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“From Dan until Beersheba”

Title“From Dan until Beersheba”
Publication TypeBook Chapter
Year of Publication2023
AuthorsShannon, Avram R.
EditorHalverson, Taylor
Book TitleOld Testament Cultural Insights
PublisherScripture Central
CitySpringville, UT
KeywordsBeersheba; Bible; Dan (City); Merism; Old Testament

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“From Dan until Beersheba”

The phrase “from Dan until Beersheba” is a merism, a rhetorical term in which two contrasting parts of the larger whole are used to stand in for the entire object. An example in English is “from A to Z,” meaning encompassing everything. Dan was a city in the northern part of the Holy Land, while Beersheba was in the southern-most portion. “From Dan until Beersheba” therefore means something like “north to south” or “the entire Holy Land.” Most of the examples of this phrase are found in 1 and 2 Samuel.

Related verses

Judges 20:1
1  Samuel 3:20
2  Samuel 3:10
2  Samuel 17:11
2  Samuel 24:2, 14
1  Kings 4:25
2  Chronicles 30:5

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Scripture Reference

Judges 20:1
1 Samuel 3:20
2 Samuel 3:10
2 Samuel 17:11
2 Samuel 24:2
2 Samuel 24:14
1 Kings 4:25
2 Chronicles 30:5