Joshua 19:40-46
The seventh lot came out for the tribe of the people of Dan, according to their clans. And the territory of its inheritance included Zorah, Eshtaol, Ir-shemesh, Shaalabbin, Aijalon, Ithlah, Elon, Timnah, Ekron, Eltekeh, Gibbethon, Baalath, Jehud, Bene-berak, Gath-rimmon, and Me-jarkon and Rakkon with the territory over against Joppa.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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While this verse marks the final tribal inheritance being drawn by lot, it also subtly highlights the unique position of Dan. The tribe, often noted for its significant population, receives its portion last, suggesting a strategic placement on the frontier, bordering potentially hostile territories like the Philistines. This detail hints at a responsibility assigned to them, guarding Israel's flank as their inheritance was finalized.
This passage marks the end of the land distribution to the tribes of Israel, with the tribe of Dan receiving the seventh and final lot. Their inheritance was located on the western side, bordering the territory of the Philistines, a strategic position that later proved significant. The chapter concludes by detailing Joshua's own inheritance and the completion of the land division process before the Lord.
Joshua 19:40 tells us the seventh lot was for Dan, the last tribe to receive its inheritance. But don't let the order fool you – this tribe had a crucial role to play.
While Dan is mentioned last in this specific listing of land distribution, they were far from insignificant. At the time of the Exodus, Dan was one of the most populous tribes, second only to Judah.
A Place of Honor
During their journey through the wilderness, Dan held a strategic position, often bringing up the rear of the Israelite procession. This wasn't a place of shame, but one of protection and responsibility, guarding the rest of the tribes. Their inheritance in Canaan, though drawn last, was placed strategically along the frontier with the powerful Philistine territory. This assignment shows God’s wisdom in placing strong tribes to defend vulnerable borders.
The land assigned to Dan in this chapter eventually proved insufficient. What does this say about God's promises and our own challenges?
The descriptions of Dan's inheritance in Joshua 19:40-48 reveal a potential problem: the territory was smaller than expected, and bordered by formidable enemies like the Philistines.
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Facing Limitations
Later, the tribe of Dan would need to expand their borders, ultimately conquering the city of Leshem and renaming it Dan. This shows that sometimes, the 'inheritance' we are given might feel restrictive or incomplete. It doesn't mean God’s promise is failing, but that we might be called to faith, courage, and action to fully realize what He has provided or called us to.
Understand the original words
goral · Hebrew Noun
The method used by the Israelites, often guided by God's providence, to determine the specific geographical boundaries of tribal territories, demonstrating that the land division was divine rather than arbitrary.
nachalah · Hebrew Noun
A portion of land or property received as a legal possession, often by divine decree or ancestral succession, signifying the fulfillment of God’s covenantal promises to His people.
The allocation of land in Joshua was not merely about assigning territory but also about strategic placement. Dan's inheritance, though initially appearing small, was situated against the formidable Philistines, setting the stage for future conflicts and the rise of figures like Samson.
c. 1400 BC— this verse
Joshua Distributes Land
After conquering Canaan, Joshua, under divine guidance, divides the land among the twelve tribes of Israel by casting lots. This process determines each tribe's inheritance.
c. 1400 BC
Tribe of Dan Receives Inheritance
The tribe of Dan receives their allotted territory. Initially, their inheritance seems insufficient, prompting them to seek more land.
c. 1400 BC
Dan Conquers Leshem
The Danites attack and conquer the city of Leshem, renaming it Dan. This becomes a significant northern settlement for the tribe.
c. 1100 BC
Samson's Ministry Begins
Samson, a Danite judge, begins his period of leadership, marked by his struggles against the Philistines on the borders of Dan's territory.
c. 1000 BC
David Expands Control
King David consolidates Israelite power, pushing back the Philistine threat and establishing a more secure dominion over the land, including the region of Dan.
This passage highlights the Danites' struggle for their allotted land, having to fight and take territory because their initial inheritance was insufficient. It shows that receiving a lot didn't guarantee easy possession, echoing the challenges faced by many tribes.
Judges 18:1-31This narrative describes the Danites migrating north to find a new, more secure inheritance, illustrating the difficulties they faced in settling their original territory and their resourcefulness in seeking land.
Numbers 1:39This verse shows that the tribe of Dan was one of the most numerous at the time of the census in the wilderness, making their eventual struggle for territory and limited inheritance in Joshua 19 more poignant.
Joshua 19:10This verse describes the inheritance for Zebulun, which borders Asher and Naphtali, and is adjacent to the regions that would eventually be settled by Dan according to their lot. This highlights the interconnectedness of the tribal boundaries.
Genesis 49:16-17This prophetic blessing from Jacob speaks of Dan being 'a serpent in the way, a viper by the path,' which resonates with their later history of warfare and territorial struggles, including their efforts to secure their inheritance.
calvinJoshua 19:32-51: "The sixth lot came out to the children of Naphtali, even for the children of Naphtali according to their families."
And then the coast turns westward to Aznothtabor, and goeth out from thence to Hukkok, and reacheth to Zebulun on the south side, and reacheth to Asher on the west side, and to Judah upon Jordan toward the sunrising.
Postea revertitur terminus ad mare ad Aznoth-thabor: et progreditur illinc in Huccoc, et pervenit ad Zabulon a meridie, et ad Aser pervenit…
ellicottJoshua 19:40: "And the seventh lot came out for the tribe of the children of Dan according to their families."
(40) The seventh lot . . . of the children of Dan. —Dan was the most numerous tribe, next to Judah, in each census taken during the exodus. (See Numbers 1, 26) This tribe had also had a post of honour in being commander of the rear-guard during the march. A similar post is here assigned to Dan in Palestine, viz., next to Judah, on the side of the Philistine territory. The Philistines w…
While this verse marks the final tribal inheritance being drawn by lot, it also subtly highlights the unique position of Dan. The tribe, often noted for its significant population, receives its portion last, suggesting a strategic placement on the frontier, bordering potentially hostile territories like the Philistines. This detail hints at a responsibility assigned to them, guarding Israel's flank as their inheritance was finalized.
This passage marks the end of the land distribution to the tribes of Israel, with the tribe of Dan receiving the seventh and final lot. Their inheritance was located on the western side, bordering the territory of the Philistines, a strategic position that later proved significant. The chapter concludes by detailing Joshua's own inheritance and the completion of the land division process before the Lord.
This passage marks the end of the land distribution to the tribes of Israel, with the tribe of Dan receiving the seventh and final lot. Their inheritance was located on the western side, bordering the territory of the Philistines, a strategic position that later proved significant. The chapter concludes by detailing Joshua's own inheritance and the completion of the land division process before the Lord.
"The seventh lot came out for the tribe of the people of Dan, according to their clans. And the territory of its inheritance included Zorah, Eshtaol, Ir-shemesh, Shaalabbin, Aijalon, Ithlah, Elon, Timnah, Ekron, Eltekeh, Gibbethon, Baalath,…" — While this verse marks the final tribal inheritance being drawn by lot, it also subtly highlights the unique position of Dan. The tribe, often noted for its significant population, receives its porti…
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