מִכְמָס, מִכְמָשׂ (mikh.mas)
mikh.mas
Michmash
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 11 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The noun mikhmas refers to a specific town in the territory of Benjamin, identified as "hidden" in its etymology. Situated roughly ten miles north of Jerusalem and near Ramah, this location appears eleven times in the Hebrew Bible, with significant mentions in 1 Samuel, Nehemiah, and Isaiah.
Its strategic value is most evident in the narratives of 1 Samuel, where it serves as a military waypoint during conflicts with the Philistines. The text highlights its role as a gathering place for troops, illustrating how geography influenced ancient Israelite warfare and movement.
The name’s meaning, "hidden," likely reflects the town's topography or its concealed position relative to surrounding highlands. This linguistic detail offers a glimpse into how biblical authors used place names to convey physical characteristics alongside historical events.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Micmash is a small town in Benjamin, known for its hidden position among hills. It appears often in Scripture as a place of conflict and return. In 1 Samuel, it was where Saul’s army gathered before facing the Philistines. The name itself suggests concealment, reminding us that God works even in places we cannot see.
Later, after exile, families returned to Micmash to rebuild their lives (Ezra 2:27). This shows how God restores what was lost. Whether in battle or in peace, this town stands as a witness to faithfulness. We can trust that God is present in our hidden struggles too.
When we feel unseen or overwhelmed, remember Micmash. It was a place of fear and victory, of exile and homecoming. Your life has similar chapters. God meets you there, just as He met Israel at this quiet hillside.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 11 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Micmash6×
- at/ Micmash2×
- to/ Micmash1×
- in/ Micmash1×
- from/ Micmash1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מִכְמָ֔ס2×
- מִכְמָֽשׂ\׃\ \ס1×
- מִכְמָֽשׂ\׃1×
- מִכְמָ֣שׂ1×
- מִכְמָ֑שׂ1×
- מִ/מִּכְמָ֖שׂ1×
- לְ/מִכְמָ֖שׂ1×
- בְּ/מִכְמָשׂ֙1×
- בְ/מִכְמָֽשׂ\׃1×
- בְ/מִכְמָ֔שׂ1×
Key Verses
-
I Samuel 13:2
Saul chose for himself three thousand men of Israel, of which two thousand were with Saul in Michmash and in the Mount of Bethel, and one thousand were with Jonathan in Gibeah of Benjamin. He sent the rest of the people to their own tents.
This verse establishes Micmash as a strategic military base where Saul stationed two thousand men, highlighting its importance in Israel's defense against the Philistines.
-
I Samuel 14:5
The one crag rose up on the north in front of Michmash, and the other on the south in front of Geba.
The description of crags facing Micmash and Geba illustrates the rugged terrain that Jonathan and his armor-bearer used to launch their daring attack on the Philistine garrison.
-
Ezra 2:27
The men of Michmas, one hundred twenty-two.
This record lists one hundred twenty-two men from Micmash returning from exile, showing the town's role in the restoration of Judah after Babylonian captivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Micmash mean?
Why is Micmash important in 1 Samuel?
Did people live in Micmash after the exile?
Every Occurrence (11 verses across 4 books)
I Samuel 7 verses
Saul chose for himself three thousand men of Israel, of which two thousand were with Saul in Michmash and in the Mount…
I Samuel 13:5The Philistines assembled themselves together to fight with Israel: thirty thousand chariots, six thousand horsemen,…
I Samuel 13:11Samuel said, “What have you done?” Saul said, “Because I saw that the people were scattered from me, and that you…
I Samuel 13:16Saul, and Jonathan his son, and the people who were present with them, stayed in Geba of Benjamin; but the Philistines…
I Samuel 13:23The garrison of the Philistines went out to the pass of Michmash.
I Samuel 14:5The one crag rose up on the north in front of Michmash, and the other on the south in front of Geba.
I Samuel 14:31They struck the Philistines that day from Michmash to Aijalon. The people were very faint;