Genesis 49:17Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The leadership of the faithful would not be devoid of trials; rather, they would face numerous hardships, confront obstacles, and their journey in apostleship would not be entirely free from perils. James alluded to this notion, saying, “Let Dan be Dan,” implying something akin to the serpent in the way, a viper on the path, a bruiser on the horse's foot, representing the complexities and challenging truths of faith. Thus, the strikes of serpents carry inevitable risk, though aimed at the heel. As it is written, “It shall smite thee in the head, and thou shalt sting it in the heel” (Gen. 3:15). Similarly, the holy Apostles faced accusations that led them even to the brink of physical death.

Dan the serpent will dwell upon the earth, particularly in high places, resembling the serpents found in the Sinai desert, which raise their heads from the dust. The basilisk lurks along the paths, evoking fear in travelers who venture through wild terrains, and likewise, those on well-trodden ways will be wary of basilisks concealed in their routes. In the same manner, the Philistines will tremble before Samson, whether they tread familiar roads or wander into unmarked paths. They will nip at the horse's heel, leading to the horseman’s fall due to hunger, reminiscent of the plight the Philistines faced when Samson set their fields ablaze with foxes (Judges 15:4-5). This scarcity will overwhelm them as a horse might trample its rider.

Samson, a judge of Israel from the tribe of Dan, prompts James to articulate this vision: ‘I perceive in the spirit that your Nazorean, Samson, grows his hair and, after enduring, emerges victorious over his foes. Like the serpent and the basilisk that obstruct the paths, he prevents anyone from traversing the land of Israel. Yet, if someone foolishly relies on their strength, akin to the speed of a horse, and attempts to deceitfully plunder the land, they will find themselves lacking the power to escape.’ James conveys this through the symbolism of the serpent and the horseman. Furthermore, ‘I observe that your Nazorean possesses immense strength. Although he succumbed due to the temptress, in his death he vanquished all our adversaries.

Following the time of Joshua, the Israelites were led by judges from various tribes, including Samson from the tribe of Dan, who served for twenty years. However, the prophecy does not refer to him but to the Antichrist, who will also hail from the tribe of Dan. This cruel judge and dreadful oppressor will deceive the people like a serpent coiled on the path, seeking to distort the truth and lure those committed to righteousness off their course. To injure the heel of a horse signifies that, after being poisoned and bitten by the serpent, the horse raises its heel. Similarly, Judas Iscariot, enticed by the adversary, lifted his heel against the Lord Jesus to undermine the One who willingly humbled Himself to elevate all mankind.

To Zebulun, a coastal settlement was prophesied, while Issachar was associated with agriculture, and some interpret Dan’s reference as relating to events from the time of Samson, given his tribal lineage and role among the judges. Hence, it is stated, “Dan judges his own people; he is one tribe in Israel.” Others suggest that Jacob’s prophecy pertains to the city of Laissa, now known as Paneas. A small group from that tribe unexpectedly surged forth and seized the city, establishing their presence and naming it, “They called ... for the name thereof is Dan” (Judges 18:29). It seems that the Holy Spirit, who spoke through the Patriarch regarding our Savior, also conveys a message concerning the Antichrist. The writing concerning him is therefore fitting.

"Let Dan be likened to a serpent on the path, coiled upon the ground, striking at the heel of the horse, resulting in the rider falling backward, as he awaits the deliverance of the Lord." Conversely, the Antichrist will stand in opposition, embodying "a serpent in the way, lying down" against the word of truth, seeking to sting and undermine those who walk righteously. As the prophet indicated, "He who strikes at the heel of the horse" signifies the temptation of those who proclaim the true and redemptive path. Likewise, he lured the apostles and ensnared Judas through his deception, leading to the death of the one riding the horse.

The journey signifies a tighter pathway, indicating that a person is not traversing the wide and easy road that leads to ruin, but rather the slim and challenging path that brings life (Matthew 7:13-14). He inflicts suffering upon the metaphorical horse, adhering to what the Apostle Paul articulated, "I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest when I have preached to others, I myself should be disqualified" (1 Cor. 9:27). He causes the rider to tumble backward, as he is one who harbors a constant fear of elevation and prefers for his spirit to descend from the heights of wickedness to the gentle embrace of true humility, which is learned from Christ, who is gentle and lowly in spirit (Matthew 11:29).

We ought to consider the reasons why both Ezekiel and Paul prostrate themselves, as well as the significance of the statement regarding the horseman who, being elevated with worldly glory, is described as falling backward. Similarly, it is recorded about the Lord's adversaries: "And they went backward, and fell to the ground" (John 18:6). What implications arise from the distinction between the chosen falling on their faces and the wicked tumbling backward, if not that those who fall backward do so in a manner that indicates a lack of sight, while those who fall on their faces do so in recognition? Those who tumble backward, lacking understanding, are associated with unseen matters, as they are unable to perceive what lies ahead. In contrast, the righteous willingly bow down before what they behold, seeking to be realigned in the spiritual realm; thus, they fall as if on their faces, being humbled and overwhelmed by their encounters.

The imagery of the serpent on the path symbolizes the cleverness of the lineage of Dan. The actions of Samson, including the theft of the idols from Micah's house and the defeat of Laish, serve as illustrations of this cunning behavior.