Dan was one of the twelve tribes of Israel and is mentioned frequently throughout the Old Testament. The tribe of Dan descended from Dan, the fifth son of Jacob with Bilhah, Rachel’s maidservant (Genesis 30:1-6). Dan means “he judged” or “judge” in Hebrew.
When Jacob blessed his sons before his death, he said of Dan: “Dan shall judge his people as one of the tribes of Israel. Dan shall be a serpent in the way, a viper by the path, that bites the horse’s heels so that his rider shall fall backward” (Genesis 49:16-17). This was a prophecy that the tribe of Dan would be known for its judges and warriors.
During the time of the Exodus, the tribe of Dan had 62,700 men twenty years old and upward able to serve in war (Numbers 1:39). When the Israelites camped and traveled through the wilderness, the tribe of Dan was part of the camp to the north side of the tabernacle along with Asher and Naphtali (Numbers 2:25-31).
When Joshua led the Israelites into the Promised Land, Dan was allotted land west of Benjamin and Ephraim (Joshua 19:40-48). However, they were unable to fully drive out the Amorites from their territory, who pressed them into the hill country (Judges 1:34). As a result, they later sought out new territory in the north.
During the period of the judges, the tribe of Dan settled in the northernmost part of the Promised Land. Judges 18 records how the Danites migrated north and conquered the city of Laish, renaming it Dan. This became the northern limit of the nation of Israel.
Dan was also the location of one of the golden calves set up by Jeroboam, designed to prevent the northern tribes from going to Jerusalem to worship (1 Kings 12:25-30). The city of Dan became a major center for idolatrous worship.
When the kingdom divided, Dan was part of the northern kingdom of Israel. During times of apostasy, theDanites were often among the first to fall into idolatry and corruption.
Several important biblical figures came from the tribe of Dan:
- Samson, the famous judge, was from the tribe of Dan (Judges 13:2). He defended Israel against the Philistines.
- Hushai, David’s friend who thwarted the advice of Ahithophel during Absalom’s rebellion (2 Samuel 15:32-37).
- Aholiab, a gifted artisan who worked on the tabernacle (Exodus 31:6).
In the distribution of land under Joshua, Dan had territory west of Benjamin and beside Ephraim. The Amorites forced Dan into the hills (Judges 1:34), so they went north and captured Laish/Dan (Judges 18). Dan was thus the northern limit of Israel (Judges 20:1). Unfortunately, Dan became a center of idolatry (1 Kings 12:28-30).
Dan is omitted from the tribes listed in Revelation 7:5-8. However, the prophets assured that Israel would one day be fully restored with Dan included (Ezekiel 48:1-2, 32).
Here is a brief summary of some key details about the tribe of Dan in Scripture:
- Descended from Jacob’s son Dan, son of Bilhah (Genesis 30:1-6)
- Dan means “he judged” or “judge” in Hebrew
- Prophesied to be judges and warriors (Genesis 49:16-17)
- 62,700 fighting men at the Exodus (Numbers 1:39)
- Camped north of the tabernacle with Asher and Naphtali (Numbers 2:25-31)
- Allotted land west of Benjamin and Ephraim (Joshua 19:40-48)
- Unable to fully drive out the Amorites (Judges 1:34)
- Migrated north and conquered Laish/Dan (Judges 18)
- Northern limit of the nation of Israel
- Site of Jeroboam’s idolatrous golden calf (1 Kings 12:25-30)
- Important figures include Samson, Hushai, Aholiab
- Omitted from tribes in Revelation 7, but to be restored (Ezekiel 48:1-2, 32)
The story of Dan illustrates some important themes. God faithfully fulfills His promises and prophecies, though His people often fail through disobedience. Ultimately, God will restore all of His people. The tribe’s history also shows the high cost of idolatry and spiritual compromise.
Dan in Genesis
The story of Dan began with his birth to Jacob and Bilhah in Paddan Aram (Genesis 30:1-6). Bilhah was Rachel’s servant, and Rachel gave her to Jacob when she was unable to have children herself. Dan was the fifth son born to Jacob.
Rachel said “God has judged me, and has also heard my voice and given me a son.” So she named him Dan, which sounds like the Hebrew for “he judged” or “judge.” This perhaps foreshadowed the future judges and warriors that would come from Dan.
Later, when Jacob blessed his sons before his death, he said this about Dan:
Dan shall judge his people as one of the tribes of Israel. Dan shall be a serpent in the way, a viper by the path, that bites the horse’s heels so that his rider shall fall backward. (Genesis 49:16-17)
This prophesied that the tribe of Dan would be known for its judges and warriors. The description of a serpent and viper likely referred to their skill in warfare.
