Joshua 19:48
This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Dan according to their families, these cities with their villages.
Original Language Analysis
נַֽחֲלַ֛ת
This is the inheritance
H5159
נַֽחֲלַ֛ת
This is the inheritance
Strong's:
H5159
Word #:
2 of 9
properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion
מַטֵּ֥ה
of the tribe
H4294
מַטֵּ֥ה
of the tribe
Strong's:
H4294
Word #:
3 of 9
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 #:
4 of 9
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 #:
5 of 9
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 #:
6 of 9
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
Historical Context
Dan's northern migration established them at Israel's farthest boundary, but their idolatrous worship center rivaled Jerusalem and Bethel in corrupting influence. The phrase 'from Dan to Beersheba' thus encompassed both geography and spiritual warning.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Dan's ultimate inclusion in Ezekiel's vision encourage hope for the wayward?
- What balance must exist between warning about apostasy and offering hope for restoration?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Dan according to their families, these cities with their villages—The formula conclusion, yet Dan's actual inheritance differed from God's plan. The historical books record their apostasy (Judges 18), eventual exclusion from some tribal lists (Revelation 7 omits Dan), yet hope remains—Ezekiel's millennial vision includes Dan (Ezekiel 48:1-2).
Dan's story balances warning and hope. Judgment comes for apostasy, yet God's ultimate restoration includes even the wayward. This reflects the gospel: judgment is real, but grace is greater (Romans 5:20). Even tribes or individuals who squander inheritance can be redeemed.