The Hebrew word Dânîy, represented by H1839, is a patronymic term derived from H1835 Dân, identifying a Danite or the descendants of Dan collectively. It appears 5 times across 5 unique verses in the Bible, consistently referring to the people of the tribe of Dan, often in a collective sense as a family or military group.
In the biblical narrative, H1839 is used to specify the identity of individuals and groups from the tribe of Dan during the era of the Judges and the establishment of the kingdom. It identifies Manoah, the father of Samson, as a man "of the family of the Danites" from Zorah Judges 13:2. The term is also used to describe the tribe's migration and military actions, as when the "tribe of the Danites" sought an inheritance Judges 18:1 and sent out "six hundred men appointed with weapons of war" Judges 18:11. In a later account, the Danites are noted for their military skill, with twenty-eight thousand six hundred men described as "expert in war" 1 Chronicles 12:35.
Several related words provide context for the identity and actions of the Danites:
- H1835 Dân (judge; Dan): As the source name, this term refers to the patriarch of the tribe, from whom the Danites descend. It establishes their lineage as one of the tribes of Israel Judges 18:30.
- H4940 mishpâchâh (family, i.e. circle of relatives): This word is used alongside H1839 to emphasize the familial and clan-based identity of the Danites, as seen in the description of Manoah's lineage Judges 13:2 and the group that went out from Zorah and Eshtaol Judges 18:11.
- H7626 shêbeṭ (a clan; tribe): This term defines the Danites as a formal tribal unit within Israel. It is used when describing their search for an inheritance Judges 18:1 and the establishment of their own priesthood Judges 18:30.
- H4421 milchâmâh (a battle; war): This word highlights a key characteristic of the Danites in the scriptural record, describing them as being "expert in war" 1 Chronicles 12:35 and equipped with "weapons of war" Judges 18:11.
The narrative function of H1839 is significant in illustrating key themes from the period of the Judges:
- Tribal Inheritance: The Danites are portrayed as a tribe actively seeking to secure their portion of the land, as their inheritance "had not fallen unto them among the tribes of Israel" Judges 18:1. This underscores the ongoing process of settlement in the promised land.
- Military Role: The texts consistently associate the Danites with military strength. This is demonstrated by the large number of warriors "expert in war" 1 Chronicles 12:35 and the organized expedition of six hundred armed men Judges 18:11.
- Idolatry and Priesthood: A crucial event tied to the Danites is when the "children of Dan set up the graven image" and established a non-Levitical priesthood that served them "until the day of the captivity of the land" Judges 18:30. This act marks a significant moment of religious apostasy.
In summary, H1839 Dânîy functions as a specific identifier for the people of Dan, connecting them to their patriarch, their family units, and their tribal identity. The term is primarily used in the context of their search for an inheritance, their noted military capabilities, and their establishment of an independent and idolatrous form of worship, encapsulating a distinct and turbulent chapter in the history of Israel.
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