So the origins of Dan showed God’s purpose and plan for him, establishing his identity as a son of Israel with a prophetic destiny.
Dan during the Exodus
When Moses and Aaron numbered the Israelites at Mount Sinai, the tribe of Dan had 62,700 men twenty years old and upward who could go to war (Numbers 1:39). They were the second largest tribe, after Judah.
When Israel camped and traveled in the wilderness, Dan was situated on the north side of the tabernacle, along with the tribes of Asher and Naphtali (Numbers 2:25-31).
During their time in the wilderness, the Danites faithfully followed God under Moses’ leadership. Key figures from Dan at this time included Ahiezer son of Ammishaddai, the leader of the tribe (Numbers 1:12), and Aholiab son of Ahisamach, a gifted craftsman who worked on constructing the tabernacle (Exodus 31:6).
So during the Exodus, Dan was an important and large tribe of Israel, strategic in location and blessed with capable leaders and skilled craftsmen.
Dan in the Promised Land
When Joshua led Israel into Canaan, the Danites received their tribal allotment of land by lot. It was located west of Benjamin and Ephraim (Joshua 19:40-48).
However, Judges 1 records that Dan was unable to fully drive out the Amorites from their territory. The Amorites pressed them into the hill country and did not allow them to come down into the plain (Judges 1:34).
As a result, the tribe of Dan continued to seek expanded territory. Judges 18 records how they sent five spies north who came to Laish. They discovered a lush, unsuspecting land. The Danites sent 600 soldiers who conquered Laish and renamed it Dan (Judges 18:1-29). This became the northern boundary of Israel “from Dan to Beersheba” (Judges 20:1).
Unfortunately, when Jeroboam became king over the northern kingdom of Israel, he set up a golden calf in Dan for the people to worship instead of going to Jerusalem (1 Kings 12:25-30). Dan thus became a major center of idolatry.
So during the settlement period, Dan regained prominence as a powerful tribe and city. But the idolatry set up at Dan would bring God’s judgment on the nation.
Important Figures from Dan
Several important biblical figures came from the tribe of Dan:
- Samson – The famous judge and Nazirite who defended Israel against the Philistines was from Zorah in the territory of Dan (Judges 13:2). God used Samson and his miraculous strength to deliver His people.
- Hushai – David’s friend who served as an advisor to Absalom but thwarted the counsel of Ahithophel, helping David defeat Absalom’s rebellion (2 Samuel 15:32-37).
- Aholiab – Skilled craftsman called and empowered by God to work on the tabernacle (Exodus 31:6).
So Dan produced mighty warriors, a key advisor to King David, and gifted artisans for the work of the tabernacle.
Dan in Bible Prophecy
Dan is noticeably absent from the list of tribes in Revelation 7:5-8. It is unknown why Dan was excluded. Some speculate it was punishment for their idolatry.
However, the prophets affirm that in the future, Israel will be fully restored as a nation with all twelve tribes, including Dan:
“These are the names of the tribes: Beginning at the northern frontier, Dan…” (Ezekiel 48:1)
“And the gates of the city shall be named after the tribes of Israel, three gates northward…the gate of Dan.” (Ezekiel 48:32)
So despite Dan’s spiritual failures, God’s promises prevail. Dan will be restored with the people of God.
Lessons from the Tribe of Dan
What can we learn from the story of Dan?
- God is faithful – He fulfilled His plan for Dan’s identity and purpose, despite Dan’s failures.
- Idolatry is dangerous – Compromise and false worship at Dan led to judgment.
- Restoration comes through Christ – Though excluded in Revelation, Dan will be restored in the end.
- Obedience leads to blessing – When Dan obeyed, they were blessed and empowered.
The story of Dan is ultimately one of human failure and God’s faithfulness. Despite Israel’s disobedience, God persisted in His promises to restore them fully. This finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the redeemer of all God’s people.
Conclusion
Dan was the fifth son of Jacob whose life spanned Genesis to Revelation. His story illustrates many themes found throughout Scripture. God is faithful to fulfill His Word despite human failure. Disobedience leads to judgment, but restoration comes through Christ. And God equips those who faithfully follow His purpose.
While Dan was far from perfect, this tribe produced mighty warriors, skilled craftsmen, and future judges of Israel according to God’s intended blessings. The ups and downs of Dan’s history instruct all believers about the high costs of idolatry and spiritual compromise.
Most importantly, Dan testifies to God’s persistent faithfulness and the certainty of His future restoration of all His people through Jesus Christ.