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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Michmas</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/m/michmas.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/1_samuel/13-2.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/m/michmas.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > Michmas</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/m/michmach.htm" title="Michmach">◄</a> Michmas <a href="/topical/m/michmas_or_michmash.htm" title="Michmas or Michmash">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#isb" title="International Standard Bible Encyclopedia">ISBE</a> • <a href="#cnc" title="Multiversion Concordance">Concordance</a> • <a href="#thes" title="Bible Thesaurus">Thesaurus</a> • <a href="#heb" title="Strong's Hebrew Concordance">Hebrew</a> • <a href="#lib" title="Library">Library</a> • <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div><b>Etymology and Location:</b> <br>Michmas, also spelled Michmash, is a town mentioned in the Old Testament, located in the territory of the tribe of Benjamin. The name Michmas is thought to mean "hidden" or "something stored." It is situated approximately seven miles north of Jerusalem and is identified with the modern village of Mukhmas. The town is strategically positioned on a ridge overlooking the Wadi Suweinit, a deep gorge that served as a natural defense barrier.<br><br><b>Biblical References and Historical Significance:</b> <br>Michmas is first mentioned in the Bible in the context of the tribal allotments in the Book of Joshua. It is listed among the towns given to the tribe of Benjamin (<a href="/joshua/18-24.htm">Joshua 18:24</a>). The town gains particular prominence in the narrative of 1 Samuel, where it serves as a significant military site during the reign of King Saul.<br><br>In <a href="/bsb/1_samuel/13.htm">1 Samuel 13-14</a>, Michmas is the setting for a pivotal battle between the Israelites and the Philistines. The Philistines had established a garrison at Michmas, posing a threat to the Israelites. King Saul, along with his son Jonathan, faced the Philistine forces in this area. The narrative highlights Jonathan's bravery and faith, as he and his armor-bearer launched a surprise attack on the Philistine outpost, leading to a significant victory for Israel. The account emphasizes divine intervention, as the Lord caused confusion among the Philistines, resulting in their defeat (<a href="/1_samuel/14-15.htm">1 Samuel 14:15-23</a>).<br><br>The strategic importance of Michmas is further underscored in <a href="/isaiah/10-28.htm">Isaiah 10:28</a>, where it is mentioned in the context of the Assyrian invasion. The Assyrian army, under King Sennacherib, is described as advancing through Michmas on their way to Jerusalem, highlighting the town's location on a key military route.<br><br><b>Post-Exilic Period:</b> <br>Michmas is also mentioned in the post-exilic period. After the Babylonian exile, some of the returning exiles settled in Michmas. <a href="/nehemiah/11-31.htm">Nehemiah 11:31</a> records that the people of Benjamin resettled in Michmas, among other towns, as they rebuilt their lives in the land of their ancestors.<br><br><b>Archaeological Insights:</b> <br>Archaeological excavations in the area have uncovered remains from various periods, including the Iron Age, which corresponds to the time of Saul and Jonathan. These findings provide a glimpse into the historical and cultural context of Michmas during biblical times.<br><br><b>Theological Themes:</b> <br>The events at Michmas illustrate themes of faith, divine intervention, and the importance of strategic leadership. Jonathan's reliance on God and his bold initiative serve as a testament to the power of faith and courage in the face of overwhelming odds. The narrative also underscores the belief in God's sovereignty and His ability to deliver His people through unexpected means.<br><br><b>Conclusion:</b> <br>Michmas stands as a testament to the rich historical and theological tapestry of the biblical narrative. Its role in the account of Israel's early monarchy and its continued mention in later periods reflect its enduring significance in the biblical landscape.<a name="isb" id="isb"></a><div class="vheading2">International Standard Bible Encyclopedia</div><span class="encheading">MICHMAS</span><p>mik'-mas (mikhmac; Codex Vaticanus Machmas; Codex Alexandrinus Chammas): The form of the name "Michmash" found in <a href="/ezra/2-27.htm">Ezra 2:27</a> <a href="/nehemiah/7-31.htm">Nehemiah 7:31</a>. In 1 Esdras 5:21 it appears as MACALON (which see).<p><a name="heb" id="heb"></a><div class="vheading2">Strong's Hebrew</div><a href="/hebrew/4363.htm"><span class="l">4363. Mikmas -- a city in Benjamin</span></a><br><b>...