For example, Exodus 19:2 states, "After they set out from Rephidim, they came to the Desert of Sinai, and Israel encamped there in front of the mountain." This encampment at Mount Sinai was significant as it was where God gave Moses the Ten Commandments.

2. Divine Protection:
The term "encampeth" is also used metaphorically to describe 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 belief that God's presence surrounds and protects the faithful, much like an encampment provides safety and security.

3. Military Context:
In a military context, "encampeth" describes the positioning of armies. For instance, in 1 Samuel 17:1, the Philistines and Israelites encamped on opposite sides of the Valley of Elah before the battle where David defeated Goliath. The encampment of armies was a strategic move, allowing forces to organize and prepare for battle.

4. Symbol of Community and Order:
The encampment of the Israelites was not merely a logistical necessity but also a symbol of community and divine order. Numbers 2 provides detailed instructions on how the tribes of Israel were to encamp around the Tabernacle, with each tribe assigned a specific position. This arrangement underscored the centrality of worship and obedience to God in the life of the Israelite community.

5. Prophetic Imagery:
In prophetic literature, encampment imagery is sometimes used to convey messages of hope or judgment. Zechariah 9:8 declares, "But I will encamp at My house as a guard, against those who march back and forth, and no oppressor will again overrun them, for now I keep watch with My own eyes." Here, God promises protection and vigilance over His people, using the imagery of encampment to assure them of His presence and care.

Theological Significance:

The concept of encampment in the Bible carries rich theological significance. It reflects themes of divine guidance, protection, and the communal life of God's people. The orderly encampment of the Israelites around the Tabernacle signifies the importance of God's presence at the center of their lives. Moreover, the metaphorical use of encampment to describe divine protection emphasizes God's role as a guardian and deliverer for those who trust in Him.

In summary, "encampeth" in the biblical context is a multifaceted term that encompasses physical, spiritual, and communal dimensions, illustrating the relationship between God and His people throughout their journey of faith.

The Encamping Angel
... VOLUME I: PSALMS I to XLIX THE ENCAMPING ANGEL. 'The Angel of the Lord encampeth
round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them.'"Psalm 34:7. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/the encamping angel.htm

The Exile --Continued.
... which the Divine protection is proclaimed become, when we think of the little band
bivouacking among the cliffs, "The angel of the Lord encampeth round about ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/vi the exilecontinued.htm

On the Angels.
... and such angels as even daily behold the face of God must be assigned to each one
of them; [2061] and there must also be some angel that encampeth round about ...
/.../origen/origen de principiis/chapter viii on the angels.htm

Agency of Evil Spirits
... The agency by which God protects His people is presented in the words of the psalmist:
"The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear Him, and ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 31 agency of evil.htm

Agency of Evil Spirits.
... hath on every side?"(905) The agency by which God protects His people is presented
in the words of the psalmist, "The angel of the Lord encampeth round about ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /31 agency of evil spirits.htm

The Guardian Angel.
... guardian angel will keep you. "The angel of the Lord encampeth round about
them that fear Him, and delivereth them.". It was this angel ...
/.../orr/food for the lambs or helps for young christians/the guardian angel.htm

The Sympathy of God
... Wherefore Manoah said, 'We have seen God.' Long after these early visions, a psalmist
knows himself safe because 'the angel of the Lord encampeth round about ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/the sympathy of god.htm

The First Christmas Carol
... are the heirs of salvation; both by day and night they are our watchers and our
guardians, for know ye not, that "the angel of the Lord encampeth round about ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/the first christmas carol.htm

September the Eighteenth the All-Round Defence
... But my Lord's hand is all-sufficient! And so on every side my defence standeth;
"the angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear Him.". ...
/.../september the eighteenth the all-round.htm

Celsus Would Also have us to Offer First-Fruits to Demons. ...
... saying, "Their angels do always behold the face of My Father which is in heaven."
[4912] And the prophet says, "The angel of the Lord encampeth round about ...
/.../origen/origen against celsus/chapter xxxiv celsus would also.htm

Encampeth (13 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Encampeth (13 Occurrences). Genesis 26:17 and Isaac goeth
from thence, and encampeth in the valley of Gerar, and dwelleth there; (YLT) ...
/e/encampeth.htm - 10k

Encamping (24 Occurrences)

/e/encamping.htm - 14k

Fighteth (23 Occurrences)
... Joshua 10:31 And Joshua passeth over, and all Israel with him, from Libnah to Lachish,
and encampeth against it, and fighteth against it; (YLT). ...
/f/fighteth.htm - 13k

Delivereth (49 Occurrences)
... (KJV JPS WBS). Psalms 34:7 The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them
that fear him, and delivereth them. (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS). ...
/d/delivereth.htm - 19k

Bulwarks (22 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 32:1 After these things and this truth, come hath Sennacherib king
of Asshur, yea, he cometh in to Judah, and encampeth against the cities of the ...
/b/bulwarks.htm - 13k

Captureth (24 Occurrences)
... with' salt. (YLT). Judges 9:50 And Abimelech goeth unto Thebez, and encampeth
against Thebez, and captureth it, (YLT). Judges 12:5 ...
/c/captureth.htm - 13k

Scattereth (18 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Psalms 53:5 There were they in great fear, where no fear was; for
God scattereth the bones of him that encampeth against thee. ...
/s/scattereth.htm - 11k

Passeth (100 Occurrences)
... Joshua 10:31 And Joshua passeth over, and all Israel with him, from Libnah to Lachish,
and encampeth against it, and fighteth against it; (YLT). ...
/p/passeth.htm - 36k

Rend (35 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 32:1 After these things and this truth, come hath Sennacherib king
of Asshur, yea, he cometh in to Judah, and encampeth against the cities of the ...
/r/rend.htm - 18k

Abiding (40 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 26:3 And Saul encampeth in the height of Hachilah, which 'is' on the front
of the desert, by the way, and David is abiding in the wilderness, and he ...
/a/abiding.htm - 19k

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