Topical Encyclopedia Reference: 2 Samuel 24:6Biblical Context: Dan-jaan is mentioned in the context of King David's census of Israel, as recorded in 2 Samuel 24. The passage describes the journey of Joab and the commanders of the army as they traveled throughout the land to count the people. The specific verse, 2 Samuel 24:6, states: "Then they went to Gilead and to the land of Tahtim-hodshi, and they came to Dan-jaan and around to Sidon." Geographical Significance: Dan-jaan is believed to be a location in the northern part of ancient Israel. The exact identification of Dan-jaan is uncertain, as it is not mentioned elsewhere in the Bible or in extrabiblical sources. Some scholars suggest that Dan-jaan may be a variant or a scribal error for the more commonly known city of Dan, which was located near the northern border of Israel. Dan was a significant city, often associated with the tribe of Dan, and served as a northern boundary marker for the land of Israel. Historical and Cultural Insights: The mention of Dan-jaan in the context of the census highlights the extensive reach of David's kingdom and the administrative efforts to account for the population. The census itself was a significant event, as it was ordered by King David but later led to divine displeasure and a subsequent plague upon Israel (2 Samuel 24:10-15). This episode underscores the importance of obedience to God's commands and the potential consequences of actions taken without divine approval. Theological Implications: From a theological perspective, the mention of Dan-jaan, along with other locations in the census account, serves to illustrate the comprehensive nature of God's sovereignty over the entire land of Israel. The census, while a human endeavor, ultimately falls under the purview of divine authority. The narrative reminds believers of the importance of seeking God's guidance in all matters, recognizing His ultimate control over nations and peoples. Linguistic Considerations: The name "Dan-jaan" itself is intriguing, as it combines "Dan," a name meaning "judge" or "he judged," with "jaan," which is less clear in meaning. Some propose that "jaan" could be related to a word meaning "wood" or "forest," suggesting a possible geographical feature of the area. However, due to the lack of additional references, these interpretations remain speculative. Conclusion: While Dan-jaan remains an enigmatic location within the biblical narrative, its mention in the context of David's census provides valuable insights into the historical and theological landscape of ancient Israel. The passage serves as a reminder of the importance of divine guidance and the far-reaching extent of God's dominion over His chosen people. Easton's Bible Dictionary Woodland Dan, a place probably somewhere in the direction of Dan, near the sources of the Jordan (2 Samuel 24:6). The LXX. and the Vulgate read "Dan-ja'ar", i.e., "Dan in the forest." International Standard Bible Encyclopedia DAN-JAANdan-ja'-an (dan ya`-an; B, Dan Eidan kai Oudan): A place visited by Joab and his officers when taking the census (2 Samuel 24:6). It is mentioned between Gilead and Sidon. Some would identify it with Khan Danian, a ruined site North of Achzib. The text is probably corrupt. Klostermann would read "toward Dan and Ijon" (compare 1 Kings 15:20). Strong's Hebrew 1842. Dan Yaan -- a place in Palestine... Dan Yaan. 1843 . a place in Palestine. Transliteration: Dan Yaan Phonetic Spelling: (dawn yah'-an) Short Definition: Dan-jaan. ... NASB Word Usage Dan-jaan (1). ... /hebrew/1842.htm - 6k Library Chapter xiv Thesaurus Danjaan (1 Occurrence)... and the Vulgate read "Dan-ja'ar", ie, "Dan in the forest.". Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. DAN-JAAN. ... Multi-Version Concordance Danjaan (1 Occurrence). ... /d/danjaan.htm - 7k Dan-jaan (1 Occurrence) Danites (15 Occurrences) Zidon (25 Occurrences) Jaan (1 Occurrence) Tahtimhodshi (1 Occurrence) Tahtim-hodshi (1 Occurrence) Tahtim (1 Occurrence) Environs (7 Occurrences) 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 Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Dan-jaan (1 Occurrence)2 Samuel 24:6 Subtopics Dan-Jaan: A Place Near the Source of the Jordan River Related Terms |