Michmethath in the Bible — Hidden Meaning & Symbolism

Michmethath (A.V., Michmethah), mich'-me-thath (Heb.)-- hiding place; place of concealment; lurking place. A border city of Ephraim and Manasseh (Josh. 16:6; 17:7). Meta. Michmethath, a border city between Ephraim and Manasseh, and meaning hiding place, lurking place, refers to a group of thoughts of indecision in consciousness. They lean to Truth, but are not positive enough in understanding (Manasseh) or will (Ephraim) to join either sufficiently to work boldly and constructively for the good of the individual. They belong to that attitude of mind in one that causes one never to be quite sure as to what one should do or what stand one should take in the daily problems that present themselves. Thus the individual in whom this state of thought prevails is continually bearing unnecessary burdens (Michmethath was"before Shechem," meaning shoulder and referring to the burden-bearing attitude of mind). He will continue to bear them until he lays hold of the hidden, lurking, indecisive thoughts that Michmethath symbolizes, and consciously unifies them with both will and understanding (Ephraim and Manasseh) until they become clear, active, wise, and decisive.