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.

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. The tribe of Dan initially struggled to secure their inheritance due to the presence of strong Canaanite cities and peoples. As a result, they sought additional territory, which led to the events described in Judges 18.

The location of Mahaneh-dan is traditionally identified near Kiriath-jearim, a city on the border of Judah and Benjamin. This site served as a temporary encampment for the Danites as they prepared to move northward in search of a more secure and prosperous territory.

Significance in Biblical Narrative:
Mahaneh-dan holds significance as a strategic encampment for the Danites during their quest for a new homeland. The narrative in Judges 18 describes how the Danites, unable to fully occupy their allotted territory, sent out spies to explore the land. These spies discovered the city of Laish, which they later conquered and renamed Dan.

The encampment at Mahaneh-dan represents a pivotal moment in the history of the tribe of Dan, highlighting their struggles and determination to establish a secure inheritance. It also underscores the broader theme of the Israelites' challenges in fully possessing the Promised Land due to their incomplete obedience to God's commands.

Theological Implications:
From a theological perspective, Mahaneh-dan serves as a reminder of the consequences of partial obedience to God's instructions. The tribe of Dan's initial failure to secure their inheritance reflects the broader pattern of Israel's struggles during the period of the Judges. This period is characterized by cycles of disobedience, oppression, repentance, and deliverance.

The account of Mahaneh-dan and the subsequent conquest of Laish also illustrates God's providence and the fulfillment of His promises, despite human shortcomings. The relocation of the tribe of Dan to a more secure location demonstrates God's continued guidance and provision for His people, even when they falter in their faithfulness.

Cultural and Archaeological Insights:
While the exact location of Mahaneh-dan remains uncertain, archaeological evidence from the region provides insights into the historical context of the period. Excavations in areas associated with the tribe of Dan have uncovered artifacts and structures that align with the biblical narrative, offering a glimpse into the life and challenges faced by the Israelites during the time of the Judges.

In summary, Mahaneh-dan is a significant site in the biblical narrative, representing both the struggles and the resilience of the tribe of Dan as they sought to fulfill their God-given inheritance.Mahanehdan

tents of judgment

Mahanehdan

(camp of Dan), spoken of as "behind Kirjath-jearim," (Judges 18:12) and as between Zorah and Eshtaol." ch. (Judges 13:25)

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. MAHANEH-DAN

ma'-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.

W. Ewing

Mahanehdan (1 Occurrence)
... 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 ...
/m/mahanehdan.htm - 8k

Mahaneh-dan (2 Occurrences)
Mahaneh-dan. Mahanehdan, Mahaneh-dan. Ma'haneh-dan . Easton's Bible Dictionary ...
(ASV BBE JPS WBS NAS). Mahanehdan, Mahaneh-dan. Ma'haneh-dan . Reference ...
/m/mahaneh-dan.htm - 9k

Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences)
... Judges 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 ...
/k/kirjathjearim.htm - 13k

Mahaneh (2 Occurrences)

/m/mahaneh.htm - 7k

Pitched (101 Occurrences)
... Judges 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 ...
/p/pitched.htm - 33k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus