Topical Encyclopedia
Encamping in the biblical context refers to the act of setting up temporary dwellings or tents, often for the purpose of rest, protection, or preparation for a journey or battle. This practice is frequently mentioned throughout the Old Testament, reflecting the nomadic lifestyle of the Israelites and their reliance on God's guidance and provision.
Old Testament Context1.
The Patriarchs: The early patriarchs, such as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, were nomadic herdsmen who frequently encamped as they moved through the land.
Genesis 12:8 describes Abraham's journey: "From there Abram moved on to the hill country east of Bethel and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east. There he built an altar to the LORD and called on the name of the LORD."
2.
The Exodus: The Israelites' exodus from Egypt is a significant period of encamping. As they journeyed through the wilderness, they set up camp at various locations as directed by God.
Exodus 13:20 states, "They set out from Succoth and camped at Etham on the edge of the wilderness." The encampments were marked by the presence of the Tabernacle, around which the tribes of Israel arranged their tents.
3.
The Wilderness Wanderings: During the 40 years in the wilderness, the Israelites encamped at numerous sites.
Numbers 9:17-18 describes the process: "Whenever the cloud was lifted from above the tent, the Israelites would set out; wherever the cloud settled, there the Israelites would camp. At the LORD’s command the Israelites set out, and at the LORD’s command they camped."
4.
Military Encampments: Encamping also played a crucial role in military contexts. The Israelites often encamped before engaging in battle. In
1 Samuel 17:1, the Philistines and Israelites encamped on opposite sides of the Valley of Elah before the encounter between David and Goliath: "Now the Philistines gathered their forces for war and assembled at Socoh in Judah. They pitched camp at Ephes-dammim, between Socoh and Azekah."
Symbolism and Spiritual Lessons1.
Dependence on God: Encamping symbolizes the Israelites' dependence on God's guidance and provision. The cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night (
Exodus 13:21) were constant reminders of God's presence and direction.
2.
Community and Order: The arrangement of the Israelite camp around the Tabernacle (Numbers 2) reflects the importance of community and order, with God at the center of their lives.
3.
Temporary Nature of Life: The transient nature of encamping serves as a metaphor for the temporary nature of earthly life, pointing believers to the eternal home promised by God.
4.
Preparation and Readiness: Encamping before battle or a significant event underscores the need for preparation and readiness, both physically and spiritually.
New Testament ReferencesWhile the New Testament does not focus on encamping in the same way as the Old Testament, the concept of temporary dwelling is echoed in the life of Jesus and His followers.
Hebrews 11:9-10 speaks of Abraham living in tents as a foreigner in the promised land, looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.
Encamping, therefore, is a multifaceted concept in the Bible, rich with historical, spiritual, and symbolic significance, illustrating the journey of faith and reliance on God's provision and guidance.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
p. pr. & vb. n.) of Encamp.
Greek
2682. kataskenosis -- a lodging... nest. From kataskenoo; an
encamping, ie (figuratively) a perch -- nest. see GREEK
kataskenoo. (kataskenoseis) -- 2 Occurrences. 2681, 2682.
...Strong's Hebrew
8466. tachanah -- anencamping, encampment... 8465, 8466. tachanah. 8467 . an
encamping, encampment. Transliteration: tachanah
Phonetic Spelling: (takh-an-aw') Short Definition: camp.
...Library
TheEncamping Angel
... VOLUME I: PSALMS I to XLIX THEENCAMPING ANGEL. 'The Angel of... love Him. It
is the certain issue of Hisencamping round about us. Always...
Some Miscellaneous Matters Belonging to the Country About Jericho.
... So the Targum of Jonathan, upon Number 2:2; "Theencamping of Israel was twelve
miles in length, and twelve miles in breadth." And the Gemarists say, "It is...
Scenes in the Lives of the Patriarchs.
... With Sarai he journeyed on among the hills,encamping at night beside a mountain
spring, and beneath the unclouded heavens arching their path, changeless and...
Contents
... HID IN LIGHT (Psalm 31:20). A THREEFOLD THOUGHT OF SIN AND FORGIVENESS (Psalm
32:1, 2). THEENCAMPING ANGEL (Psalm 34:7). STRUGGLING AND SEEKING (Psalm 34:10)....
Cana
... He makes mention, also, of Cana, in the same book of his own Life, in these words;
"Sylla, king Agrippa's general,encamping five furlongs from Julias, blocked...
The Captain of the Lord's Host
... the altar. A psalm speaks of 'the Angel of the Lord' asencamping round
about them that fear him, and delivering them. Isaiah tells...
Hebrews ix. 5-Jan
... was a veil without also) "the tabernacle, which is called holy of holies." Observe
how everywhere he calls it a tabernacle in regard of [God's]encamping there...
CM Furness. The Penitent Son.
... of faith,". 6 Faith that, like armor to my soul, Shall keep all evil out,
More mighty than an angel host,Encamping round about....
The Wail of a Broken Heart
... an omen from the name, which commemorated how another anxious heart had camped there,
and been comforted, when it saw the vision of theencamping angels above...
A Discourse of the Building, Nature, Excellency, and Government of...
... Here's God the Lordencamping round about His dwelling place; nor ought we once
to doubt But that he as a watchman succour will Those that do dwell upon his...
Thesaurus
Encamping (24 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Encamp. Multi-Version
Concordance
Encamping (24 Occurrences). Luke 21:20 "But when
...Camping (7 Occurrences)
... Exodus 14:9 The Egyptians pursued after them: all the horses and chariots of Pharaoh,
his horsemen, and his army; and overtook themencamping by the sea...
Encampment (8 Occurrences)
... and David seeth the place where Saul hath lain, and Abner son of Ner, head of his
host, and Saul is lying in the path, and the people areencamping round about...
Blown (30 Occurrences)
... thee. (See NAS). Numbers 10:5 And ye have blown -- a shout, and the camps
which areencamping eastward have journeyed. (YLT). Numbers...
Shout (114 Occurrences)
... DBY WBS RSV). Numbers 10:5 And ye have blown -- a shout, and the camps which
areencamping eastward have journeyed. (YLT). Numbers 10...
Journeyed (111 Occurrences)
... (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS). Numbers 10:5 And ye have blown -- a shout, and the
camps which areencamping eastward have journeyed. (YLT)....
Encampeth (13 Occurrences)
Zaanaim (1 Occurrence)
... Wanderings; the unloading of tents, so called probably from the fact of nomads in
tentsencamping amid the cities and villages of that region, a place in the...
Zephon (5 Occurrences)
... Exodus 14:9 The Egyptians pursued after them: all the horses and chariots of Pharaoh,
his horsemen, and his army; and overtook themencamping by the sea...
Overtake (113 Occurrences)
... Exodus 14:9 and the Egyptians pursue after them, and all the chariot horses of Pharaoh,
and his horsemen, and his force, overtake them,encamping by the sea...
Resources
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