Breakdown of Joshua 19:40-47

"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,…" — This verse highlights the surprising reality that Dan, the tribe once noted as the most numerous (except for Judah) and holding a strategic rear-guard position, received the seventh lot, suggesting…

Joshua 19:40-47 Meaning Explained

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Joshua 19:40-47

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. When the territory of the people of Dan was lost to them, the people of Dan went up and fought against Leshem, and after capturing it and striking it with the sword they took possession of it and settled in it, calling Leshem, Dan, after the name of Dan their ancestor.

English Standard Version (ESV)

This verse highlights the surprising reality that Dan, the tribe once noted as the most numerous (except for Judah) and holding a strategic rear-guard position, received the seventh lot, suggesting it wasn't the most desirable territory initially. Its inheritance was further complicated by the fact that its assigned land was encroached upon, requiring them to fight for and expand their borders later.

What Joshua 19:40-47 means

This verse marks the seventh and final tribal inheritance being designated by lot, following the lengthy accounts of the previous tribes. The tribe of Dan, historically a significant and populous group, receives its portion here, concluding the distribution of the land of Canaan before the narrative shifts to Joshua receiving his own inheritance.

Dan: The Tribe of Surprises

Dan was one of the largest tribes, yet their allotted inheritance was surprisingly small. How did this happen, and what does it reveal about God's plan?

The book of Joshua meticulously details the distribution of the Promised Land. We see the seventh lot fall to the tribe of Dan.

A Diminishing Portion

Interestingly, the text notes that Dan's allotted territory "went out too little for them" (Joshua 19:47). Despite being one of the most populous tribes, their initial inheritance was confined and insufficient. This suggests that the land division wasn't always a perfect fit, and sometimes the initial allocation didn't match the tribe's size or needs.

Taking Initiative

This scarcity didn't lead Dan to despair or to question God's fairness. Instead, they took action. The passage tells us they "went up to fight against Leshem, and took it, and smote it with the edge of the sword, and possessed it" (Joshua 19:47). They actively expanded their territory, renaming the conquered city Dan after their ancestor.

This narrative highlights a key theme: God provides the opportunity and the initial allotment, but His people are called to faith and courage in securing and expanding upon it. It shows that even when things seem insufficient, God equips His people to overcome challenges and fulfill their potential.

A Strategic Frontier Tribe

Dan's inheritance wasn't just small; it was on the volatile edge of Canaan. What strategic role did this tribe play?

The placement of the tribe of Dan is significant when we look beyond just the size of their allotment.

The Wild West of Canaan

Dan's inheritance lay on the western frontier, bordering the powerful Philistine territory. The Philistines were a constant threat, representing some of the unconquered nations mentioned in the book of Joshua. This meant Dan was positioned as a primary defense for Israel against these formidable enemies.

Understand the original words

Original language

lotגּוֹרָל

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.

inheritanceנַחֲלָה

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.

Historical context

Written: Around 1400-1300 BC, following the conquest of Canaan.
Author: Traditionally attributed to Joshua, though compiled later by priests or scribes.
Location: Written from the land of Canaan, likely Shiloh where the tabernacle was located.
Genre: Narrative, detailing the division of land with a focus on genealogies and tribal boundaries.

Historical background

The tribe of Dan's lot was cast late in the division process, and their inheritance was ultimately insufficient, leading them to expand northward. This history sets the stage for their future conflicts and eventual prominence, as seen in figures like Samson.

c. 1400 BC— this verse
Conquest of Canaan completed
Joshua leads the Israelites in conquering the land of Canaan, fulfilling God's promise to Abraham. This sets the stage for dividing the land among the twelve tribes.
c. 1400 BC
Division of the Land by Lot
The land of Canaan is systematically divided among the twelve tribes of Israel through the casting of lots, a process overseen by Joshua and Eleazar the priest.
c. 1400 BC
Dan's Inheritance Confirmed
The tribe of Dan receives their assigned territory, which proves to be too small, prompting them to seek land elsewhere and conquer the city of Leshem.
c. 1100 BC
Danites conquer Leshem
Finding their allotted inheritance insufficient, the Danites attack and conquer the city of Leshem, renaming it Dan and establishing their main settlement there.

Key themes

01Divine allotment by lot
02Tribal inheritance finalized
03Clan-based distribution

Cross-references

Judges 1:34

This passage describes the Danites being pressured by the Amorites and unable to secure their allotted inheritance, forcing them to seek new territory.

Judges 18:1-31

This extended narrative details how the tribe of Dan, finding their assigned land insufficient, migrated north to conquer and settle the city of Leshem, renaming it Dan.

Numbers 26:69

This census record highlights that Dan was one of the most numerous tribes, which, when compared to their allotted territory in Joshua 19, helps explain their eventual need to expand.

1 Kings 7:14

This verse mentions a craftsman from the tribe of Dan, showing the tribe's continued presence and contribution, even after their migration and settlement.

Genesis 49:16-17

This prophetic blessing from Jacob foretells that Dan would be 'a serpent in the path, a viper by the roadside,' which has been interpreted as a foreshadowing of their aggressive expansion and conquest of territory.

Scholarly commentary

Joshua 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…

calvin

Joshua 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…
ellicott

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What Joshua 19:40-47 means

Original language

lotגּוֹרָל

goral · Hebrew Noun

inheritanceנַחֲלָה

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.

Historical context

Written: Around 1400-1300 BC, following the conquest of Canaan.
Author: Traditionally attributed to Joshua, though compiled later by priests or scribes.
Location: Written from the land of Canaan, likely Shiloh where the tabernacle was located.
Genre: Narrative, detailing the division of land with a focus on genealogies and tribal boundaries.

Historical background

c. 1400 BC— this verse

Conquest of Canaan completed

Joshua leads the Israelites in conquering the land of Canaan, fulfilling God's promise to Abraham. This sets the stage for dividing the land among the twelve tribes.

c. 1400 BC

Division of the Land by Lot

The land of Canaan is systematically divided among the twelve tribes of Israel through the casting of lots, a process overseen by Joshua and Eleazar the priest.

c. 1400 BC

Dan's Inheritance Confirmed

The tribe of Dan receives their assigned territory, which proves to be too small, prompting them to seek land elsewhere and conquer the city of Leshem.

c. 1100 BC

Danites conquer Leshem

Finding their allotted inheritance insufficient, the Danites attack and conquer the city of Leshem, renaming it Dan and establishing their main settlement there.