“And there was no deliverer, because it was far from Zidon, and they had no business with any man; and it was in the valley that lieth by Beth-rehob. And they built a city, and dwelt therein.”
Context: The book of Judges describes a time in Israel’s history when they were ruled by a series of judges who were raised up by God to deliver them from their oppressors. This verse is part of the story of the tribe of Dan, who were seeking their own inheritance in the Promised Land.
Geographic Background: In this verse, we learn that the tribe of Dan had migrated to the northern part of the land, near the region of Zidon (also known as Sidon) which was a major Phoenician city. The phrase “it was far from Zidon” indicates that the territory of Dan was remote from the influence and protection of the people of Zidon.
Lack of Deliverance: The verse states, “And there was no deliverer.” This implies that the tribe of Dan faced threats or attacks from neighboring enemies but had no one to come to their aid. It highlights their vulnerable position and the absence of a leader or judge to deliver them from their troubles.
Limited Interaction: The verse continues, “because it was far from Zidon, and they had no business with any man.” The distance between the tribe of Dan and the people of Zidon resulted in limited interactions and relationships. The lack of engagement with other tribes and nations may have left the tribe of Dan isolated and without established alliances.
The Valley of Beth-rehob: The verse mentions that the tribe of Dan settled in a valley near a place called Beth-rehob. This specific location is described as “the valley that lieth by Beth-rehob.” The exact location of Beth-rehob is uncertain, but it is believed to be in the vicinity of the tribe of Dan’s territory.
Building a City: Despite their isolation and lack of deliverance, the tribe of Dan took matters into their own hands. The verse concludes, “And they built a city, and dwelt therein.” Faced with challenges, they decided to establish their own city as a place of security and settlement.
Overall, Judges 18:28 showcases the difficult circumstances faced by the tribe of Dan. It emphasizes their vulnerability due to their geographical distance from Zidon, lack of deliverance, and limited interactions with other tribes. The tribe’s response was to build a city to provide security and a sense of permanence in their new territory. This verse highlights the ongoing struggle for the tribes of Israel as they sought to establish their presence and inherit the Promised Land.
