The Hebrew word Dannâh, represented by H1837, is defined as a place in Palestine of uncertain derivation. This name appears only 1 time across 1 unique verse in the entire Bible, marking it as a specific, though minor, geographical location.
The sole biblical reference to H1837 is found in a list of cities within the territory of Judah. It is mentioned as part of the inheritance allocated after the conquest of Canaan, listed alongside two other significant locations. The verse reads, "And Dannah, and Kirjathsannah, which is Debir" Joshua 15:49. This context places Dannah firmly within the geography of the Israelite settlement.
The significance of Dannah is understood primarily through its connection to the places mentioned alongside it in Joshua 15:49:
- H7158 Qiryath Çannâh (city of branches, or of a book; Kirjath-Sannah or Kirjath-Sepher, a place in Palestine): This city is listed immediately with Dannah. The dossier also notes that Kirjath-sepher was the former name of Debir Joshua 15:15.
- H1688 Dᵉbîyr (Debir, the name of an Amoritish king and of two places in Palestine): The verse explicitly states that Kirjathsannah "is Debir" Joshua 15:49. Debir was a prominent city conquered by Joshua and his armies during the campaign in the south Joshua 10:38-39.
While Dannah itself carries no direct theological weight, its inclusion in the biblical record serves a clear purpose:
- Geographical Record: It functions as a precise marker in the detailed accounting of the land promised to and inherited by the tribe of Judah.
- Contextual Link: Its primary importance is derived from its association with Kirjathsannah and Debir, a major royal city that was a significant conquest for Israel Joshua 10:39.
- Narrative Detail: The mention of H1837 contributes to the historical and geographical authenticity of the book of Joshua, which meticulously documents the division of the land.
In summary, H1837 Dannâh is a place name that appears once in scripture. While its own history is unknown, its value lies in its role as a geographical reference point within the inheritance of Judah. Its mention in Joshua 15:49 ties it to the well-known and strategically important city of Debir, grounding the biblical narrative in a specific and detailed landscape.
TRV