Mahanaim

Mahanaim is said to be near Jabbok, beyond the Jordan River. In Hebrew, it means two camps. Jacob had just left the house of Laban, his father-in-law, where he had lived for twenty years.  Jacob was going back to his father's place in obedience to God, who said, "Return unto the land of thy fathers, and to thy kindred; and I will be with thee" (Gen 31:3). He was traveling with his wives, children, servants, and all his wealth turned into cattle.  His road leads him close to the country of Esau. Jacob was no soldier, and he was naturally terrified to meet his brother. I am sure Jacob's heart was troubled as he plodded along with his defenseless company of women and children trailing behind him.  The angels of God met Jacob at a time of crisis in Jacob's life. After the vision, Jacob called the name of that place 'Mahanaim,' meaning two camps. One camp was the feeble, helpless one down here, and the other was the great one of angels up there! 

It is not as if God's angels had just joined Jacob. Psalm 91:11 says, "For He shall give His angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways."  They were with him the entire time.  Now Jacob could see God's angels with him, and it provided the much-needed confidence to face his brother Esau.  When Jacob saw the angels, he said, "This is God's host" (Gen 32:2).  "Mahanaim" means the place of two hosts, the host of Jacob and the host of angels!  At the time of Jacob's greatest need, God revealed the host of angels around him.  Jacob had never been alone!  It is always so. We are never alone. Whatever may be the path we are walking today, be encouraged, knowing that the host of God's angels are around us all the time.  When the Israelites faced the conquest of Canaan, we find Moses encouraging them, saying, "The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged" (Deuteronomy 31:8). 

My friend, today, the Lord is encouraging each one of us with the exact words. Jesus is encouraging us to get on with life and face the challenges with confidence, for Jesus will never leave us nor forsake us.  He has given His angels charge over us to protect us! His host is always around us.

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