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Bible Encyclopedias
Mahanaim
Kitto's Popular Cyclopedia of Biblical Literature
or Mahana´im (two hosts), a place beyond the Jordan, north of the river Jabbok, which derived its name from Jacob's having been there met by the angels on his return from Padanaram (). The name was eventually extended to the town which then existed, or which afterwards arose in the neighborhood. This town was in the territory of the tribe of Gad (; ), and was a city of the Levites (). It was in this city that Ishbosheth, the son of Saul, reigned (), probably because he found the influence of David's name less strong on the east than on the west of the Jordan. The choice, at least, seems to show that Mahanaim was then an important and strong place. Hence, many years after, David himself repaired to Mahanaim when he sought refuge beyond the Jordan from his son Absalom (;; ). We only read of Mahanaim again as the station of one of the twelve officers who had charge, in monthly rotation, of raising the provisions for the royal establishments under Solomon (). The site has not yet been identified.
Public Domain.
Kitto, John, ed. Entry for 'Mahanaim'. "Kitto's Popular Cyclopedia of Biblical Literature". https://www.studylight.org/encyclopedias/eng/kbe/m/mahanaim.html.
