Topical Encyclopedia The Tribe of Dan holds a unique place among the tribes of Israel, being the fifth son of Jacob and the firstborn of Bilhah, Rachel's maidservant. The name "Dan" means "judge," reflecting Rachel's declaration, "God has vindicated me; He has listened to my plea and given me a son" (Genesis 30:6). This tribe is noted for its role in leading the fourth and last division of Israel during the wilderness journey.Genealogy and Early History Dan was born to Jacob and Bilhah, and his descendants formed one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The tribe's genealogy is outlined in Genesis 46:23, where Dan's sons are mentioned. The tribe's population grew significantly, as recorded in the census taken in the wilderness, numbering 62,700 men able to go to war (Numbers 1:39). Position in the Camp and March During the Israelites' journey through the wilderness, the tribe of Dan was assigned a specific position in the camp and during the march. According to Numbers 2:25-31, Dan was positioned on the north side of the tabernacle, leading the fourth and last division of Israel. This division included the tribes of Asher and Naphtali, with Dan serving as the leader. The tribe's standard bore the image of an eagle or serpent, symbolizing their role as judges and warriors. Territorial Inheritance Upon entering the Promised Land, the tribe of Dan was allotted a portion of land in the coastal region of Canaan, as described in Joshua 19:40-48. However, the Danites struggled to fully possess their inheritance due to the presence of strong Canaanite forces. 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). Role in Israel's History The tribe of Dan played a significant role in the history of Israel, both positively and negatively. They were known for their military prowess, as seen in the exploits of Samson, one of the most famous judges of Israel, who hailed from the tribe of Dan (Judges 13-16). Samson's feats against the Philistines demonstrated the tribe's strength and potential for leadership. However, the tribe also faced challenges, particularly in maintaining faithfulness to God. The account in Judges 18 details how the Danites established a center of idolatry in their northern territory, setting up a carved image and appointing their own priests. This act of apostasy had long-lasting implications for the spiritual state of the tribe and the nation. Prophetic Significance The tribe of Dan is notably absent from the list of tribes in Revelation 7, where the 144,000 sealed servants of God are mentioned. This omission has been the subject of much speculation and interpretation, often viewed as a consequence of the tribe's idolatry and unfaithfulness. Despite these challenges, the tribe of Dan remains an integral part of Israel's history and identity. Their legacy as judges and warriors, as well as their struggles with idolatry, serve as a reminder of the complexities and challenges faced by the people of God throughout biblical history. Torrey's Topical Textbook Numbers 2:31All they that were numbered in the camp of Dan were an hundred thousand and fifty and seven thousand and six hundred. They shall go hindmost with their standards. Torrey's Topical Textbook Numbers 10:25 Library The Jewish Institutions and Laws of Far Higher Antiquity than the ... Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ... The Israelites The Sibylline Oracles. Jesus Sets Out from Jud??a for Galilee. The Historical Books. The Prophecies Against Jovinianus. The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ... 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 The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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