Mizpah

Mizpah

CityOld Testament
31.8500°N, 35.1667°E View on Map

Mizpah, meaning "watchtower," was a significant location in Israel's history. Jacob and Laban made a covenant here. Samuel gathered Israel here for prayer and they defeated the Philistines. It served as a place of assembly and judgment throughout Israel's early history.

Historical Timeline

Patriarchalc. 1909 BC

Jacob and Laban make a covenant at Mizpah

GEN 31:44-49
Judgesc. 1100 BC

Israel gathers at Mizpah for prayer and fasting before battle

JDG 20:1-3
Judgesc. 1050 BC

Samuel gathers Israel at Mizpah; God defeats the Philistines

1SA 7:5-11
United Kingdomc. 1050 BC

Saul is chosen as king by lot at Mizpah

1SA 10:17-24
Divided Kingdomc. 586 BC

Gedaliah governs Judah from Mizpah after Jerusalem's fall

JER 40:6-12

Notable Characters

Samuel
SamuelGathered Israel at Mizpah for prayer and fasting
Saul
SaulChosen as first king of Israel at Mizpah
Jacob
JacobMade a covenant with Laban at Mizpah

Related Locations

Ramah
Ramah

Both Mizpah and Ramah were centers of Samuel's ministry

Jerusalem
Jerusalem

Mizpah became administrative center after Jerusalem fell

Key Verses

Genesis 31:44-491 Samuel 7:5-12Judges 20:1-3

Frequently Asked Questions

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