Etymology and Location:
Michmas, also spelled Michmash, is a town mentioned in the Old Testament, located in the territory of the tribe of Benjamin. The name Michmas is thought to mean "hidden" or "something stored." It is situated approximately seven miles north of Jerusalem and is identified with the modern village of Mukhmas. The town is strategically positioned on a ridge overlooking the Wadi Suweinit, a deep gorge that served as a natural defense barrier.

Biblical References and Historical Significance:
Michmas is first mentioned in the Bible in the context of the tribal allotments in the Book of Joshua. It is listed among the towns given to the tribe of Benjamin (Joshua 18:24). The town gains particular prominence in the narrative of 1 Samuel, where it serves as a significant military site during the reign of King Saul.

In 1 Samuel 13-14, Michmas is the setting for a pivotal battle between the Israelites and the Philistines. The Philistines had established a garrison at Michmas, posing a threat to the Israelites. King Saul, along with his son Jonathan, faced the Philistine forces in this area. The narrative highlights Jonathan's bravery and faith, as he and his armor-bearer launched a surprise attack on the Philistine outpost, leading to a significant victory for Israel. The account emphasizes divine intervention, as the Lord caused confusion among the Philistines, resulting in their defeat (1 Samuel 14:15-23).

The strategic importance of Michmas is further underscored in Isaiah 10:28, where it is mentioned in the context of the Assyrian invasion. The Assyrian army, under King Sennacherib, is described as advancing through Michmas on their way to Jerusalem, highlighting the town's location on a key military route.

Post-Exilic Period:
Michmas is also mentioned in the post-exilic period. After the Babylonian exile, some of the returning exiles settled in Michmas. Nehemiah 11:31 records that the people of Benjamin resettled in Michmas, among other towns, as they rebuilt their lives in the land of their ancestors.

Archaeological Insights:
Archaeological excavations in the area have uncovered remains from various periods, including the Iron Age, which corresponds to the time of Saul and Jonathan. These findings provide a glimpse into the historical and cultural context of Michmas during biblical times.

Theological Themes:
The events at Michmas illustrate themes of faith, divine intervention, and the importance of strategic leadership. Jonathan's reliance on God and his bold initiative serve as a testament to the power of faith and courage in the face of overwhelming odds. The narrative also underscores the belief in God's sovereignty and His ability to deliver His people through unexpected means.

Conclusion:
Michmas stands as a testament to the rich historical and theological tapestry of the biblical narrative. Its role in the account of Israel's early monarchy and its continued mention in later periods reflect its enduring significance in the biblical landscape.MICHMAS

mik'-mas (mikhmac; Codex Vaticanus Machmas; Codex Alexandrinus Chammas): The form of the name "Michmash" found in Ezra 2:27 Nehemiah 7:31. In 1 Esdras 5:21 it appears as MACALON (which see).

4363. Mikmas -- a city in Benjamin
... Definition: Michmash. Word Origin from kamas Definition a city in Benjamin NASB
Word Usage Michmas (2), Michmash (9). Mikmas, Mikmash. (Ezra ...
/hebrew/4363.htm - 6k

Ephraim
... "Michmas and Mezonechah obtain the first place for fine flour; Ephraim in the valley
obtains the next place to them." These words are not read the same way by ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 53 ephraim.htm

Michmas (11 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia MICHMAS. ... In 1 Esdras 5:21 it appears as MACALON
(which see). Multi-Version Concordance Michmas (11 Occurrences). ...
/m/michmas.htm - 10k

Micmash (9 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 13:2 And Saul chose him three thousand men of Israel; whereof two thousand
were with Saul in Michmas and in the mount of Beth-el, and a thousand were ...
/m/micmash.htm - 8k

Michmash (10 Occurrences)
... A company of the men of Michmash (see MICHMAS) returned with Zerubbabel from exile
(Ezra 2:27 Nehemiah 7:31). Michmash produced excellent barley. ...
/m/michmash.htm - 14k

122 (2 Occurrences)
... 122 (2 Occurrences). Ezra 2:27 The men of Michmas, one hundred twenty-two. (See
NAS NIV). Nehemiah 7:31 The men of Michmas, one hundred and twenty-two. ...
/num/122.htm - 6k

Twenty-two (26 Occurrences)
... (WEB BBE DBY RSV). Ezra 2:27 The men of Michmas, one hundred twenty-two. ... (WEB BBE
DBY RSV). Nehemiah 7:31 The men of Michmas, one hundred and twenty-two. ...
/t/twenty-two.htm - 14k

Micheas

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Macalon
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia MACALON. mak'-a-lon (hoi ek Makalon; 1 Esdras
5:21): This corresponds to "the men of Michmas" in Ezra 2:27. ...
/m/macalon.htm - 6k

Beth-a'ven (6 Occurrences)
... chariots, and six thousand horsemen, and people as the sand which is on the
sea-shore in multitude; and they came up, and pitched in Michmas, eastward of Beth ...
/b/beth-a'ven.htm - 8k

Charioteers (19 Occurrences)
... chariots, and six thousand horsemen, and people as the sand which is on the
sea-shore in multitude; and they came up, and pitched in Michmas, eastward of Beth ...
/c/charioteers.htm - 12k

Assembling (11 Occurrences)
... were scattered from me, and that thou camest not within the days appointed, and
that the Philistines assembled themselves together against Michmas; (See NAS NIV ...
/a/assembling.htm - 10k

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