And they went up, and pitched in Kirjath-jearim, in Judah: wherefore they called that place Mahaneh-dan unto this day: behold, it is behind Kirjath-jearim.
And they went up, and pitched in Kirjath-jearim, in Judah: wherefore they called that place Mahaneh-dan unto this day: behold, it is behind Kirjath-jearim. The Danite warriors camped at Kirjath-jearim, a town in Judah's territory (Joshua 15:60), as they journeyed north. They named the site "Mahaneh-dan" (Machaneh-Dan, מַחֲנֵה־דָן), meaning "camp of Dan." The phrase "unto this day" (ad hayom hazeh, עַד הַיּוֹם הַזֶּה) indicates the name persisted to the time of writing, preserving memory of Dan's migration. This naming created a memorial to their faithlessness—a permanent reminder of tribal disobedience.
The geographical note "behind Kirjath-jearim" (acharei Kiryat Ye'arim, אַחֲרֵי קִרְיַת יְעָרִים) orients readers to the location, showing the Danites passed through Judean territory en route to their unauthorized conquest. Kirjath-jearim would later become famous as the resting place of the ark of the covenant for 20 years (1 Samuel 7:1-2), creating ironic juxtaposition: Dan journeyed past what would become the ark's location while carrying stolen idols to establish false worship. From a Reformed perspective, this illustrates how spiritual blindness prevents recognition of God's true presence and purposes.
Historical Context
Kirjath-jearim was located approximately 9 miles west of Jerusalem on the border between Judah and Benjamin. Its strategic location on the road from the coastal plain to the hill country made it a natural stopping point for the Danites' northern migration. The site's later association with the ark (after its return from Philistia, 1 Samuel 6-7) adds theological significance to this reference—Dan passed near where God's presence would dwell while pursuing idolatry. The name Mahaneh-dan created a lasting geographical marker of tribal apostasy.
Questions for Reflection
What 'memorials' might you be creating through your choices that will testify either to faithfulness or unfaithfulness?
How does spiritual blindness prevent us from recognizing God's presence and purposes even when passing close by them?
In what ways might your pursuit of personal goals be leading you away from where God's presence and blessing actually dwell?
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Analysis & Commentary
And they went up, and pitched in Kirjath-jearim, in Judah: wherefore they called that place Mahaneh-dan unto this day: behold, it is behind Kirjath-jearim. The Danite warriors camped at Kirjath-jearim, a town in Judah's territory (Joshua 15:60), as they journeyed north. They named the site "Mahaneh-dan" (Machaneh-Dan, מַחֲנֵה־דָן), meaning "camp of Dan." The phrase "unto this day" (ad hayom hazeh, עַד הַיּוֹם הַזֶּה) indicates the name persisted to the time of writing, preserving memory of Dan's migration. This naming created a memorial to their faithlessness—a permanent reminder of tribal disobedience.
The geographical note "behind Kirjath-jearim" (acharei Kiryat Ye'arim, אַחֲרֵי קִרְיַת יְעָרִים) orients readers to the location, showing the Danites passed through Judean territory en route to their unauthorized conquest. Kirjath-jearim would later become famous as the resting place of the ark of the covenant for 20 years (1 Samuel 7:1-2), creating ironic juxtaposition: Dan journeyed past what would become the ark's location while carrying stolen idols to establish false worship. From a Reformed perspective, this illustrates how spiritual blindness prevents recognition of God's true presence and purposes.