28. Dan

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photograph 28

The ancient city of Dan was called Leshem (Josh. 19:47) or Laish (Judg. 18:7, 14) before the Israelites conquered the land. The springs located at this site, together with the springs at Caesarea Philippi, are the main sources of the Jordan River. Jeroboam’s temple site is pictured here.

Significant Events: Abraham rescued Lot (Gen. 14:13–16). The tribe of Dan captured the area and named it Dan (Josh. 19:47–48). Jeroboam set up a false temple with a golden calf that contributed to the downfall of the northern ten tribes (1 Kgs. 12:26–33). Dan was Israel’s northernmost city—hence the scriptures refer to the land of Israel “from Beersheba even to Dan” (2 Chr. 30:5; Beersheba was the southernmost city). (See BD Dan.)