a city of the Levites, of the family of Merari, in the tribe of Gad, upon the brook Jabbok, Joshua 21:38; Joshua 13:26 . The name Mahanaim signifies "two hosts," or "two fields." The patriarch gave it this name because in this place he had a vision of angels coming to meet him, Genesis 32:2 . Mahanaim was the seat of the kingdom of Ishbosheth, after the death of Saul, 2 Samuel 2:9; 2 Samuel 2:12 . It was also to this place that David retired during the usurpation of Absalom, 2 Samuel 17:24; and this rebellious son was subdued, and suffered death, not far from this city.