Bible Dictionaries

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

Mahanaim

Two hosts, a place so named because a host of angels here met the host of Jacob, on his return from Padan-aram, Genesis 32:1-2 . It lay north of the Jabbok and near Penuel, and afterwards became a Levitical city in the tribe of Gad, Joshua 21:38 . It was apparently a town of some strength; for Ishbosheth lived there during his short reign, and David took refuge there during Absalom's rebellion, 2 Samuel 2:8 17:24,27 .