(Later, when the territory of the Danites was lost to them, they went up and fought against Leshem, captured it, and put it to the sword. So they took possession of Leshem, settled there, and renamed it after their father Dan.) When the territory of the Danites was lost to themThe phrase highlights a significant moment of loss and challenge for the tribe of Dan. The Hebrew root for "lost" (אָבַד, 'abad) conveys a sense of perishing or being destroyed. Historically, the Danites struggled to maintain their allotted territory due to pressure from surrounding peoples, particularly the Philistines. This reflects the broader biblical theme of the Israelites' struggle to fully possess the Promised Land due to incomplete obedience to God's commands. they went up and fought against Leshem
The action of "went up" (עָלָה, 'alah) often signifies a movement towards something of greater significance or a divine mission. Leshem, later known as Laish, was a city in the northern part of Canaan. The Danites' decision to fight for Leshem indicates their determination to secure a homeland, despite earlier failures. This mirrors the Christian call to perseverance and faith in God's promises, even when initial efforts seem thwarted. captured it, and struck it with the sword
The capture and striking "with the sword" (חֶרֶב, chereb) underscores the military conquest necessary for the Danites to claim their inheritance. In biblical times, the sword was a symbol of divine judgment and authority. This act of capturing Leshem can be seen as a fulfillment of God's promise to give the Israelites the land, albeit through human effort and warfare, reflecting the cooperation between divine sovereignty and human responsibility. So they took possession of Leshem
The phrase "took possession" (יָרַשׁ, yarash) implies a legal and permanent claim to the land. This act of possession is significant in the biblical narrative, as it represents the fulfillment of God's covenant promises to the patriarchs. For Christians, this can be seen as a metaphor for the spiritual inheritance believers receive through faith in Christ, emphasizing the importance of claiming and living out one's God-given identity and purpose. settled in it
To "settle" (יָשַׁב, yashab) means to dwell or inhabit, indicating a sense of permanence and establishment. The Danites' settlement in Leshem marks the transition from conquest to community building. This reflects the biblical principle of establishing God's kingdom on earth, where believers are called to not only fight spiritual battles but also to cultivate and nurture their faith communities. and renamed it after their father Dan
Renaming the city "after their father Dan" signifies a new beginning and a connection to their ancestral heritage. In biblical tradition, names hold significant meaning and often reflect identity and destiny. By naming the city Dan, the tribe asserts their identity and legacy within the Promised Land. This act of renaming can inspire Christians to remember their spiritual heritage and the importance of living in a way that honors their identity in Christ. Persons / Places / Events 1. DanitesOne of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Dan, the son of Jacob and Bilhah. The tribe initially struggled to secure their allotted inheritance. 2. LeshemA city that the Danites captured and renamed Dan. It represents the struggle and eventual success of the Danites in securing a place to settle. 3. DanThe patriarch of the tribe of Dan. The city of Leshem was renamed in his honor, signifying the tribe's connection to their ancestral roots. 4. Territory of DanOriginally allotted land that the Danites found difficult to secure, leading them to seek new territory. 5. Capture and SettlementThe event where the Danites took military action to secure a new homeland, demonstrating their determination and reliance on God's promise. Teaching Points Perseverance in God's PromisesThe Danites' journey teaches us the importance of perseverance in the face of challenges. Despite initial setbacks, they trusted in God's promise and took action to secure their inheritance. Faith and ActionThe capture of Leshem illustrates the balance between faith and action. The Danites believed in God's promise and took practical steps to achieve it, reminding us that faith often requires us to act courageously. Identity and HeritageRenaming Leshem to Dan signifies the importance of identity and heritage. As Christians, we are called to remember our spiritual heritage and live in a way that honors our identity in Christ. God's Sovereignty and TimingThe delay in securing their land reminds us that God's timing is perfect. We may face delays and detours, but God's plans are ultimately for our good and His glory. Bible Study Questions 1. What challenges did the Danites face in securing their inheritance, and how did they overcome them? 2. How does the account of the Danites' capture of Leshem encourage us to balance faith and action in our own lives? 