Metaphysical meaning of Dan (mbd)
Dan, dan (Heb.) judge; rule of righteous judgment; a defender; an advocate.
a Fifth son of Jacob; his mother was Bilhah, Rachel's handmaid. When he was born Rachel said, "God hath judged me, and hath also heard my voice, and hath given me a son: therefore called she his name Dan" Gen. 30:6). In blessing this son, Jacob said (Gen. 49: 16-18):
"Dan shall judge his people, As one of the tribes of Israel. Dan shall be a serpent in the way, An adder in the path, That biteth the horse's heels, So that his rider falleth backward. I have waited for thy salvation, O Jehovah."b Dan was also the name of one of the twelve tribes of Israel; the people of this tribe were descended from Dan, the son of Jacob (Josh. 19:40-48).
Meta. The faculty of judgment in man, in its earliest expression, before it is lifted to the spiritual plane. The faculty of judgment, when expressed in sense consciousness, often makes one to be of a critical and backbiting disposition; one needs to understand this faculty and to balance it with love.
In blessing the tribe of Dan, Moses said (Deut. 33:22):
"Dan is a lion's whelp,
That leapeth forth from Bashan."This shows the strength, the conquering power, and the fruitfulness (lion and Bashan) that lie back of good judgment righteously expressed.
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Preceding Entry: Damascus
Following Entry: Daniel
