Dan (Bilhah's son)
Ancestor of one of the tribes of Israel
Dan was the fifth son of Jacob, born to Bilhah, Rachel's maidservant. He became the ancestor of the tribe of Dan, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The tribe of Dan is known for its warriors, including the judge Samson.
Family
Key events
The Birth of Dan
Dan was born to Bilhah, Rachel's servant woman, after Rachel gave her to Jacob because she herself was childless. Rachel named him Dan and said: 'God has judged me.'
Jacob's Blessing over Dan
On his deathbed, Jacob prophesied over Dan, saying he would judge his people as one of the tribes of Israel, and compared him to a snake by the road.
The Journey to Egypt
Dan was among Jacob's sons who traveled to Egypt during the famine and later settled there with his family.
Moses' Blessing over Dan
Moses blessed the tribe of Dan before his death and called Dan a lion's cub that springs forth from Bashan.