Genesis 49:16 Commentary and Bible Study

Again there is a reference to the meaning of this son’s name – ‘judging’ – a reference to Leah claim to vindication from God in giving her a child. The tribe of Dan valued its distinctive character as a tribe, and insisted on ruling itself until times changed. They were also one of the four tribes which led a group of three – Asher and Naphtali – in the wilderness (Numbers 2:25). They valued that autonomy and took it seriously. But they put themselves in a very difficult position, because they didn't like their land allotment, and so they abandoned her land allotment, and went right up into the northern edge of the land. And while up there, they were subject to constant marauders and harassment because they were remote and far away, and they were on the edge of totally foreign territory. Yes, they fought their corner. ‘Dan shall be a serpent, by the way.’ There were not a big tribe or a strong tribe, so they had to be pretty cunning and clever at thwarting marauders. ‘An adder in the path’ – ambushes they seem to be good at, ‘that biteth the horse heels, so that his rider shall fall backward.’ They were busy up there in the north just defending themselves and their territory. But they put themselves into that difficulty by abandoning their allotment and doing it their way, rather than God's way, and there would always be a price for them to pay; there would always be a shortage of security for them. The tribe of Dan did not make much advance; during the years in the wilderness, they only grew by 1700. They receive no honours in Judges, and show the biggest failure in occupying his land. They had to go to Laish – a soft touch.