mahaneh dan Summary and Overview

("camp of Dan"), named so from the 600 Danites' last encampment here before setting out for Laish (Judges 18:11-12). They stayed here some time (as the naming implies) assembling and preparing for their expedition. Between Zorah and Eshtaol, the scene of Samson's first movements by the Spirit of God, while residing with his parents (Judges 13:25; Judges 16:31). Mahaneh Dan was situated "behind," i.e. W. of Kirjath Jearim (now Kuriet el Enab) in Judah's territory. Some identify Eshtaol with Kustul and Mahaneh Dan with Beit Mahanem (Williams, Holy City, Judges 1:12, note).