Genesis 49:16-18
“Dan shall judge his people, as one of the tribes of Israel. Dan shall be a serpent by the way, an adder in the path.”
King James Version
Dan fulfilling a judging role but through treachery, fulfilled in Samson from Dan and the tribe's idolatry at Laish.
Fulfillment References
Luke 2:30 Genesis 3:15
How Traditions Read This Prophecy
Apostolic (Oneness) PentecostalJacob's word over Dan ('a serpent by the way') is interrupted by a sudden cry of faith: 'I have waited for thy salvation, O LORD' (v. 18). In the midst of the tribal prophecies, the dying patriarch looks past them all to God's salvation — the salvation that is the Lord Jesus (whose name means 'the LORD is salvation'; cf. Luke 2:30). The longing of the patriarchs was for the Saviour who would come.
JewishDan's role as a judge and a cunning 'serpent'; v. 18 ('I wait for thy salvation') is a famous interjection of trust in God's deliverance amid the blessings.
CatholicThe patriarch's cry for God's salvation, read of the longing fulfilled in Christ the Saviour.
Protestant'I have waited for thy salvation' — Jacob's hope in God's deliverance, ultimately the salvation of Christ (Luke 2:30).
AcademicThe Dan oracle and the abrupt prayer of v. 18 (an early use of yeshu'ah, 'salvation') have drawn much comment.
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Bible Prophecy Explorer · based on J. Barton Payne’s Encyclopedia of Biblical Prophecy catalogue · an openly Apostolic (Oneness) Pentecostal study resource — all traditions presented fairly. Pastor: C. Myles Young, PhD · Bishop: Nathaniel J. Wilson, Ed.D.