Genesis 46:23

And the sons of Dan; Hushim.

And the sons {H1121} of Dan {H1835}; Hushim {H2366}.

The sons of Dan: Hushim.

The son of Dan: Hushim.

And the sons of Dan: Hushim.

Commentary

Genesis 46:23 is a concise verse found within a pivotal chapter detailing the descendants of Jacob (Israel) who journeyed into Egypt. Specifically, it lists the sole "son" attributed to Dan, one of Jacob's twelve sons, at this foundational moment in Israel's history.

Context

This verse is part of a detailed census in Genesis 46:8-27, which enumerates all the members of Jacob's household—seventy souls in total—who accompanied him to Egypt to escape the famine. This journey, initiated by God's providence through Joseph, was crucial for the preservation and future growth of the nascent nation of Israel. Each name recorded, including that of Hushim, the son of Dan, contributes to the meticulous record of the tribes from whom the future nation would emerge, fulfilling God's promises to Abraham regarding his numerous descendants.

Key Themes

  • Divine Faithfulness and Providence: The careful listing of each family member, no matter how briefly mentioned, underscores God's meticulous oversight in preserving and growing the family of Jacob into a great nation, even from seemingly small beginnings like Dan's single listed "son."
  • Lineage and Identity: Genealogies were vital in ancient Israel for establishing tribal identity, inheritance, and a sense of continuity. This verse helps solidify the lineage of the tribe of Dan within the larger tapestry of Israel's twelve tribes.
  • Small Beginnings: While Dan would later become a significant tribe in Israel, at this point, only one individual or family unit is recorded for him. This highlights how God can build a mighty nation from humble, individual family units, demonstrating His power to multiply and bless.

Linguistic Insights

The name "Hushim" (חֻשִׁים - Ḥushim) is notable because it is given as the only son of Dan in this list. Interestingly, in later censuses, particularly Numbers 26:42, Dan's son is listed as "Shuham." Many scholars believe "Hushim" and "Shuham" refer to the same individual or, more likely, that "Hushim" is a plural form (as suggested by the Septuagint translation of this verse) referring to a clan or family group rather than a single direct son. This would explain why only one name is given for Dan, representing his immediate family unit or clan as they entered Egypt, rather than a single individual son.

Practical Application

Even a brief genealogical entry like Genesis 46:23 offers valuable lessons:

  • Every Individual Matters: God meticulously records each person, emphasizing that every individual, no matter how briefly mentioned in the biblical narrative, is significant in His plan and contributes to the larger story of salvation.
  • God Works in Unexpected Ways: From a seemingly small beginning (one "son" for Dan), God built a powerful tribe. This reminds us that God often starts with humble origins to accomplish great things, and we should not despise small beginnings in our own lives or ministries.
  • Importance of Heritage: Understanding our spiritual heritage and our place within God's family story provides a sense of belonging and purpose.
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Cross-References

  • Genesis 49:16 (2 votes)

    Dan shall judge his people, as one of the tribes of Israel.

  • Genesis 49:17 (2 votes)

    Dan shall be a serpent by the way, an adder in the path, that biteth the horse heels, so that his rider shall fall backward.

  • 1 Chronicles 7:12 (2 votes)

    Shuppim also, and Huppim, the children of Ir, [and] Hushim, the sons of Aher.

  • Numbers 1:12 (2 votes)

    Of Dan; Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai.

  • Genesis 30:6 (2 votes)

    And Rachel said, God hath judged me, and hath also heard my voice, and hath given me a son: therefore called she his name Dan.

  • 1 Chronicles 12:35 (2 votes)

    And of the Danites expert in war twenty and eight thousand and six hundred.

  • Deuteronomy 33:22 (2 votes)

    ¶ And of Dan he said, Dan [is] a lion's whelp: he shall leap from Bashan.