3. In what ways can we honor our spiritual heritage and identity in Christ, similar to how the Danites honored their ancestor Dan? 4. How can we trust in God's sovereignty and timing when we face delays or setbacks in our own lives? 5. What other biblical examples can you think of where perseverance and faith led to the fulfillment of God's promises? How do these examples inspire you? Connections to Other Scriptures Judges 18This chapter provides a more detailed account of the Danites' journey to capture Leshem (also known as Laish), highlighting their struggles and eventual success. Genesis 49:16-17Jacob's blessing over Dan, which speaks to the tribe's future role and challenges, can be seen as prophetic of their struggles and eventual triumph. Deuteronomy 33:22Moses' blessing over Dan, describing them as a lion's cub, which can be interpreted as a symbol of strength and tenacity. People Allon, Anath, Asher, Dagon, Dan, Danites, Eleazar, Elon, Heleb, Hepher, Hosah, Israelites, Issachar, Japhia, Jezreel, Joshua, Naphtali, Nun, Rehob, Serah, Shema, Shimron, Shual, Simeon, Simeonites, Timnah, Zebulun, ZidonPlaces Achshaph, Achzib, Adami-nekeb, Aijalon, Ain, Allammelech, Amad, Anaharath, Aphek, Ashan, Aznoth-tabor, Baalath, Baalath-beer, Balah, Beersheba, Bene-berak, Beten, Beth-anath, Beth-dagan, Beth-emek, Beth-lebaoth, Bethlehem, Beth-marcaboth, Beth-pazzez, Beth-shemesh, Bethul, Cabul, Carmel, Chesulloth, Chinnereth, Chisloth-tabor, Dabbesheth, Daberath, Dan, Ebez, Ebron, Edrei, Ekron, Elon, Eltekeh, Eltolad, En-gannim, En-haddah, Eshtaol, Ether, Ezem, Gath-hepher, Gath-rimmon, Gibbethon, Gibeah, Hali, Hammath, Hammon, Hannathon, Hapharaim, Hazar-shual, Hazar-susah, Hazor, Heleph, Helkath, Horem, Hormah, Hosah, Hukkok, Idalah, Ir-shemesh, Ithlah, Jabneel, Japhia, Jehud, Jezreel, Jokneam, Joppa, Jordan River, Kanah, Kattath, Kedesh, Kishion, Lakkum, Leshem, Mahalab, Me-jarkon, Migdal-el, Mishal, Moladah, Nahalal, Neah, Negeb, Neiel, Rabbith, Rakkath, Rakkon, Ramah, Rehob, Remeth, Rimmon, Sarid, Shaalabbin, Shahazumah, Sharuhen, Sheba, Shiloh, Shimron, Shion, Shunem, Sidon the Great, Tabor, Timnah, Timnath-serah, Tyre, Ummah, Valley of Iphtahel, Yiron, Zaanannim, Zer, Ziddim, Ziklag, ZorahTopics Ancestor, Attacked, Beyond, Border, Calling, Capture, Captured, Capturing, Coast, Dan, Danites, Difficulty, Dwell, Dwelt, Edge, Ended, Fight, Forefather, Fought, Giving, Heritage, Leshem, Leshem-dan, Limit, Lost, Mercy, Mouth, Named, Occupied, Possess, Possessed, Possession, Proceeded, Putting, Settled, Smite, Smote, Sons, Strait, Struck, Sword, Taking, Territory, Themselves, Therein, War, WideDictionary of Bible Themes Joshua 19:47 5572 sword Joshua 19:1-47 7266 tribes of Israel Joshua 19:1-48 5235 boundary Library Tiberias.
All the Jews declare, almost with one consent, that this was a fortified city from ancient times, even from the days of Joshua, and was the same with Rakkath, of which mention is made, Joshua 19:35. "Rakkath is Tiberias," say the Jerusalem Gemarists. And those of Babylon say the same, and that more largely: "It is clear to us that Rakkath is Tiberias." And when, after a few lines, this of Rabbi Jochanan was objected, "When I was a boy, I said a certain thing, concerning which I asked the elders, …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and HebraicaChammath. Ammaus. The Warm Baths of Tiberias.
Chammath and Rakkath are joined together, Joshua 19:35. For they were very neighbouring cities; Rakkath is Tiberias,--and Chammath, the town Ammaus, in Josephus. Of their neighbourhood, the Jerusalem Talmudists write thus: "The men of a great city may walk" (on the sabbath) "through a whole small city" (which was within a sabbath-day's journey); "but the inhabitants of a small city walk not through a whole great city." And then follows, "Formerly the men of Tiberias walked through all Chammath; but …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Some Other Towns Near Tiberias. Beth-Meon. Caphar Chittaia. Paltathah.
Among the towns, neighbouring upon Tiberias, Tarichee is especially commemorated in Josephus, a city thirty furlongs distant from Tiberias: you will find in him the history and mention of it very frequent. In the Talmudists we meet with other names also. I. Beth-Meon. "The men of Tiberias, who went up to Beth-Meon to be hired for workmen, were hired according to the custom of Beth-Meon: the men of Beth-Meon, who went down to Tiberias to be hired, were hired according to the custom of Tiberias." This …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Eastern Wise-Men, or Magi, visit Jesus, the New-Born King.
