Last but not least, Joshua assigns territory to the tribe of Dan (Joshua 19:40-48).

The best-known hero from Dan is Samson, whose birth was more highly anticipated and celebrated than any other Israelite of that era (Judges 13). Samson's calling was to be an exemplary, holy Nazirite throughout his life (vv. 5, 7). He was a strong man with great potential, but he proved to be a womaniser and an undisciplined man who indulged himself freely and allowed himself to be controlled by his passions.

To avoid Samson's sinful ways, we need God's Word and His Holy Spirit, who will work in and through us. In that regard, I am reminded of another biblical hero from the tribe of Dan–Oholiab.

Oholiab is one of the two lead men whom the Lord used to design and build the tabernacle and its contents. Together with the other skilled workers, he and Bezalel made the ark of the covenant, the mercy seat, the golden lampstand, the altar for burnt offerings, and all the furniture, equipment, and clothing used in the tabernacle (Exodus 31:6-11; 35:34-36:2; 38:23). At every turn, what they made had deep spiritual significance: everything they built was used to honour and worship the Lord God. Oholiab reminds us of what we can do when we are filled with the Holy Spirit.

In Old Testament times, the Spirit was given only to a few, and Moses yearned for the day when the Spirit would be given to all of God's people (Numbers 11:29). That miracle began on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2). Since then, as Jesus promised, the Spirit has been dwelling in every true Christian (Romans 8:9).

Because the Holy Spirit lives in us, we are temples of the Holy Spirit, both collectively and individually (1 Corinthians 3:16-17; 6:19-20). This breathtaking truth calls us to live honourably and gracefully in all we say and do.