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Book of Joshua - Chapter 19 - Verse 47

19:47
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.

Meaning

According to the Book of Joshua, this verse describes how the tribe of Dan expanded their territory by conquering the city of Leshem. The land allotted to the children of Dan was not sufficient for their needs, prompting them to engage in battle to acquire more land. They successfully seized Leshem, renaming it Dan in honor of their forefather Dan. This passage illustrates the fierce determination of the tribe of Dan to secure additional territory for their people, showcasing their commitment to ensuring a prosperous future for their descendants. It also highlights the importance of tenacity and strategic planning in achieving one's goals, as the children of Dan strategically identified a need for more land and took decisive action to meet that need. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of resourcefulness and courage in the face of challenges, encouraging readers to be proactive in pursuing their ambitions and dreams.

Theological Overview

In this verse from the book of Joshua, we see the children of Dan facing a land shortage in the territory allotted to them. This led them to take matters into their own hands and conquer the city of Leshem. The theological interpretation of this passage can be understood as a reminder of the consequences of straying from God's plan. Instead of seeking guidance and provision from God, the children of Dan resorted to warfare and violence to expand their territory. This serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pursuing our ambitions outside of God's will. A word study on "possessed" in this context reveals that the children of Dan not only conquered Leshem but also took full ownership and control of it. The renaming of Leshem to Dan reflects the victorious and possessive nature of their conquest. This verse underscores the importance of trusting in God's provision and following His will rather than relying on our own strength and resources.

American Standard Version

And the border of the children of Dan went out beyond them; for the children of Dan went up and fought 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.
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