Judges 18:29

And they called the name of the city Dan, after the name of Dan their father, who was born unto Israel: howbeit the name of the city [was] Laish at the first.

And they called {H7121} the name {H8034} of the city {H5892} Dan {H1835}, after the name {H8034} of Dan {H1835} their father {H1}, who was born {H3205} unto Israel {H3478}: howbeit {H199} the name {H8034} of the city {H5892} was Laish {H3919} at the first {H7223}.

They named the city Dan, after Dan their ancestor, who was born to Isra'el; although the city had previously been called Layish.

They named it Dan, after their forefather Dan, who was born to Israel—though the city was formerly named Laish.

And they called the name of the city Dan, after the name of Dan their father, who was born unto Israel: howbeit the name of the city was Laish at the first.

Commentary

Judges 18:29 describes the culmination of the Danite migration north, where they conquer and rename the city of Laish after their tribal patriarch. This verse marks the establishment of a new, permanent settlement for the tribe of Dan far from their original inheritance, a move steeped in violence and religious compromise.

Context

The Book of Judges portrays a turbulent period in Israel's history, characterized by cycles of disobedience, oppression, and deliverance. The events of Judges 17-18, often considered an appendix to the main narrative, illustrate the spiritual and moral decay during this era when "every man did that which was right in his own eyes" (Judges 17:6 and Judges 21:25). The tribe of Dan, initially allotted territory in the central coastal plain (Joshua 19:40-48), struggled to dispossess the Philistines and Amorites. This verse details their decision to seek new territory, leading them to the unsuspecting and peaceful city of Laish in the far north. Their conquest was brutal, and the renaming of the city to "Dan" solidified their new, self-acquired home, distinct from God's original provision.

Key Themes

  • Territorial Displacement and Conquest: The Danites' failure to secure their God-given inheritance led them to violently seize new land. This act, while providing them a home, represented a departure from the Lord's intended means of possessing the land.
  • Identity and Renaming: By renaming Laish after their ancestor, Dan, the tribe asserted their claim and reinforced their identity in this new territory. This act of renaming was common in ancient cultures to signify conquest, possession, or a new beginning.
  • Spiritual Compromise: The narrative surrounding this migration (Judges 17-18) is deeply intertwined with the Danites' adoption of idolatry, taking Micah's idols and his Levite priest with them (Judges 18:30-31). This highlights a tragic decline in faithfulness during the period of the Judges.

Linguistic Insights

The name Dan (דָּן) is Hebrew and means "to judge" or "he judged," recalling the prophecy concerning Dan's role among his people (Genesis 49:16). The original name of the city, Laish (לַיִשׁ), likely means "lion," possibly reflecting the strength or nature of its original inhabitants or the surrounding region. The act of renaming signified a complete change of ownership and identity for the city.

Practical Application

Judges 18:29, though a historical account, offers several lessons. It reminds us that seeking our own way, even when seemingly successful, can lead us away from God's perfect plan and into compromise. The Danites found a land, but they also established a center of idolatry that persisted for centuries. This serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of spiritual drift and the importance of remaining faithful to God's commands, rather than relying on human strength or ingenuity alone. Our true inheritance and security come from God's provision and guidance, not from our own efforts independent of His will.

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Cross-References

  • Joshua 19:47 (4 votes)

    And the coast of the children of Dan went out [too little] for them: therefore the children of Dan went up to fight against Leshem, and took it, and smote it with the edge of the sword, and possessed it, and dwelt therein, and called Leshem, Dan, after the name of Dan their father.

  • Genesis 14:14 (4 votes)

    And when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his trained [servants], born in his own house, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued [them] unto Dan.

  • 1 Kings 15:20 (4 votes)

    So Benhadad hearkened unto king Asa, and sent the captains of the hosts which he had against the cities of Israel, and smote Ijon, and Dan, and Abelbethmaachah, and all Cinneroth, with all the land of Naphtali.

  • Judges 20:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ Then all the children of Israel went out, and the congregation was gathered together as one man, from Dan even to Beersheba, with the land of Gilead, unto the LORD in Mizpeh.

  • 1 Kings 12:29 (3 votes)

    And he set the one in Bethel, and the other put he in Dan.

  • 1 Kings 12:30 (3 votes)

    And this thing became a sin: for the people went [to worship] before the one, [even] unto Dan.

  • Genesis 32:28 (2 votes)

    And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.