from מַחֲנֶה and דָּן; camp of Dan; Machaneh-Dan, a place in Palestine; Mahaneh-dan.
Transliteration:Machănêh-Dân
Pronunciation:makh-an-ay'-dawn
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term מַחֲנֵה־דָן (Machănêh-Dân, `{{H4265}}`) is a compound noun derived from two distinct elements: מַחֲנֶה (machaneh, `{{H4264}}`), meaning "camp, encampment, army," and דָּן (Dan, `{{H1835}}`), referring to the patriarch Dan and, by extension, the tribe descended from him. Thus, the literal and primary meaning of Machaneh-Dan is "Camp of Dan." As a proper noun, its semantic range is highly specific, designating a particular geographical location associated with the tribe of Dan during the period of the Judges. It signifies a place where the Danites, or a contingent thereof, established a temporary or semi-permanent encampment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Machaneh-Dan appears twice in the biblical text, both occurrences found within the Book of Judges, intimately connected with the narrative of the tribe of Dan:
1. **[[Judges 13:25]]**: "And the Spirit of the LORD began to move him at times in the camp of Dan between Zorah and Eshtaol." This verse describes the nascent stages of Samson's miraculous life. Machaneh-Dan is presented here as a significant geographical marker within the Danite territory, specifically located "between Zorah and Eshtaol." This context highlights the place as a site of divine activity, where the Spirit of the Lord began to stir within Samson, preparing him for his future role as a deliverer of Israel. It positions Machaneh-Dan as a locus of divine empowerment and a foundational point in Samson's story.
2. **[[Judges 18:12]]**: "And they went up and encamped in Kiriath-jearim in Judah. Therefore they called that place Mahaneh-dan to this day. Behold, it is behind Kiriath-jearim." This passage details the migration of six hundred Danite warriors from their allotted inheritance to seek new territory in the north. Machaneh-Dan is explicitly named as their encampment before their departure to conquer Laish (later renamed Dan). The text notes that the place was called "Machaneh-Dan to this day," indicating its lasting significance as a memorial to this pivotal event in Danite history. The location is further specified as "behind Kiriath-jearim," providing additional geographical context and linking it to the territory of Judah, suggesting it was on the borderlands. This occurrence underscores Machaneh-Dan as a strategic staging ground for a significant tribal movement, marking a point of transition and a testament to the Danites' struggle for secure territory.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of מַחֲנֵה־דָן is enriched by examining its constituent parts and associated biblical concepts:
* **מַחֲנֶה (machaneh, `{{H4264}}`):** This root word is crucial, as it denotes "camp" or "encampment." It frequently appears in the Pentateuch in reference to the Israelite encampments in the wilderness (e.g., [[Numbers 1:52]], [[Numbers 2:2]]). It can also refer to a military camp or an army (e.g., [[1 Samuel 4:3]]). In the context of Machaneh-Dan, it emphasizes the temporary, perhaps military, nature of the Danite presence, reflecting their unsettled state or strategic gathering.
* **דָּן (Dan, `{{H1835}}`):** The name of Jacob's fifth son and one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The name itself means "he judged" or "judge" (cf. [[Genesis 30:6]]). The inclusion of "Dan" in the place name signifies the tribal identity and ownership of the encampment. It highlights the Danites' presence and actions in this specific location, particularly their struggles to fully inhabit their promised land.
* **Tribal Migration and Inheritance:** The narrative surrounding Machaneh-Dan in Judges 18 directly relates to the broader theme of tribal inheritance and the challenges of securing it within the land of Canaan. The Danites' migration from their initial territory (cf. [[Judges 1:34]]) reflects the period's instability and the tribes' varying success in dispossessing the inhabitants.
* **Divine Spirit and Empowerment:** The mention of the Spirit of the Lord moving Samson at Machaneh-Dan connects the location to the concept of divine anointing and the Lord's active involvement in raising up deliverers for Israel.
### Theological Significance
Machaneh-Dan, though a seemingly minor geographical reference, holds several layers of theological significance:
1. **Locus of Divine Initiative:** In [[Judges 13:25]], Machaneh-Dan is not merely a place but a sacred space where "the Spirit of the LORD began to move" Samson. This signifies that God's sovereign plan for Israel's deliverance was initiated and manifested even in specific, seemingly ordinary locations. It underscores the biblical truth that God's Spirit can choose any place to begin His work, transforming it into a site of spiritual awakening and preparation for His chosen servants.
2. **Witness to Tribal Identity and Struggle:** The name "Camp of Dan" itself speaks to the identity and challenges of the tribe. The Danites, despite their initial inheritance, faced significant opposition, leading to their eventual migration. Machaneh-Dan stands as a tangible reminder of their collective journey, their efforts to establish themselves, and the difficulties inherent in possessing the land promised by God. It reflects the tension between divine promise and human struggle in the early history of Israel.
3. **Place of Transition and Remembrance:** For both Samson and the migrating Danites, Machaneh-Dan represents a crucial point of transition. For Samson, it marked the beginning of his prophetic calling. For the Danites, it was a pivotal staging ground before a major tribal re-settlement. The fact that the name persisted "to this day" ([[Judges 18:12]]) highlights its enduring significance in the collective memory of Israel, serving as a historical marker of divine providence and human agency in shaping the nation's destiny. It reminds us that places can become sacred memorials to God's faithfulness and humanity's journey.
### Summary
מַחֲנֵה־דָן (Machănêh-Dân, `{{H4265}}`), literally "Camp of Dan," is a proper noun denoting a specific geographical location mentioned in the Book of Judges. Composed of מַחֲנֶה (camp, `{{H4264}}`) and דָּן (Dan, `{{H1835}}`), it signifies an encampment of the tribe of Dan. Its two biblical occurrences are highly significant: in [[Judges 13:25]], it is the place where the Spirit of the Lord first began to move Samson, marking the inception of his divine calling. In [[Judges 18:12]], it serves as the strategic encampment for the 600 Danite warriors before their migration northward to conquer Laish, a place whose name was remembered "to this day" as a testament to this pivotal tribal event. Theologically, Machaneh-Dan functions as a locus of divine initiative and empowerment, a witness to the struggles and identity of the tribe of Dan, and a memorialized place of transition within Israel's early history, underscoring both God's active involvement and human endeavor in the unfolding of His redemptive plan.
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