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 Kirjathjearim.

And they went up {H5927}, and pitched {H2583} in Kirjathjearim {H7157}, in Judah {H3063}: wherefore they called {H7121} that place {H4725} Mahanehdan {H4265} unto this day {H3117}: behold, it is behind {H310} Kirjathjearim {H7157}.

They went up and camped at Kiryat-Ye'arim, in Y'hudah, which is why that place is called Machaneh-Dan [the camp of Dan] to this day (actually, it's behind Kiryat-Ye'arim).

They went up and camped at Kiriath-jearim in Judah. That is why the place west of Kiriath-jearim is called Mahaneh-dan to this day.

And they went up, and encamped in Kiriath-jearim, in Judah: wherefore they called that place Mahaneh-dan, unto this day; behold, it is behind Kiriath-jearim.

Commentary

Judges 18:12 describes a crucial stop for the migrating Danites as they journeyed northward in search of new territory. This verse highlights their temporary encampment and the renaming of a significant location, offering insights into the historical movements and tribal dynamics of early Israel.

Context

The tribe of Dan, initially allotted land that proved difficult to settle due to pressure from the Amorites (Judges 1:34), decided to seek a new inheritance. Chapter 18 details their expedition: five spies were sent out (Judges 18:2), who found the fertile and undefended city of Laish far to the north. Verse 12 marks a significant staging point in their journey. The six hundred Danite warriors, accompanied by their families and possessions, paused in Kirjathjearim, a city located in the territory of Judah, before continuing their long march to conquer Laish, which they would later rename Dan (Judges 18:29).

Key Themes

  • Migration and Settlement: This verse is part of a larger narrative illustrating the challenges of tribal settlement and the dynamic process of Israelite expansion within the Promised Land. The Danites' journey reflects their determination to secure their place, even if it meant relocating outside their original inheritance (Joshua 19:40-48).
  • Geographical Significance: Kirjathjearim, meaning "city of forests," was a well-known city in Judah. It later gained fame as the place where the Ark of the Covenant rested for twenty years after its return from the Philistines (1 Samuel 7:1-2). Its mention here grounds the narrative in specific, recognizable biblical geography.
  • Renaming of Places: The act of renaming the encampment "Mahanehdan" (meaning "Camp of Dan") signifies the Danites' temporary claim and commemoration of their presence. This practice was common in ancient Near Eastern cultures, often marking significant events or the establishment of a new identity for a place. The phrase "unto this day" suggests the name persisted into the time the Book of Judges was compiled.

Linguistic Insights

The name Mahanehdan (ืžึทื—ึฒื ึตื”ึพื“ึธืŸ, maแธฅฤƒneh-dฤn) directly translates to "Camp of Dan." The Hebrew word maแธฅฤƒneh typically refers to an encampment, a military camp, or a large group of people encamped. This simple yet descriptive name reflects the temporary nature of their stop, yet also their collective tribal identity and purpose.

Practical Application

While a historical account, Judges 18:12 reminds us of several timeless principles:

  • Perseverance in Adversity: The Danites faced significant challenges in their initial territory. Their decision to seek new opportunities, though leading to questionable actions later in the chapter, demonstrates a drive to overcome obstacles and secure their future.
  • Identity and Legacy: The naming of "Mahanehdan" shows a desire to leave a mark, to establish their identity even in a temporary location. This can prompt reflection on how we live and what legacy we create, even in transient phases of life.
  • God's Sovereignty (Implicit): Even in narratives of human decision-making and tribal movements, the larger hand of God's providence is often at work, guiding the history and settlement of His people, even through their imperfect choices.
Note: Commentary was generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please remember that only the commentary section is AI-generated. The main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are sourced from trusted and verified materials.

Cross-References

  • Judges 13:25

    And the Spirit of the LORD began to move him at times in the camp of Dan between Zorah and Eshtaol.

  • Joshua 15:60

    Kirjathbaal, which [is] Kirjathjearim, and Rabbah; two cities with their villages:

  • 2 Chronicles 1:4

    But the ark of God had David brought up from Kirjathjearim to [the place which] David had prepared for it: for he had pitched a tent for it at Jerusalem.

  • 1 Samuel 7:1

    ยถ And the men of Kirjathjearim came, and fetched up the ark of the LORD, and brought it into the house of Abinadab in the hill, and sanctified Eleazar his son to keep the ark of the LORD.

  • 1 Chronicles 13:5

    So David gathered all Israel together, from Shihor of Egypt even unto the entering of Hemath, to bring the ark of God from Kirjathjearim.

  • 1 Chronicles 13:6

    And David went up, and all Israel, to Baalah, [that is], to Kirjathjearim, which [belonged] to Judah, to bring up thence the ark of God the LORD, that dwelleth [between] the cherubims, whose name is called [on it].
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