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 often associated with both strength and complexity. The name "Dan" means "judge," reflecting the role of judgment and leadership that the tribe occasionally played in Israel's history.Biblical Census and Leadership In the biblical narrative, the Tribe of Dan was included in the censuses conducted during the Israelites' wilderness journey. These censuses were commanded by God to organize the people for both military and religious purposes. The Book of Numbers provides detailed accounts of these censuses, highlighting the importance of each tribe in the formation of the nation of Israel. First Census: Numbers 1 The first census, as recorded in Numbers 1, was conducted in the second year after the Israelites' exodus from Egypt. The purpose was to count all the men able to serve in the army, from twenty years old and upward. From the Tribe of Dan, Ahiezer son of Ammishaddai was chosen as the leader to assist in this task. Numbers 1:38-39 states: "From the sons of Dan: their genealogies according to their clans and families, the number of names of those twenty years of age or older, everyone who could serve in the army, those registered to the tribe of Dan numbered 62,700." Ahiezer's role was crucial, as he represented the tribe in the assembly of leaders who were responsible for organizing and mobilizing the people. His leadership ensured that the tribe was accounted for and ready to fulfill its duties in the community. Second Census: Numbers 26 A second census was conducted nearly forty years later, as recorded in Numbers 26, after a generation had passed in the wilderness. This census was necessary to prepare the new generation for entering the Promised Land. Once again, the Tribe of Dan was counted, and the number of men able to serve was recorded. Numbers 26:42-43 states: "These were the descendants of Dan by their clans: The Shuhamite clan from Shuham. These were the clans of Dan, and all of them numbered 64,400." The increase in numbers from the first to the second census indicates the tribe's growth and resilience despite the challenges faced during the wilderness period. Role and Significance The Tribe of Dan's participation in these censuses underscores its integral role within the nation of Israel. As a tribe known for its warriors and judges, Dan contributed to the military strength and judicial leadership of the Israelites. The tribe's strategic position in the encampment and its involvement in the census reflect its importance in the collective identity and mission of the people of God. Throughout biblical history, the Tribe of Dan is depicted with a dual nature—both as a source of strength and as a tribe that occasionally strayed from its covenantal obligations. Nevertheless, its inclusion in the censuses highlights its enduring place among the tribes of Israel, contributing to the fulfillment of God's promises to His people. Torrey's Topical Textbook Numbers 1:12Of Dan; Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The First Part The Mystery Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest The Marvels of Holy Scripture, --Moral and Physical. --Jael's Deed ... The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus In Judaea The Iranian Conquest Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ... From the Close of the General Conference of 1824 to the ... The Mystery Resources Who was Dan in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat can we learn from the tribe of Dan? | GotQuestions.org What is Ugaritic, and what does it have to do with 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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