Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Joshua 19:47. It’s a really significant and dramatic verse in the Old Testament that tells us about a very intense battle. Here's an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Story: The Threat: The Israelites had been fighting against the people of Dan, who were located on the coast of what is now Lithuania (a region in Eastern Europe). A Weakness Revealed: The enemy, led by a powerful king named Leshem, was attacking the Dan’s coastal defenses. They were pushing too far and were vulnerable. The Response: The Israelites, feeling threatened, sent a small force to help defend the Dan coast. A Brutal Conquest: They fought fiercely, and ultimately, they defeated the enemy and took over the entire area of the coast – including the name of the land itself. They settled there, renamed it “Dan,” and made it their home. Breaking It Down - What’s Happening? “And the coast of the children of Dan went out [too little] for them…” This means that the Israelites' initial force wasn’t enough to effectively protect the Dan coast. They didn't have a strong enough presence to deter the enemy. "...therefore the children of Dan went up to fight against Leshem..." This is the key point – they were actively fighting against this particular king. "...and took it, and smote it with the edge of the sword..." They actually conquered the entire coast. "...possessed it, and dwelt therein, and called Leshem, Dan, after the name of Dan their father." This is where it gets really interesting. The Israelites established a new kingdom – Dan – in that area. They named it after Leshem, recognizing him as their ancestor. What's the Significance? Victory: It’s a powerful victory for the Israelites, demonstrating God’s power and judgment against those who threaten his people. Expansion: It shows how God can use seemingly small forces to achieve great things. God's Sovereignty: The verse emphasizes that God is in control of events – he chooses who to fight and where to establish a new kingdom. Important Note: This passage is part of a larger story about the Israelites’ journey through battle and their relationship with God. It's often interpreted as a symbol of God's ultimate triumph over evil. --- Do you want me to: Explain any particular aspect of this verse in more detail? Discuss its historical context?