Topical Encyclopedia The Tribe of Dan, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, holds a significant place in biblical history. Originating from Dan, the fifth son of Jacob and the firstborn of Bilhah, Rachel's maidservant, the tribe is known for its role in the division and settlement of the Promised Land.Biblical Background The tribe's patriarch, Dan, is mentioned in Genesis 30:5-6, where Rachel declares, "God has vindicated me; He has heard my voice and given me a son." Thus, she named him Dan, meaning "judge." The tribe's emblematic role as judges is reflected in their history and actions. Role in the Division of the Land In the Book of Numbers, the Israelites are instructed to divide the land of Canaan among the tribes. Numbers 34:13-29 outlines the process, where leaders from each tribe are appointed to oversee the division. From the Tribe of Dan, Bukki son of Jogli is selected for this task. Numbers 34:22 states, "The leader from the tribe of the Danites is Bukki son of Jogli." This selection underscores the tribe's involvement in the critical task of apportioning the land, a fulfillment of God's promise to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The division of the land was not merely a logistical task but a divine mandate, ensuring that each tribe received its inheritance according to God's plan. Inheritance and Settlement The initial allotment for the Tribe of Dan is described in Joshua 19:40-48. However, the Danites faced challenges in securing their territory due to pressure from the Amorites and other Canaanite inhabitants. Judges 1:34 notes, "The Amorites forced the Danites into the hill country and did not allow them to come down into the plain." In response to these challenges, a portion of the tribe sought additional territory. This led to the conquest of Laish, a city in the northern part of the land, which they renamed Dan. Judges 18:27-29 recounts this expansion: "They rebuilt the city and settled there. They named it Dan after their forefather Dan, who was born to Israel." Cultural and Spiritual Contributions The Tribe of Dan is also noted for its cultural and spiritual contributions. The most famous Danite is Samson, a judge of Israel renowned for his extraordinary strength and exploits against the Philistines, as detailed in Judges 13-16. Samson's life reflects the tribe's complex legacy of faith, strength, and struggle. Despite their initial struggles, the Danites' persistence in securing their inheritance and their role in the division of the land highlight their importance in Israel's history. The tribe's journey from the plains of Canaan to the northern reaches of the land illustrates the dynamic and often challenging process of settling the Promised Land. Torrey's Topical Textbook Numbers 34:22And the prince of the tribe of the children of Dan, Bukki the son of Jogli. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus In Judaea Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest The Iranian Conquest 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) |