</b> Definition: Michmash. Word Origin from kamas Definition a city in Benjamin NASB<br> Word Usage <b>Michmas</b> (2), Michmash (9). Mikmas, Mikmash. (Ezra <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/hebrew/4363.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 6k</font><a name="lib" id="lib"></a><div class="vheading2">Library</div><p><a href="/library/lightfoot/from_the_talmud_and_hebraica/chapter_53_ephraim.htm"><span class="l">Ephraim</span></a> <br><b>...</b> "<b>Michmas</b> and Mezonechah obtain the first place for fine flour; Ephraim in the valley<br> obtains the next place to them." These words are not read the same way by <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 53 ephraim.htm</font><a name="thes" id="thes"></a><div class="vheading2">Thesaurus</div><a href="/topical/m/michmas.htm"><span class="l"><b>Michmas</b> (11 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia <b>MICHMAS</b>. <b>...</b> In 1 Esdras 5:21 it appears as MACALON<br> (which see). Multi-Version Concordance <b>Michmas</b> (11 Occurrences). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/m/michmas.htm - 10k</font><p><a href="/topical/m/micmash.htm"><span class="l">Micmash (9 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> 1 Samuel 13:2 And Saul chose him three thousand men of Israel; whereof two thousand<br> were with Saul in <b>Michmas</b> and in the mount of Beth-el, and a thousand were <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/m/micmash.htm - 8k</font><p><a href="/topical/m/michmash.htm"><span class="l">Michmash (10 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> A company of the men of Michmash (see <b>MICHMAS</b>) returned with Zerubbabel from exile<br> (Ezra 2:27 Nehemiah 7:31). Michmash produced excellent barley. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/m/michmash.htm - 14k</font><p><a href="/topical/num/122.htm"><span class="l">122 (2 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> 122 (2 Occurrences). Ezra 2:27 The men of <b>Michmas</b>, one hundred twenty-two. (See<br> NAS NIV). Nehemiah 7:31 The men of <b>Michmas</b>, one hundred and twenty-two. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/num/122.htm - 6k</font><p><a href="/topical/t/twenty-two.htm"><span class="l">Twenty-two (26 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> (WEB BBE DBY RSV). Ezra 2:27 The men of <b>Michmas</b>, one hundred twenty-two. <b>...</b> (WEB BBE<br> DBY RSV). Nehemiah 7:31 The men of <b>Michmas</b>, one hundred and twenty-two. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/t/twenty-two.htm - 14k</font><p><a href="/topical/m/micheas.htm"><span class="l">Micheas</span></a><br><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/m/micheas.htm - 6k</font><p><a href="/topical/m/macalon.htm"><span class="l">Macalon</span></a><br><b>...</b> Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia MACALON. mak'-a-lon (hoi ek Makalon; 1 Esdras<br> 5:21): This corresponds to "the men of <b>Michmas</b>" in Ezra 2:27. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/m/macalon.htm - 6k</font><p><a href="/topical/b/beth-a'ven.htm"><span class="l">Beth-a'ven (6 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> chariots, and six thousand horsemen, and people as the sand which is on the<br> sea-shore in multitude; and they came up, and pitched in <b>Michmas</b>, eastward of Beth <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/b/beth-a'ven.htm - 8k</font><p><a href="/topical/c/charioteers.htm"><span class="l">Charioteers (19 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> chariots, and six thousand horsemen, and people as the sand which is on the<br> sea-shore in multitude; and they came up, and pitched in <b>Michmas</b>, eastward of Beth <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/c/charioteers.htm - 12k</font><p><a href="/topical/a/assembling.htm"><span class="l">Assembling (11 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> were scattered from me, and that thou camest not within the days appointed, and<br> that the Philistines assembled themselves together against <b>Michmas</b>; (See NAS NIV <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/a/assembling.htm - 10k</font><p><a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><a href="/concordance/">Bible Concordance</a> • <a href="/dictionary/">Bible Dictionary</a> • <a href="/encyclopedia/">Bible Encyclopedia</a> • <a href="/topical/">Topical Bible</a> • <a href="/thesaurus/">Bible Thesuarus</a></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="cnc" id="cnc"></a><div class="vheading2">Concordance</div><span class="encheading">Michmas (11 Occurrences)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/1_samuel/13-2.htm">1 Samuel 13:2</a></span><br />Saul chose him 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: and the rest of the people he sent every man to his tent.