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Genesis 46:23 - Dan's sons: few but mighty.

Genesis 46:23 - בראשית 46:23

Hebrew Text

וּבְנֵי־דָן חֻשִׁים׃

English Translation

And the sons of Dan

Transliteration

U-ve-nei dan chushim.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּבְנֵי־דָ֖ן חֻשִֽׁים׃
וּבְנֵי־דָ֖ן חֻשִֽׁים׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Sons of Dan: חֻשִׁים (Chushim)

The verse "וּבְנֵי־דָן חֻשִׁים" (And the sons of Dan: Chushim) appears in Genesis 46:23 as part of the listing of Yaakov's descendants who descended to Egypt. The name Chushim is unique and warrants deeper analysis from traditional Jewish sources.

Interpretations of the Name "Chushim"

  • Rashi's Explanation: Rashi (on Genesis 46:23) notes that Chushim is the singular form, meaning "one son" (חוּשִׁי), but the plural form is used here idiomatically. He cites the Talmud (Bava Batra 143a), which states that Dan had only one son, yet the Torah uses the plural "sons" to indicate that his descendants would multiply greatly.
  • Midrashic Insight: The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 94:9) connects the name Chushim to the word חִישׁ (quick), suggesting that Dan's son was swift in action. This is later reflected in the tribe of Dan's role as the rearguard in the wilderness (see Rashi on Bamidbar 10:25).
  • Ibn Ezra's Perspective: Ibn Ezra suggests that Chushim may be a variant of the name שׁוּחָם (Shucham) mentioned in Bamidbar 26:42, indicating a possible scribal tradition or linguistic evolution.

Significance in Later Jewish Tradition

In the Talmud (Sotah 13a), Chushim ben Dan is identified as the one who killed Eisav at the burial of Yaakov, ensuring that Eisav did not disrupt the sacred rites. This act is seen as a fulfillment of the tribe of Dan's role as defenders of Israel (as per Bereishit Rabbah). The name Chushim thus symbolizes both swift justice and loyalty to the Jewish people.

Lessons from the Verse

  • Divine Providence: Despite Dan having only one son, the Torah foreshadows the future greatness of his tribe, teaching that even small beginnings can lead to significant outcomes under Hashem's plan.
  • Zeal for Righteousness: Chushim's decisive action against Eisav exemplifies the importance of standing firm against threats to Jewish sanctity.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who was Dan in the Bible?
A: Dan was one of the twelve sons of Jacob (Israel) and the founder of the Tribe of Dan. He was the fifth son of Jacob and the first son born to Bilhah, Rachel's maidservant (Genesis 30:6). The name Dan means 'judgment' in Hebrew.
Q: Why does Genesis 46:23 only mention 'the sons of Dan' without listing names?
A: Rashi explains that this verse refers to Dan's only son, Chushim (חֻשִׁים), who is mentioned here in plural form ('sons') to indicate his importance. The Torah sometimes uses plural language for singular individuals when they are significant, as we see with Noah's son Shem being called 'sons of Shem' (Genesis 10:1).
Q: What is the significance of Dan's descendants in Jewish tradition?
A: The Tribe of Dan became one of the twelve tribes of Israel. According to Midrashic sources, Dan's descendants were known for their craftsmanship (particularly in metalwork for the Mishkan) and later produced the judge Samson. The tribe was positioned at the rear during Israel's travels in the wilderness, serving as protectors (Numbers 10:25).