‘And of Dan he said, “Dan is a lion’s cub that leaps from Bashan” (Deuteronomy 33:22).

The phase ‘unfulfilled potential’ is often used for what was a formally young up and coming sportsman or a rising star in politics that has never really archive all that was expected of them. Verse 22 of chapter 33 concerns the tribe of Dan and along with the tribe of Reuben this is one of the shortest blessings in this address.  But it is one that may indicate unfulfilled potential!

Dan is compared to a: ‘lion’s cub.’ and in my mind this is a picture of youth and vigour and the aggressive qualities that are referred to in Jacob’s blessing in Genesis 49:16-17 where the tribe is referred to as: ‘a viper by the path, that bites the horse’s heels so that the rider falls backwards’ (Genesis 49:17). But it could also relate, as some commentators have noted, to the weakness of youth.  It has also been seem as an indication that this was a tribe that was going to grow.  Indeed, this was the case and the Danites later took extra territory than what had been allotted to them (Joshua 19:47).

It is uncertain what is the significance of the word ‘Bashan’ is here.  A straightforward reading of the text would suggest a place name, but there is no link between the tribe of Dan and Bashan.  So some commentators have surmised this is a play on words that is often found in Ancient Near East languages   So in that case Bashan can be associated with the word: ‘viper’ which would certainly fit in with Jacob’s blessing in Genesis 49:17, but none of these commentators have claimed this with certainty.

The ambiguous nature of this blessing may well be due to the fact that the tribe of Dan became associated with idolatry (see Judges 18) and this may be one of the reasons why they are not referred to as being among the tribes mentioned in Revelation 7:5-8.

Once again, Scripture warns us that we can come from a good heritage.  We can grow up in a Christian family, attended a good church and can see the blessing of God around us and in the lives of others.  Yet there is a danger that we can neglect making a personal decision and, rather than seek the kingdom of God, we make ourselves at home in the kingdom of this world, just as the Danites did, and became a case of unfulfilled potential!  The results of doing so is easily seen in the passage in Revelation 7 where they are not included along with the rest of God’s people! And as such, this acts as a warning to churches and individuals to put the Lord first and seek his will in everything they do!