<br /><span class="source">(Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/1_samuel/13-5.htm">1 Samuel 13:5</a></span><br />The Philistines assembled themselves together to fight with Israel, thirty thousand chariots, and six thousand horsemen, and people as the sand which is on the seashore in multitude: and they came up, and encamped in Michmash, eastward of Beth Aven.<br /><span class="source">(Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/1_samuel/13-11.htm">1 Samuel 13:11</a></span><br />Samuel said, "What have you done?" Saul said, "Because I saw that the people were scattered from me, and that you didn't come within the days appointed, and that the Philistines assembled themselves together at Michmash;<br /><span class="source">(Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/1_samuel/13-16.htm">1 Samuel 13:16</a></span><br />Saul, and Jonathan his son, and the people who were present with them, abode in Geba of Benjamin: but the Philistines encamped in Michmash.<br /><span class="source">(Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/1_samuel/13-23.htm">1 Samuel 13:23</a></span><br />The garrison of the Philistines went out to the pass of Michmash. <br /><span class="source">(Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/1_samuel/14-5.htm">1 Samuel 14:5</a></span><br />The one crag rose up on the north in front of Michmash, and the other on the south in front of Geba.<br /><span class="source">(Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/1_samuel/14-31.htm">1 Samuel 14:31</a></span><br />They struck of the Philistines that day from Michmash to Aijalon. The people were very faint; <br /><span class="source">(Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/ezra/2-27.htm">Ezra 2:27</a></span><br />The men of <span class="boldtext">Michmas</span>, one hundred twenty-two.<br /><span class="source">(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/nehemiah/7-31.htm">Nehemiah 7:31</a></span><br />The men of <span class="boldtext">Michmas</span>, one hundred and twenty-two.<br /><span class="source">(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/nehemiah/11-31.htm">Nehemiah 11:31</a></span><br />The children of Benjamin also lived from Geba onward, at Michmash and Aija, and at Bethel and its towns,<br /><span class="source">(Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/isaiah/10-28.htm">Isaiah 10:28</a></span><br />He has come to Aiath. He has passed through Migron. At Michmash he stores his baggage. <br /><span class="source">(Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV)</span><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/m/michmach.htm">Michmach</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/m/michmas.htm">Michmas</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/m/michmas_or_michmash.htm">Michmas or Michmash</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/m/micmash.htm">Micmash (9 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/m/michmash.htm">Michmash (10 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/num/122.htm">122 (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/twenty-two.htm">Twenty-two (26 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/m/micheas.htm">Micheas</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/m/macalon.htm">Macalon</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/beth-a'ven.htm">Beth-a'ven (6 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/charioteers.htm">Charioteers (19 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/assembling.htm">Assembling (11 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/scattering.htm">Scattering (18 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/benjamites.htm">Benjamites (24 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/g/gib'e-ah.htm">Gib'e-ah (45 Occurrences)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/m/michmach.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Michmach"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Michmach" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/topical/m/michmas_or_michmash.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Michmas or Michmash"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Michmas or Michmash" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div> <div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"><script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script></div></td></tr></table></div></div></div> <br /><br /> <div align="center"> <div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>