Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does the verse 'Dan is a lion’s whelp, that leaps from Bashan' mean?
A: This verse is part of Moses' blessing to the tribe of Dan before his passing. Rashi explains that 'lion’s whelp' symbolizes Dan's strength and courage, while 'leaps from Bashan' refers to their future conquests in the land of Bashan. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 99:9) connects this to Samson, a descendant of Dan, who displayed lion-like bravery.
Q: Why is the tribe of Dan compared to a lion in this verse?
A: In Jewish tradition, the lion represents strength, leadership, and fearlessness. The comparison highlights Dan's role as a powerful and assertive tribe. Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 12:1) notes that the tribe of Dan was known for its warriors, and the lion imagery reflects their military prowess and determination in battle.
Q: What is the significance of Bashan in this verse?
A: Bashan was a fertile region known for its strong cities and giants (Devarim 3:11). The verse suggests that Dan would conquer this formidable land. The Talmud (Sotah 42a) mentions that Bashan was a place of great challenges, and Dan's ability to 'leap' from it signifies overcoming obstacles with divine help.
Q: How does this verse apply to us today?
A: The verse teaches the importance of courage and faith in facing challenges. Just as Dan was blessed with lion-like strength, we too can draw inspiration to overcome difficulties with trust in Hashem. The Baal Shem Tov taught that every Jew has inner strength ('arousal from below') to rise above challenges, much like Dan's leaping spirit.
Q: Is there a connection between this verse and the future redemption?
A: Yes, some commentaries (like Malbim on this verse) link Dan's role to the Messianic era. Just as Dan was a 'lion’s whelp' leading battles, the tribe is associated with the future judgment and restoration. The Zohar (Vayechi 251a) hints that Dan's energy will be revealed in the final redemption.
Overview of the Verse
The verse "וּלְדָן אָמַר דָּן גּוּר אַרְיֵה יְזַנֵּק מִן־הַבָּשָׁן" (Devarim 33:22) is part of Moshe Rabbeinu's final blessings to the tribes of Israel before his passing. Here, Dan is compared to a lion's whelp leaping from Bashan. This imagery carries deep symbolic meaning in Jewish tradition.
Rashi's Interpretation
Rashi explains that the comparison of Dan to a lion's whelp ("גּוּר אַרְיֵה") refers to the tribe's strength and fierceness in battle, particularly in the story of Shimshon (Samson), who descended from Dan. The phrase "יְזַנֵּק מִן־הַבָּשָׁן" ("leaps from Bashan") is understood by Rashi as an allusion to the tribe's territory being near Bashan, a region known for its strong lions. Thus, Dan's warriors are likened to powerful lions emerging from their habitat.
Midrashic Insights
The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 99:9) elaborates that Dan's comparison to a lion reflects his role as a judge ("דָּן" means "he judges"). Just as a lion is fearless, Dan's descendants, particularly Shimshon, judged Israel with strength and courage. The Midrash also connects this imagery to the future redemption, suggesting that Dan's descendants will play a role in the final deliverance of Israel.
Rambam's Perspective
While Rambam does not comment directly on this verse, his teachings on divine providence (השגחה פרטית) align with the idea that each tribe's blessing reflects its unique role in Klal Yisrael. Dan's strength symbolizes the necessity of both physical and spiritual vigilance in upholding justice.
Symbolism of Bashan
Legacy of Shimshon
The Talmud (Sotah 9b) discusses Shimshon as the embodiment of Dan's blessing, noting that his supernatural strength (like a lion's) was Divinely granted to combat Israel's oppressors. However, his eventual downfall serves as a caution about misusing such gifts.