The meaning of Mahanaim in the Bible
(From Easton's Bible Dictionary)
two camps, a place near the Jabbok, beyond Jordan, where Jacob was met by the "angels of God," and where he divided his retinue into "two hosts" on his return from Padan-aram (Genesis 32:2). This name was afterwards given to the town which was built at that place. It was the southern boundary of Bashan (Joshua 13:26,30), and became a city of the Levites (21:38). Here Saul's son Ishbosheth reigned (II Samuel 2:8,12), while David reigned at Hebron. Here also, after a troubled reign, Ishbosheth was murdered by two of his own bodyguard (II Samuel 4:5-7), who brought his head to David at Hebron, but were, instead of being rewarded, put to death by him for their cold-blooded murder. Many years after this, when he fled from Jerusalem on the rebellion of his son Absalom, David made Mahanaim, where Barzillai entertained him, his headquarters, and here he mustered his forces which were led against the army that had gathered around Absalom. It was while sitting at the gate of this town that tidings of the great and decisive battle between the two hosts and of the death of his son Absalom reached him, when he gave way to the most violent grief (II Samuel 17:24-27).
See more on the meaning of Mahanaim in the Bible:
Mahanaim {International Standard Bible Encyclopedia}
Mahanaim {Hitchcock's Bible Name}
DISCLAIMER: Church of the Great God (CGG) provides these resources to aid the individual in studying the Bible. However, it is up to the individual to "prove all things, and hold fast to that which is good" (I Thessalonians 5:21). The content of these resources does not necessarily reflect the views of CGG. They are provided for information purposes only.