(Jerusalem and Bethlehem, b.c. 4.) ^A Matt. II. 1-12. ^a 1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem [It lies five miles south by west of Jerusalem, a little to the east of the road to Hebron. It occupies part of the summit and sides of a narrow limestone ridge which shoots out eastward from the central chains of the Judæan mountains, and breaks down abruptly into deep valleys on the north, south, and east. Its old name, Ephrath, meant "the fruitful." Bethlehem means "house of bread." Its modern …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Within what Tribe the Lake of Gennesaret Was.
By comparing the maps with the Talmudic writers, this question ariseth: for there is not one among them, as far as I know, which does not altogether define the sea of Gennesaret to be without the tribe of Naphthali; but the Talmudists do most plainly place it within. "The Rabbins deliver: The sea of Tiberias is in the portion of Naphtali; yea, it takes a full line for the nets on the south side of it: as it is said, 'Possess the sea and the south,' Deuteronomy 33:23." The Gloss is; "(Naphtali) had …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica The First Sign --The Marriage in Cana.
"And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: and Jesus also was bidden, and His disciples, to the marriage. And when the wine failed, the mother of Jesus saith unto Him, They have no wine. And Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? Mine hour is not yet come. His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever He saith unto you, do it. Now there were six waterpots of stone set there after the Jews' manner of purifying, containing two …
Marcus Dods—The Expositor's Bible: The Gospel of St. John, Vol. I And thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, too little to be among the thousands of Judah
"And thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, too little to be among the thousands of Judah, out of thee shall come forth unto Me (one) [Pg 480] to be Ruler in Israel; and His goings forth are the times of old, the days of eternity." The close connection of this verse with what immediately precedes (Caspari is wrong in considering iv. 9-14 as an episode) is evident, not only from the [Hebrew: v] copulative, and from the analogy of the near relation of the announcement of salvation to the prophecy of disaster …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Emmaus. Kiriath-Jearim.
"From Beth-horon to Emmaus it was hilly."--It was sixty furlongs distant from Jerusalem.--"To eight hundred only, dismissed the army, (Vespasian) gave a place, called Ammaus, for them to inhabit: it is sixty furlongs distant from Jerusalem." I inquire, whether this word hath the same etymology with Emmaus near Tiberias, which, from the 'warm baths,' was called Chammath. The Jews certainly do write this otherwise... "The family (say they) of Beth-Pegarim, and Beth Zipperia was out of Emmaus."--The …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Jesus Calls Four Fishermen to Follow Him.
(Sea of Galilee, Near Capernaum.) ^A Matt. IV. 18-22; ^B Mark I. 16-20; ^C Luke V. 1-11. ^a 18 And walking ^b 16 And passing along by the sea of Galilee [This lake is a pear-shaped body of water, about twelve and a half miles long and about seven miles across at its widest place. It is 682 feet below sea level; its waters are fresh, clear and abounding in fish, and it is surrounded by hills and mountains, which rise from 600 to 1,000 feet above it. Its greatest depth is about 165 feet], he [Jesus] …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Sennacherib (705-681 B. C. )
The struggle of Sennacherib with Judaea and Egypt--Destruction of Babylon. Sennacherib either failed to inherit his father's good fortune, or lacked his ability.* He was not deficient in military genius, nor in the energy necessary to withstand the various enemies who rose against him at widely removed points of his frontier, but he had neither the adaptability of character nor the delicate tact required to manage successfully the heterogeneous elements combined under his sway. * The two principal …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 8 Third Withdrawal from Herod's Territory.
Subdivision D. The Transfiguration. Concerning Elijah. (a Spur of Hermon, Near Cæsarea Philippi.) ^A Matt. XVII. 1-13; ^B Mark IX. 2-13; ^C Luke IX. 28-36. ^c 28 And it came to pass about eight days { ^a six days} ^c after these sayings [Mark agrees with Matthew in saying six days. Luke qualifies his estimate by saying "about." But if we regard him as including the day of the "sayings" and also the day of the transfiguration, and the other two as excluding these days, then the three statements …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Joshua
The book of Joshua is the natural complement of the Pentateuch. Moses is dead, but the people are on the verge of the promised land, and the story of early Israel would be incomplete, did it not record the conquest of that land and her establishment upon it. The divine purpose moves restlessly on, until it is accomplished; so "after the death of Moses, Jehovah spake to Joshua," i. 1. The book falls naturally into three divisions: (a) the conquest of Canaan (i.-xii.), (b) the settlement of the …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Joshua 19:47 NIVJoshua 19:47 NLTJoshua 19:47 ESVJoshua 19:47 NASBJoshua 19:47 KJV
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