Genesis 14 tells the story of Abraham coming to Dan to rescue his nephew, Lot, who had been taken captive in battle. Archeologists discovered the gate to the old city of Dan, where Abraham most certainly would have walked. The arch of the gate would typically be described as Roman. But this gate dates to 1750 BC, roughly 1000 years prior to the rise of the Roman empire.
When the kingdom of Israel was divided, Jeroboam, who was King of the northern tribes, didn't trust God and was fearful of the southern kingdom of Judah (1 Kings 12:25-33). He defied God and created two golden calves and two locations to perform sacrifices rather than allow His people to travel to Jerusalem in the south. One location was in Bethel, and the other was in Dan. Later, King Josiah of the southern kingdom had the idols destroyed as part of the reforms he implemented.
Dan is a reminder to trust God and take him at his word, and to never claim that God will bless something that he has clearly told us is contrary to his will.Read more
IsraelNorthern DistrictDan33°14’56” N 35°39’0” E
IsraelNorthern DistrictDan33°14’56” N 35°39’0” E