Judges 18:29

They named it Dan, after their forefather Dan, who was born to Israel--though the city was formerly named Laish.

Study Bible

They named it Dan
The act of naming in the ancient Near Eastern context was significant, often reflecting ownership, authority, or a new beginning. The tribe of Dan, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, sought to establish their identity and claim over the land by renaming the city. This act of renaming signifies a transformation and a new chapter for the people of Dan. In Hebrew, "Dan" means "judge," which is fitting as the tribe sought to establish justice and order in their new territory.

after their forefather Dan
Dan, the fifth son of Jacob and the firstborn of Bilhah, Rachel's maidservant, holds a place of importance in the tribal history of Israel. By naming the city after their forefather, the Danites were not only honoring their lineage but also reinforcing their connection to the promises given to the patriarchs. This reflects a deep sense of identity and continuity with the past, emphasizing the importance of heritage and legacy in the biblical narrative.

who was born to Israel
The use of "Israel" here refers to Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel after wrestling with God (Genesis 32:28). This highlights the covenant relationship between God and the descendants of Jacob. By mentioning that Dan was born to Israel, the text underscores the divine promise and blessing that extends to the tribe of Dan as part of the chosen people. It serves as a reminder of their place within the larger narrative of God's plan for Israel.

though the city was formerly named Laish
Laish was an ancient city known for its peaceful and prosperous existence, located in the northern part of Canaan. The mention of its former name, Laish, provides historical context and highlights the transformation that took place. Archaeological evidence suggests that Laish was a well-fortified city, which the Danites conquered and renamed. This change of name from Laish to Dan signifies not only a physical conquest but also a spiritual and cultural shift as the Danites sought to establish their presence and influence in the region.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Dan
The fifth son of Jacob (Israel) and Bilhah, Rachel's maidservant. The tribe of Dan is one of the twelve tribes of Israel, named after him.

2. Laish
An ancient city in the northern part of Canaan, originally inhabited by a peaceful and isolated people before being conquered by the tribe of Dan.

3. The Tribe of Dan
One of the twelve tribes of Israel, known for their struggle to find a permanent inheritance in the Promised Land, leading them to capture Laish and rename it Dan.

4. Israel (Jacob)
The patriarch whose twelve sons became the progenitors of the twelve tribes of Israel. The renaming of Laish to Dan connects back to the heritage of Israel.

5. Conquest of Laish
An event where the Danites, seeking a territory, captured the city of Laish, destroyed it, and rebuilt it as their own city, renaming it Dan.

Teaching Points

Heritage and Identity
The renaming of Laish to Dan signifies the importance of heritage and identity. As Christians, we are reminded of our identity in Christ and the importance of living in a way that honors our spiritual heritage.

Seeking God's Will
The tribe of Dan's search for a homeland highlights the importance of seeking God's will and guidance in our pursuits. We must ensure our actions align with God's plans rather than our own desires.

Consequences of Disobedience
The absence of Dan in the list of tribes in Revelation may serve as a warning about the consequences of disobedience and idolatry. It is crucial to remain faithful to God's commandments.

Community and Legacy
The actions of the Danites in renaming the city reflect the impact of community decisions on legacy. Our choices today can affect future generations, emphasizing the need for godly leadership and decision-making.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the renaming of Laish to Dan reveal about the importance of identity and heritage in the Bible, and how can this apply to our Christian identity today?

2. How does the account of the tribe of Dan's conquest of Laish illustrate the challenges of seeking God's will, and what steps can we take to ensure our actions align with His plans?

3. Considering the absence of Dan in Revelation 7, what lessons can we learn about the consequences of disobedience and idolatry in our own spiritual lives?

4. In what ways can the decisions of a community or group impact its legacy, and how can we apply this understanding to our roles within the church and society?

5. How can the account of the tribe of Dan encourage us to reflect on our own spiritual journey and the legacy we are building for future generations?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 49:16-17
Jacob's blessing to Dan, where he prophesies that Dan will provide justice for his people. This connects to the tribe's later actions in seeking their own land.

Joshua 19:40-48
The allocation of land to the tribe of Dan, which they found insufficient, leading to their conquest of Laish.

Revelation 7:4-8
The listing of the tribes of Israel, where Dan is notably absent, possibly reflecting their struggles and failures in maintaining faithfulness.