Joshua 19:40
And the seventh lot came out for the tribe of the children of Dan according to their families.
Original Language Analysis
לְמַטֵּ֥ה
for the tribe
H4294
לְמַטֵּ֥ה
for the tribe
Strong's:
H4294
Word #:
1 of 7
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
בְנֵי
of the children
H1121
בְנֵי
of the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
2 of 7
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
דָ֖ן
of Dan
H1835
דָ֖ן
of Dan
Strong's:
H1835
Word #:
3 of 7
dan, one of the sons of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory; likewise a place in palestine colonized by them
לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֑ם
according to their families
H4940
לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֑ם
according to their families
Strong's:
H4940
Word #:
4 of 7
a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people
יָצָ֖א
came out
H3318
יָצָ֖א
came out
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
5 of 7
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
Historical Context
Dan initially received fertile coastal territory between Judah and Ephraim, but Amorite/Philistine pressure forced them northward (Judges 18). They conquered Laish, renaming it Dan, and established a rival worship center with a graven image (Judges 18:30-31), corrupting Israel's northern boundary.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you steward God's gifts to avoid Dan's pattern of squandering spiritual inheritance?
- What warning does Dan's idolatry provide about privileged positions misused?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And the seventh lot came out for the tribe of the children of Dan according to their families—Dan receives the final tribal allotment. Being seventh may seem anticlimactic, yet it completes the sacred number. Dan, son of Jacob by Rachel's maid Bilhah, struggled throughout Israel's history, eventually embracing idolatry (Judges 18).
God gives inheritance even to those who will squander it. The lot 'comes out' (yatsa, יָצָא) by divine sovereignty, not merit. This demonstrates grace: God distributes gifts freely, though recipients often misuse them. The warning: privilege brings responsibility. To whom much is given, much is required (Luke 12:48).