Joshua 19:47

(Later, when the territory of the Danites was lost to them, they went up and fought against Leshem, captured it, and put it to the sword. So they took possession of Leshem, settled there, and renamed it after their father Dan.)

Study Bible

Later, when the territory of the Danites was lost to them
The tribe of Dan initially received an allotment of land in the central coastal region of Canaan, near the Philistines. However, due to their inability to fully conquer and hold this territory, they faced pressure from surrounding peoples. This reflects the broader theme in Judges of Israel's struggle to fully possess the land due to incomplete obedience to God's commands. The loss of territory highlights the consequences of failing to drive out the inhabitants as instructed in earlier passages.

they went up and fought against Leshem
Leshem, also known as Laish, was a city located in the northern part of Canaan, near the sources of the Jordan River. The Danites' decision to move northward and attack Leshem indicates their search for a more secure and defensible location. This action is detailed further in Judges 18, where the Danites send spies to explore the land and eventually decide to conquer Leshem. The phrase "went up" suggests a journey from a lower to a higher elevation, typical of the topography in Israel.

captured it, and put it to the sword
The capture and destruction of Leshem by the Danites involved a complete military conquest, as indicated by the phrase "put it to the sword." This was a common practice in ancient warfare, often involving the killing of the inhabitants and the destruction of the city. The conquest of Leshem is reminiscent of earlier Israelite conquests in Canaan, where cities were devoted to destruction as part of God's judgment on the Canaanite peoples.

So they took possession of Leshem, settled there
After capturing Leshem, the Danites took possession of the city and settled there, establishing it as their new tribal inheritance. This relocation reflects the adaptability and resilience of the tribe in seeking a place where they could thrive. The settlement of Leshem by the Danites fulfilled their need for a secure homeland, albeit outside their original allotment.

and renamed it after their father Dan
Renaming Leshem to Dan signifies the tribe's assertion of identity and heritage. Naming places after ancestors was a common practice in the ancient Near East, serving to establish a connection with the past and assert ownership. The name Dan, meaning "judge," is significant in the biblical narrative, as it reflects the role of the tribe in Israel's history. This renaming also connects to the broader biblical theme of God’s people establishing their identity in the Promised Land.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Danites
One of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Dan, the son of Jacob and Bilhah. The tribe initially struggled to secure their allotted inheritance.

2. Leshem
A city that the Danites captured and renamed Dan. It represents the struggle and eventual success of the Danites in securing a place to settle.

3. Dan
The patriarch of the tribe of Dan. The city of Leshem was renamed in his honor, signifying the tribe's connection to their ancestral roots.

4. Territory of Dan
Originally allotted land that the Danites found difficult to secure, leading them to seek new territory.

5. Capture and Settlement
The event where the Danites took military action to secure a new homeland, demonstrating their determination and reliance on God's promise.

Teaching Points

Perseverance in God's Promises
The Danites' journey teaches us the importance of perseverance in the face of challenges. Despite initial setbacks, they trusted in God's promise and took action to secure their inheritance.

Faith and Action
The capture of Leshem illustrates the balance between faith and action. The Danites believed in God's promise and took practical steps to achieve it, reminding us that faith often requires us to act courageously.

Identity and Heritage
Renaming Leshem to Dan signifies the importance of identity and heritage. As Christians, we are called to remember our spiritual heritage and live in a way that honors our identity in Christ.

God's Sovereignty and Timing
The delay in securing their land reminds us that God's timing is perfect. We may face delays and detours, but God's plans are ultimately for our good and His glory.

Bible Study Questions

1. What challenges did the Danites face in securing their inheritance, and how did they overcome them?

2. How does the account of the Danites' capture of Leshem encourage us to balance faith and action in our own lives?

3. In what ways can we honor our spiritual heritage and identity in Christ, similar to how the Danites honored their ancestor Dan?

4. How can we trust in God's sovereignty and timing when we face delays or setbacks in our own lives?

5. What other biblical examples can you think of where perseverance and faith led to the fulfillment of God's promises? How do these examples inspire you?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Judges 18
This chapter provides a more detailed account of the Danites' journey to capture Leshem (also known as Laish), highlighting their struggles and eventual success.

Genesis 49:16-17
Jacob's blessing over Dan, which speaks to the tribe's future role and challenges, can be seen as prophetic of their struggles and eventual triumph.

Deuteronomy 33:22
Moses' blessing over Dan, describing them as a lion's cub, which can be interpreted as a symbol of strength and tenacity.