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). As the Israelites departed from Egypt, the tribe of Dan played a significant role in the formation and journey of the nation through the wilderness.Numerical Strength The strength of the Tribe of Dan is first noted in the census taken at Mount Sinai, as recorded in the Book of Numbers. According to Numbers 1:38-39 , "From the sons of Dan, their genealogies according to their clans and families, were counted, every male twenty years of age or older, everyone who could serve in the army, those registered to the tribe of Dan numbered 62,700." This substantial number highlights Dan as one of the larger tribes, reflecting its significant contribution to the military and communal life of Israel. Position in the Camp In the arrangement of the Israelite camp, the Tribe of Dan held a strategic position. Numbers 2:25-26 states, "On the north side, the divisions of Dan are to camp under their standard, with the leader of the Danites being Ahiezer son of Ammishaddai. His division Numbers 62,700." Positioned on the north side, Dan was part of the rear guard during the Israelites' march, a role that underscored their strength and responsibility in protecting the community from potential threats. Role in the March The tribe's role in the march through the wilderness is further emphasized in Numbers 10:25 : "Finally, the divisions of the camp of Dan set out, under their standard, as the rear guard for all the units, with Ahiezer son of Ammishaddai in command." As the rear guard, the Tribe of Dan was tasked with ensuring the safety and cohesion of the Israelite procession, a testament to their strength and reliability. Blessing of Jacob The patriarch Jacob's blessing of Dan also alludes to the tribe's strength and future role among the tribes of Israel. In Genesis 49:16-17 , Jacob declares, "Dan shall provide justice for his people as one of the tribes of Israel. Dan shall be a serpent by the road, a viper in the path, that bites the horse’s heels so that its rider tumbles backward." This imagery suggests a cunning and strategic strength, capable of overcoming adversaries through wisdom and surprise. Military Capability The military capability of the Tribe of Dan is further illustrated in the account of the conquest of Canaan. Although initially unable to secure their allotted territory, the Danites demonstrated their martial prowess by capturing the city of Laish, renaming it Dan (Judges 18:27-29). This conquest reflects their determination and ability to establish a foothold in the Promised Land despite earlier challenges. Symbolic Representation In the broader narrative of Israel's journey from Egypt to the Promised Land, the Tribe of Dan symbolizes both the physical and strategic strength necessary for the survival and success of the nation. Their role as protectors and their significant numbers underscore their importance in the collective identity and mission of the Israelites as they transitioned from slavery to nationhood. Torrey's Topical Textbook Numbers 1:38,39Of the children of Dan, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war; Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt Jeroboam Scriptural Poems; Being Several Portions of Scripture Digested ... The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest Against Jovinianus. The Letter of the Church of Rome The Journey of the Three Holy Kings to Bethlehem The Prophet Amos. The Iranian Conquest 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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