Mahanaim was a Levitical city assigned to the Merarites (Joshua 21:38) east of Jordan in the land of Gad. It is associated with Jacob (Genesis 32:2).1 It served as the administrative seat for Gilead and was probably also a gateway to iron resources in the area.2 The name itself means two camps,
highlighting the fact that God’s people (at the time) were divided into north (Israel) and south (Judah) because of Abner’s decision.3
8 Cependant Abner, fils de Ner, chef de l'armée de Saül, prit Isch-Boscheth, fils de Saül, et le fit passer à Mahanaïm.