Topical Bible: the Tribe of Dan: Families of

Bible > Topical > the Tribe of Dan

◄ the Tribe of Dan: Families of ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The Tribe of Dan, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, traces its lineage to Dan, the fifth son of Jacob and the firstborn of Bilhah, Rachel's maidservant (Genesis 30:5-6). The name "Dan" means "judge," reflecting Rachel's declaration, "God has vindicated me; He has listened to my voice and given me a son" (Genesis 30:6).

Genealogical Background

The tribe's genealogical record is primarily found in the Book of Numbers, where the descendants of Dan are listed. The tribe is represented by a single family line, that of Shuham, also referred to as Hushim in some translations. Numbers 26:42 states, "These were the descendants of Dan by their clans: The Shuhamite clan from Shuham. These were the clans of Dan by their families" .

Census and Military Strength

During the wilderness period, the tribe of Dan was noted for its significant numbers. In the first census taken at Mount Sinai, the tribe numbered 62,700 men of fighting age (Numbers 1:39). By the time of the second census, just before entering the Promised Land, the tribe's numbers had slightly increased to 64,400 (Numbers 26:43). This growth underscores the tribe's strength and importance within the Israelite community.

Territorial Inheritance

The tribe of Dan was initially allocated a portion of land in the southwestern part of Canaan, bordering the Philistine territory (Joshua 19:40-48). However, due to pressure from the Philistines and other neighboring peoples, the Danites found it challenging to fully occupy their inheritance. This led to a portion of the tribe seeking additional territory in the north, where they captured the city of Laish and renamed it Dan (Judges 18:27-29).

Notable Figures

One of the most prominent figures from the tribe of Dan is Samson, a judge of Israel renowned for his extraordinary strength and exploits against the Philistines (Judges 13-16). Samson's life and actions are emblematic of the tribe's struggles and interactions with surrounding nations.

Religious and Cultural Contributions

The tribe of Dan played a complex role in Israel's religious history. While they were part of the united confederation of tribes, the Danites also established a center of worship in the city of Dan, which later became associated with idolatry. Judges 18:30-31 recounts how the Danites set up a carved image, and Jonathan, a descendant of Moses, served as their priest.

Prophetic References

In the prophetic blessings of Jacob, Dan is described as "a serpent by the road, a viper along the path, that bites the horse’s heels so that its rider tumbles backward" (Genesis 49:17). This imagery suggests a tribe that, though small, would have a significant impact on its enemies. Similarly, Moses' blessing in Deuteronomy 33:22 likens Dan to a lion's cub, indicating strength and ferocity.

The tribe of Dan's legacy is marked by its initial promise, territorial challenges, and complex religious history. Despite these challenges, the tribe's contributions to the narrative of Israel remain significant, reflecting both the struggles and the resilience of the people of God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Numbers 26:42
These are the sons of Dan after their families: of Shuham, the family of the Shuhamites. These are the families of Dan after their families.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Jeroboam
... Not only do two families differ widely in their talents ... Bethel and the other put
he in Dan." This was ... the precedence and supremacy of the rival tribe of Judah ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/milligan/men of the bible some lesser-known/jeroboam.htm

How Zerah, King of the Ethiopians, was Beaten by Asa; and How Asa ...
... Mareshah, a city that belonged to the tribe of Judah ... of them, and spoiled others;
Ijon, and Dan, and Abelmain ... that no one person of their families should remain ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 12 how zerah king.htm

The Israelites
... origin alike to Judah, to Simeon, and to Dan; of Kenites ... and it may be that the name
of the tribe of Benjamin ... But they were all families within a single family ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter i the israelites.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... Tradition attributed the misfortunes of the tribe to the crime of its ... Ephraim, Gad,
and Manasseh comprised many powerful and wealthy families; Dan, on the ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

A Nation's Struggle for a Home and Freedom.
... In this more favorable environment their families and their flocks ... To a chief of
a northern tribe of Napthali ... The distant tribes of Asher, Dan and Reuben were ...
/.../kent/the making of a nation/study xii a nations struggle.htm

The Divided Kingdom.
... (4) The ambition of Jeroboam, of the tribe of Ephraim ... The establishment of idol worship
at Dan and Bethel ... sealed by an intermarriage between the families of Ahab ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter xiii the divided kingdom.htm

Scriptural Poems; Being Several Portions of Scripture Digested ...
... dwelt a man, His name Manoah, of the tribe of Dan ... began, At times to move him in
the camp of Dan. ... them with fit supplies Of bread, according to their families. ...
/.../scriptural poems being several portions.htm

Questions.
... 6. Of what tribe was David? ... 18. What marriage took place between the royal families
of Egypt and Syria? 19. How had it been foretold?"Dan. xi.6. 20. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/questions.htm

Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
... The Syrians belonged to the second of these families, that next in order to the
Egyptians, and the name ... These were the Amorites which the tribe of Dan at a ...
/.../chapter iisyria at the beginning.htm

The Blessing of Jacob Upon Judah. (Gen. Xlix. 8-10. )
... promise in Genesis 12:3, "In thee all the families of the ... the three other sons of
the maids, viz., Dan, Asher, and ... Judah is the chief tribe on the chief side. ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the blessing of jacob upon.htm