Bible Dictionary
Encampment
An encampment is a temporary resting place for an army or traveling company. Israel’s camp in the wilderness was arranged by tribes around the central tabernacle.
Definition
An encampment is the temporary resting place of an army or company of travelers, and by extension may refer to the army or caravan while it is on the march.
Biblical Usage
Israel’s camp was centered on the tabernacle. The tribes were arranged in four divisions according to their standards, while Moses, Aaron, the priests, and the Levites camped around the sanctuary. This order was preserved during travel.
Historical Background
The tabernacle occupied the central position, corresponding to the chief’s tent in an ordinary encampment. The cloudy or fiery pillar served as the distinguishing sign over the central camp.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Smith's Bible Dictionary
primarily denoted the resting-place of an army or company of travellers at night, (Genesis 32:21; Exodus 16:13) and was hence applied to the army or caravan when on its march. (Genesis 32:7,8; Exodus 14:19; Joshua 10:5; 11:4) The description of the camp of the Israelites, on their march from Egypt, Numb 2,3, supplies the greatest amount of information on the subject. The tabernacle, corresponding to the chieftains tent of an ordinary encampment, was placed in the centre, and around and facing it, (Numbers 2:1) arranged in four grand divisions, corresponding to the four points of the compass, lay the host of Israel, according to their standards. (Numbers 1:52; 2:2) In the centre, round the tabernacle, and with no standard but the cloudy or fiery pillar which rested over it, were the tents of the priests and Levites. The former, with Moses and Aaron at their head, were encamped on the eastern side. The order of encampment was preserved on the march. (Numbers 2:17)
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>en-kamp'-ment.</p><p>See WAR.</p>