Topical Encyclopedia Dan, the fifth son of Jacob, was born to Bilhah, Rachel's maidservant, as recorded in the Book of Genesis. His birth is a significant event in the narrative of the twelve tribes of Israel, each of which descended from Jacob's sons. Dan's name, meaning "judge" in Hebrew, was given by Rachel, who declared, "God has vindicated me; He has heard my voice and given me a son" (Genesis 30:6). This reflects Rachel's sense of divine justice and her ongoing struggle with her sister Leah for Jacob's affection and progeny.Tribe of Dan The tribe of Dan, descending from Dan, played a unique role in the history of Israel. Initially, they were allotted a portion of land in the southwestern part of Canaan, near the Philistine territory (Joshua 19:40-48). However, due to pressure from neighboring peoples and internal challenges, the Danites sought additional territory. This led to the migration of a portion of the tribe to the northern part of Israel, where they captured the city of Laish and renamed it Dan (Judges 18:27-29). The tribe of Dan is noted for its warrior spirit and strategic importance. In the Song of Deborah, Dan is mentioned in the context of the tribes' responses to the call to battle against the Canaanite king Jabin (Judges 5:17). However, the tribe's hesitance to join the fight is also noted, reflecting a complex relationship with the other tribes. Religious Significance and Challenges The tribe of Dan is also associated with early instances of idolatry in Israel. The account in Judges 18 describes how the Danites established a shrine in the city of Dan, complete with an ephod, household gods, and a graven image, which became a center of worship contrary to the worship of Yahweh at the Tabernacle (Judges 18:30-31). This act of idolatry foreshadowed future struggles with faithfulness to God among the Israelites. In the genealogical listings of the tribes of Israel, Dan's absence from the list in Revelation 7:4-8 has been a subject of much theological discussion. Some scholars suggest this omission may be linked to the tribe's association with idolatry, although the text does not explicitly state the reason. Legacy Despite these challenges, the tribe of Dan contributed to the rich tapestry of Israel's history. The most famous Danite is Samson, a judge of Israel known for his extraordinary strength and complex narrative of faith and failure (Judges 13-16). Samson's life exemplifies the tension between divine calling and human weakness, a theme prevalent throughout the biblical narrative. Dan's legacy, as both a son of Jacob and a tribe of Israel, is a testament to the multifaceted nature of God's people. The account of Dan and his descendants serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle between faithfulness and idolatry, a theme that resonates throughout the biblical text. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 30:6And Rachel said, God has judged me, and has also heard my voice, and has given me a son: therefore called she his name Dan. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 35:25 Library Chapter xxx The Removal of Joseph's Father with all his Family, to Him, on ... The Book of Jubilees The Testament of Judah Concerning Fortitude, and Love of Money ... Chapter xlix The Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs. Here Beginneth the History of Joseph and his Brethren The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt Resources Is the original Bible still in existence? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the sin of Jeroboam? | GotQuestions.org Who was Bilhah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Dan: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Dan: A City of the Tribe of Dan: Also Called Laish, and Leshem Dan: A City of the Tribe of Dan: Capture by Ben-Hadad Dan: A City of the Tribe of Dan: Captured by the People of Dan Dan: A City of the Tribe of Dan: Idolatry Established At Dan: Fifth Son of Jacob and Bilhah Dan: Fifth Son of Jacob and Bilhah: Blessed of Jacob Dan: Fifth Son of Jacob and Bilhah: Descendants of the Tribe of Dan: A Commercial People the Tribe of Dan: A Part of Plundered Michah of his Idols and his Ephod the Tribe of Dan: A Part of Sent to Seek New Settlements the Tribe of Dan: A Part of Set up Micah's Idols in Dan the Tribe of Dan: A Part of Tool Laish and Called It Dan the Tribe of Dan: Bounds of Its Inheritance the Tribe of Dan: Descended from Jacob's Fifth Son the Tribe of Dan: Encamped North of the Tabernacle the Tribe of Dan: Led the Fourth and Last Division of Israel the Tribe of Dan: Offering of, at Dedication the Tribe of Dan: On Ebal, Said Amen to the Curses the Tribe of Dan: Persons Selected From: To Divide the Land the Tribe of Dan: Persons Selected From: To Number the People the Tribe of Dan: Persons Selected From: To Spy out the Land the Tribe of Dan: Predictions Respecting the Tribe of Dan: Reproved for not Aiding Against Sisera the Tribe of Dan: Restricted to the Hills by Amorites the Tribe of Dan: Ruler Appointed Over, by David the Tribe of Dan: Samson Was of the Tribe of Dan: some of, at Coronation of David the Tribe of Dan: Strength of, Entering Canaan the Tribe of Dan: Strength of, on Leaving Egypt Tribe of Dan: Blessed by Moses Tribe of Dan: Deborah Rebukes, for Their Cowardice Tribe of Dan: Fail to Conquer the Amorites Tribe of Dan: Inheritance of, According to the Allotment of Joshua Tribe of Dan: Position of, in Journey and Camp, During the Exodus Related Terms Kiriath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Nebuchadnezzar (90 Occurrences) Abel-beth-maacah (2 Occurrences) Abel-beth-maachah (2 Occurrences) |
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