Numbers 1:12
Of Dan; Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai.
Original Language Analysis
לְדָ֕ן
Of Dan
H1835
לְדָ֕ן
Of Dan
Strong's:
H1835
Word #:
1 of 4
dan, one of the sons of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory; likewise a place in palestine colonized by them
Historical Context
Dan, fifth son of Jacob through Bilhah, would later migrate north and establish the northern boundary of Israel ('from Dan to Beersheba'). The tribe became notorious for idolatry, yet God's purposes included them in Israel's structure.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Dan's later apostasy despite God's faithfulness warn us about the danger of presuming on God's grace?
- What does this teach us about the difference between being part of the visible church and being part of the invisible elect?
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Analysis & Commentary
Dan's inclusion despite the tribe's later apostasy (Judges 18; 1 Kings 12:28-30) demonstrates that God's electing purposes in calling Israel were not dependent on their future faithfulness but on His sovereign grace. The tribe that would later establish idolatrous worship still received full status in the wilderness organization, showing that God's common grace and providential care extend even to those who will later prove unfaithful, while His special saving grace preserves a remnant.