The text highlights a crucial detail often missed: the territory originally assigned to Dan "went out from them," meaning they lost or were excluded from parts of it. This forced the Danites to embark on a conquest of Leshem in the far north, not just to expand, but out of necessity for a place to settle.
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)
The tribe of Dan received their allotted territory, but it proved insufficient for their growing population and they were pushed by the Amorites into the hills. Facing a cramped inheritance, the Danites launched an expedition north, conquering the peaceful city of Leshem and renaming it after their ancestor. This account, detailed more fully in the book of Judges, explains how the tribe of Dan ultimately secured a larger territory and established a significant city at the northern edge of Israel.
Sometimes, the inheritance God gives us feels smaller than we expect, or even slips through our fingers. What happens when the promised land just isn't enough?
The tribe of Dan faced a significant challenge: their allotted territory was insufficient for their growing population. This wasn't just a minor inconvenience; the text implies they were even pushed out of parts of their land by the Amorites.
This situation forced them to take action. Instead of accepting less or simply shrinking their ambitions, they actively sought to expand their territory.
A Proactive Response
Conquering new territory often comes with a new name. What does this act of renaming tell us about identity, conquest, and God's people?
After conquering the city of Leshem, the Danites renamed it. They called it 'Dan,' after their ancestor.
The Significance of Naming
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This practice highlights how deeply tied land and identity were for the ancient Israelites. Taking a city wasn't just a military victory; it was an act of re-establishing their lineage and God's promise in a new place.
This verse highlights that the full extent of the Israelites' inheritance wasn't always secured immediately. The tribe of Dan, facing pressure and limited territory, had to take initiative and conquer new land long after the initial conquest, demonstrating a persistent need for God's people to actively live out their faith and claim His promises.
c. 1400 BC
Conquest of Canaan
Under Joshua's leadership, the Israelite tribes conquer much of Canaan. However, some unconquered areas remain, leading to later conflicts and migrations.
After Joshua's death
Amorites push Danites into mountains
The Amorites, whom the tribe of Dan failed to dispossess, force the Danites from their allotted territory into the hill country.
After Joshua's death
Danites seek new territory
With their original inheritance too small and occupied by hostile peoples, the Danites send spies to find new land.
After Joshua's death— this verse
Danites conquer Leshem
The Danite spies discover the wealthy, unsuspecting city of Leshem in the far north. A Danite military force later attacks and captures the city.
After conquest of Leshem
Leshem renamed Dan
The victorious Danites resettle the conquered city, renaming it Dan in honor of their ancestor. This northern city becomes a significant landmark in Israel.
c. 1000 BC
Expression 'From Dan to Beersheba'
The newly renamed city of Dan becomes the northernmost boundary marker for the Israelite territory, commonly paired with Beersheba in the south.
This passage gives a more detailed account of the Danites' expedition to capture Leshem, providing the narrative context for Joshua 19:47 and illustrating the tribe's quest for land.
Judges 1:34This verse explains the initial predicament of the Danites, stating that the Amorites forced them into the mountains, which directly led to their need to expand their territory elsewhere.
Genesis 14:14This verse records Abram pursuing his enemies to 'Dan,' showing the ancient existence and significance of the place that the Danites would later conquer and rename.
1 Kings 12:29This verse mentions Jeroboam setting up golden calves in Bethel and 'Dan,' indicating that the city became a prominent religious center after the Danites' conquest, as implied by its renaming.
2 Samuel 17:11The phrase 'from Dan even unto Beersheba' is used here, demonstrating the established significance of Dan as a northern boundary marker for the land of Israel, a status it gained after the events described in Joshua.
gillJoshua 19:47: "And the coast of the children of Dan went out too little for them: therefore the children of Dan went up to fight against Leshem, and took it, and smote it with the edge of the sword, and possessed it, and dwelt therein, and called Leshem, Dan, after the name of Dan their father."
And the coast of the children of Dan went out too little for them,.... Being a very numerous tribe, the cities allotted them were not sufficient for them; or rather, leaving out the supplement "too litt…
bensonJoshua 19:47: "And the coast of the children of Dan went out too little for them: therefore the children of Dan went up to fight against Leshem, and took it, and smote it with the edge of the sword, and possessed it, and dwelt therein, and called Leshem, Dan, after the name of Dan their father."
Joshua 19:47 . The coast of Dan went out too little — The words too little are not in the Hebrew, where there is nothing that corresponds with them. The passage runs thus: The coast of the children of D…
The text highlights a crucial detail often missed: the territory originally assigned to Dan "went out from them," meaning they lost or were excluded from parts of it. This forced the Danites to embark on a conquest of Leshem in the far north, not just to expand, but out of necessity for a place to settle.
The tribe of Dan received their allotted territory, but it proved insufficient for their growing population and they were pushed by the Amorites into the hills. Facing a cramped inheritance, the Danites launched an expedition north, conquering the peaceful city of Leshem and renaming it after their ancestor. This account, detailed more fully in the book of Judges, explains how the tribe of Dan ultimately secured a larger territory and established a significant city at the northern edge of Israel.
The tribe of Dan received their allotted territory, but it proved insufficient for their growing population and they were pushed by the Amorites into the hills. Facing a cramped inheritance, the Danites launched an expedition north, conquering the peaceful city of Leshem and renaming it after their ancestor. This account, detailed more fully in the book of Judges, explains how the tribe of Dan ultimately secured a larger territory and established a significant city at the northern edge of Israel.
"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 t…" — The text highlights a crucial detail often missed: the territory originally assigned to Dan "went out from them," meaning they lost or were excluded from parts of it. This forced the Danites to embar…
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Last reviewed October 2026
