Micmas (Heb. Mikmâsh, Mikmâs and Mikmâí’, “hidden” or “place of storage”). 354. The Michmas Gorge. Town near Beth-el (1Sa 13:2), “east of Beth-aven” (v 5) and north of Geba (Gabaa; Isa 10:28, 29; 1Sa 14:5). The detailed information given in these verses has allowed the place to be definitely identified with the present village of Mukhmâs, some 616 m asl on a hill north of the 782 narrow and deep Wâd§ ets-Tsuweinît, some 7 km southeast of Betel. This valley is generally recognized as “the pass of Micmas” (1Sa 13:23), which leads from the plateau of Ephraim down towards Jericho. When dominated by the Philistines, in the time of King Saul, Micmas was the scene of an unusual act of courage on the part of Jonathan: together with his armor bearer he descended from Geba, climbed the steep southern slope of Micmas and took the Philistines by surprise, A moment of confusion followed, ending with their flight (13:5-7, 15, 16; 14:1-31). When Isaiah described the future Assyrian attack on Jerusalem, he mentioned Michmas as one of the cities they would occupy on his march (Isa. 10:28). The descendants of the ancient inhabitants of Micmas returned from the Babylonian exile with Zerubbabel (Ezr 2:27; Neh 7:31). It is mentioned as a people inhabited by Benjamites in the post-exilic period (Neh 11:31). Jonathan Maccabee resided there during the 2nd century BC (1 Macc. 9:73; fig 354). Map VI, E-3. Bib.: FJ-AJ xiii.1.6.
Source: Evangelical Bible Dictionary
(Heb., mikhmash, a hidden place). A place in the ancient tribe of Benjamin about 13 km. northeast of Jerusalem. A notable battle occurred here between Israel and the Philistines during the reign of Saul (1 Samuel 13-14).
In the return from captivity under Zerubbabel (Ezr 2:27; Neh 7:31) 122 men are mentioned from this place, indicating that it was a sizeable community at that time.
Source: Hispanic World Bible Dictionary
(Hidden place). Originally a Benjamite city, later in the territory of Judah. Today it is known as Mukhmas, about 10 km northeast of Jerusalem. At the beginning of his reign Saul chose M. for habitation, accompanied by two thousand men. Opposite M. the Philistines camped after an attack by Jonathan on one of their garrisons, and a battle ensued in which this son of Saul greatly distinguished himself (1 Sam. 13-14). The prophet Isaiah, describing the advance of the Assyrian army, mentions M. (Isa 10:28). Some 122 “men of M.” appear on the list of those who returned from exile (Ezra 2:27).
Source: Christian Bible Dictionary
dude, crazy
sit, a2, 379, 405
vet, = “something hidden”. Locality near the mountain of Bethel (1 Sam. 13:2); east of Beth-aven (1 Sam. 13:5), north of Geba (1 Sam. 14:5; Isa. 10:28, 29). The Philistines camped at Michmas to fight Saul. Jonathan and his armor-bearer had the courage to cross a steep gorge whose summit was occupied by the Philistines; the army of Israel followed them and ended up putting the armies of the Philistines in disarray (1 Sam. 13:5-7, 15; 14:1-23). They returned exiles from Michmas from the Babylonian captivity (Ezra 2:27; Neh. 7:31). They were Benjamites (Neh. 11:31). Jonathan Maccabee settled in Michmas to judge (1 Mac. 9:73; Ant. 13:1, 6). The Micmas Gorge is today called Mukhmãs, a term that still evokes the old name. It is located 12 km north-northeast of Jerusalem, and 5 km south-southeast of Bethel. Mukhmãs is also a small town; the gorge can probably be identified with the wadi es-Suweinît.
Source: New Illustrated Bible Dictionary
City of Benjamin to the E of Bethel and 12 km N of Jerusalem, 600 m above sea level, on the pass from Bethel to Jericho. At Geba, a little S of this pass, Jonathan successfully raided the Philistine garrison (1 Sam. 13.3), as a result of which they formed a well-armed army and occupied Micmas, prompting the disorderly flight of Philistines. the Hebrews (13.5ff). Later Saul’s army camped at Geba (or Gibeah), with the Philistines on the other side of the pass (13.23).
Unbeknownst to Saul, Jonathan and his armour-bearer descended from Geba, and going up the slope surprised the Philistines and caused confusion in the enemy camp (for a description of this action, see SR Driver, Notes on the Hebrew Text of the Books of Samael², 1913, pp. 106). With the help of Hebrews who had been in the hands of the Philistines, refugees from the previous defeat, and Saul’s army, they completely defeated the Philistines (1 Sam. 14.1ff).
In his prophetic description of the coming attack on Jerusalem, Isaiah (10:24, 28) represents the taking of Michmas by the Assyrians. After the exile, members of the Jewish community lived in Micmas (Ezra 2.27; Neh. 7.31; 11.31), and later it was the residence of Jonathan Maccabee (1 Mac. 9.73).
It is present-day Mukhmas, a ruined village on the hill N of Wadi Suueinit.
Bibliography. G. Auzou, The dance before the ark, study of the books of Samuel, 1971, pp. 142ff.
JDD
Douglas, J. (2000). New Biblical Dictionary: First Edition. Miami: United Bible Societies.
Source: New Bible Dictionary