We are moving into chapter 32 of Genesis with our word for today used for the first time in the Bible. It is also used 5 times in our chapter. מַחֲנֶה camp, encampment, an army camp, host. It is used 215 times in the Old Testament. Our word is used in the sense of temporary living quarters.
The reason why a group is living there temporarily is because they are on a mission that require them to travel large distances. We see this sense used in our passage today Genesis 32:10 I am unworthy of all the kindness and faithfulness you have shown your servant. I had only my staff when I crossed this Jordan, but now I have become two מַחֲנֽוֹת camps. Jacob is traveling back home from a long distance away with is now very large family. And if you remember the last time he saw his brother Esau he wanted to kill him. So Jacob devises this strategy. Genesis 32:7-8 Then Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed. He divided the people who were with him, and the flocks and herds and camels, into two מַחֲנֽוֹתcamps, thinking, “If Esau comes to the one הַמַּחֲנֶ֥ה camp and attacks it, then the הַמַּחֲנֶ֥הcamp that is left will escape.”
Most of the time the mission involves an army going to attack a city with an overwhelming force. A good example of this is in 2 Kings where the word camp is accurately translated army because that was the reason why the group were there camping. 2 Kings 7:14 So they selected two chariots with their horses, and the king sent them after the Aramean מַחֲנֶה army. He commanded the drivers, “Go and find out what has happened.” Also Joshua 11:4 They came out with all their מַֽחֲנֵיהֶם֙ troops and a large number of horses and chariots—a huge army, as numerous as the sand on the seashore. This idea of overwhelming force is how we see it used in our passage today in reference to God himself. Genesis 32:1-2 Jacob went on his way, and the angels of God met him. And when Jacob saw them he said, “This is God's מַחֲנֵ֥הcamp!” So he called the name of that place הַמָּק֥וֹםMahanaim. This is significant if we remember Esau’s fear of meeting with his brother Jacob. We will talk more about this in the days to come. But it is important that we don’t miss God showing up as an army camp to Jacob who is afraid of what his brother might do to him and his now large family.
Throughout the Bible we see God showing himself as an overwhelming force far greater than any physical army amassed by people. This is what is behind God’s mocking of the power of nations in Psalm 2. Psalm 2:1-6 Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the Lord and against his anointed, saying, “Let us break their chains and throw off their shackles.” The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them. He rebukes them in his anger and terrifies them in his wrath.
David takes comfort in God’s strength and power that will overwhelm any army camp that might come against him. Psalm 27:1-3 The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall. Though an מַחֲנֶה army תַּחֲנֶ֬ה encamp against me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident.
