La'ish is a location mentioned in the Old Testament, known for its association with the tribe of Dan. It is situated in the northern part of ancient Israel, near the sources of the Jordan River. The city of La'ish is significant in biblical history due to its conquest and subsequent renaming by the Danites.

Biblical References:

1. Judges 18:7 · The city of La'ish is first mentioned in the context of the migration of the tribe of Dan. The Danites, seeking a territory to settle, sent spies to explore the land. "So the five men departed and came to La'ish, where they saw that the people were living in safety, like the Sidonians, at peace and secure. There was no ruler to put them to shame for anything in the land, and they were far from the Sidonians and had no dealings with anyone."

2. Judges 18:27-29 · The narrative continues with the Danites attacking and capturing La'ish. "After they had taken the gods Micah had made, and the priest who belonged to him, they went to La'ish, to a people quiet and unsuspecting. They struck them with the sword and burned down the city. There was no one to deliver them, because they lived far from Sidon and had no dealings with anyone. The city was in the valley that belongs to Beth-rehob. Then they rebuilt the city and lived in it. They named it Dan, after their forefather Dan, who was born to Israel—though the city was formerly named La'ish."

3. Joshua 19:47 · The book of Joshua also references the capture of La'ish by the Danites. "When the territory of the Danites was lost to them, they went up and fought against Leshem, captured it, and struck it with the sword. They took possession of it, settled there, and renamed it Dan after their forefather."

Historical and Geographical Context:

La'ish was located in a fertile and strategic area, which made it an attractive target for the Danites. The city was originally inhabited by a people living in peace and isolation, without strong alliances or defenses, making it vulnerable to attack. The capture of La'ish allowed the tribe of Dan to establish a northern stronghold, which they renamed Dan. This city became an important center for the tribe and played a significant role in the history of Israel.

Archaeological Insights:

Modern archaeological excavations have identified the ancient city of La'ish with the site of Tel Dan, located in the Hula Valley in northern Israel. Discoveries at Tel Dan have provided valuable insights into the Canaanite and Israelite periods, including fortifications, gates, and religious artifacts. The site's strategic location near the headwaters of the Jordan River underscores its historical importance.

Theological Significance:

The account of La'ish and its conquest by the Danites highlights themes of divine providence and the fulfillment of tribal inheritances in the Promised Land. The narrative illustrates the challenges faced by the tribes of Israel in securing their allotted territories and the sometimes-violent means by which these lands were acquired. The renaming of La'ish to Dan signifies the establishment of the tribe's identity and presence in the northern region of Israel.

La'ish, therefore, serves as a testament to the complex history of settlement and conquest in ancient Israel, reflecting both the struggles and the divine guidance experienced by the Israelites as they established their nation.La'ish (5 Occurrences)

Judges 18:14
Then the five men who had gone to spy out the country of La'ish said to their brethren, "Do you know that in these houses there are an ephod, teraphim, a graven image, and a molten image? Now therefore consider what you will do."
(DBY RSV)

Judges 18:27
And taking what Micah had made, and the priest who belonged to him, the Danites came to La'ish, to a people quiet and unsuspecting, and smote them with the edge of the sword, and burned the city with fire.
(DBY RSV)

Judges 18:29
And they named the city Dan, after the name of Dan their ancestor, who was born to Israel; but the name of the city was La'ish at the first.
(DBY RSV)

1 Samuel 25:44
Now Saul had given Michal his daughter, David's wife, to Palti the son of Laish, who was of Gallim.
(See RSV)

2 Samuel 3:15
Ishbosheth sent, and took her from her husband, even from Paltiel the son of Laish.
(See RSV)

La'ish (5 Occurrences)
La'ish. Laish, La'ish. Laishah . Multi-Version Concordance La'ish (5
Occurrences). Judges 18:14 Then the five men who had gone to ...
/l/la'ish.htm - 7k

Laish (8 Occurrences)
...la'-ish (layish): (1) A city in the upper Jordan valley, apparently colonized by
the Sidonians, which was captured by the Danites and called DAN (which see ...
/l/laish.htm - 10k

Laishah (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia LAISHAH. la-i'-sha, la'-ish-a (layshah, the King
James Version, Laish): A place named in Isaiah 10:30 with Gallim and Anathoth. ...
/l/laishah.htm - 7k

Unsuspecting (9 Occurrences)
... Judges 18:7 Then the five men departed, and came to La'ish, and saw the people who
were there, how they dwelt in security, after the manner of the Sido'nians ...
/u/unsuspecting.htm - 9k

Danites (15 Occurrences)
... Judges 18:27 And taking what Micah had made, and the priest who belonged to him,
the Danites came to La'ish, to a people quiet and unsuspecting, and smote them ...
/d/danites.htm - 11k

Ancestor (5 Occurrences)
... Judges 18:29 And they named the city Dan, after the name of Dan their ancestor,
who was born to Israel; but the name of the city was La'ish at the first. ...
/a/ancestor.htm - 8k

Belonged (105 Occurrences)
... Judges 18:27 And taking what Micah had made, and the priest who belonged to him,
the Danites came to La'ish, to a people quiet and unsuspecting, and smote them ...
/b/belonged.htm - 36k

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