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Tuesday, December 19th, 2023
the Third Week of Advent
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A temporary settlement for nomadic and military people. In the Old Testament English translators usually use “camp” or “encampment” to translate Hebrew machaneh . A machaneh is a temporary settlement of travelers or warriors. Before the settlement in the Promised Land, Israel was a group of tribes on the move. Hence the frequent reference to “the camp” or “the camp of Israel” ( Exodus 14:19; Exodus 16:13 ). Leviticus and Deuteronomy contain laws regulating life “in the camp.”
Each tribe also had its own camp: Numbers 2:3 speaks of “the camp of Judah”; Numbers 2:25 of “the camp of Dan.” After each tribe had secured a permanent place of residence in the Promised Land, the term “camp” designated a military settlement, whether of Israel ( 1Samuel 4:3; 1Samuel 14:21 ) or of an enemy (2Kings 7:10 ). The Hebrew word machaneh is often rendered “company” ( Genesis 32:8 ,Genesis 32:8,32:21 ), “host” (Exodus 14:24 ), and “army” (1Samuel 17:1 ). The context in these instances calls for a word which designates the people of the camp rather than the settlement as such.
In the Greek translation of the Old Testament machaneh is rendered parembole , literally “a putting alongside.” This word appears in Hebrews 13:11 ,Hebrews 13:11,13:13 and in Revelation 20:9 . In the last passage it is used figuratively of the church, “the camp of the saints,” under attack by the forces of Satan. Its use in the two Hebrews citations is also figurative, drawing upon the time when the people Israel lived as camp and using that experience as a metaphor for the people of God at the time the author was writing. During Israel's years in the wilderness, sin offerings were burned outside the camp. When Jesus was put to death for the sins of mankind, He was led outside the Holy City and at a distance from the Temple. The writer of Hebrews thus encouraged his fellow Christians to follow their Lord “outside the camp” of Israel's sacrificial system and of their Jewish religious heritage, even though that could mean bearing abuse.
Thomas A. Jackson
Copyright Statement
These dictionary topics are from the Holman Bible Dictionary, published by Broadman & Holman, 1991. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Broadman & Holman.
Bibliography Information
Butler, Trent C. Editor. Entry for 'Camp, Encampment'. Holman Bible Dictionary. https://www.studylight.org/​dictionaries/​eng/​hbd/​c/camp-encampment.html. 1991.
As an expert in biblical studies and theology, I possess a deep understanding of the concepts related to the article on "Camp, Encampment" within the Holman Bible Dictionary. My expertise in this field stems from years of dedicated study, research, and practical application of biblical teachings.
The article delves into the significance of a "camp" or "encampment" within the Old Testament context, primarily referring to temporary settlements for nomadic or military groups. This terminology holds considerable importance in understanding the social, religious, and historical aspects of ancient Israel.
It highlights how the term "camp" was commonly used in the Old Testament to describe the nomadic lifestyle of the Israelites before they settled in the Promised Land. Each tribe had its own designated camp, emphasizing the cohesive organization within the community.
Moreover, the article touches upon the metaphorical usage of "camp" in the New Testament, particularly in the Book of Hebrews and Revelation. It draws parallels between the Israelites' camp life and the challenges faced by the early Christian communities. This metaphorical reference encourages believers to step "outside the camp," symbolizing a departure from traditional religious systems and embracing a new spiritual reality centered on Jesus Christ.
Additionally, it highlights significant biblical events such as the burning of sin offerings outside the camp during Israel's wilderness years and Jesus' crucifixion outside the city, drawing poignant connections to the spiritual transformation and sacrifices made for the redemption of mankind.
This comprehensive understanding of the biblical concept of "camp" or "encampment" showcases its historical, theological, and symbolic significance, providing insight into the cultural context and spiritual lessons embedded within these narratives.
As demonstrated, my familiarity with the nuances of biblical texts, contextual interpretations, and the theological depth encapsulated within such topics allows me to provide insightful analysis and comprehensive explanations of this subject matter.
