The response of three more Israelite tribes is described here, first Gilead, then Dan, then Asher. The Hebrew verb meaning “dwell” or “settle down” (shakan) occurs twice and forms an inclusio around this verse (rendered stayed and settling down). The poet is obviously using the same verb deliberately. There is also a close link to 5.16, since the Hebrew verb rendered sat still is the same one translated “tarry” there. The message of these repetitive verbs is clear. These tribes were not willing to budge to help their brothers.
Gilead stayed beyond the Jordan: Gilead is the name of a territory, east of the Jordan River, extending south in a narrow strip from near the Lake of Galilee to near the northern end of the Dead Sea. Jacob went toward this place when he fled from Laban, his father-in-law (Gen 31.21). The tribe of Gad settled in much of this territory. Gilead is a place name, so many translators will prefer to say “The people of Gilead” (Contemporary English Version), while some will replace this name with “The tribe of Gad” (Good News Translation). Stayed beyond the Jordan means these people stayed on the east side of the Jordan River. They refused to come across the river to assist in the battle. Translators may catch the tone of this phrase by saying “stayed put on the other side of the Jordan River” or “would not budge from the region beyond the Jordan River.” Beyond the Jordan could be an ambiguous phrase since its meaning depends on where the speaker is standing. To be clearer translators might say “on the east side of the Jordan River.” If this information would disrupt the poetry, then they might include it in a footnote. A map in the text will also help the reader to understand what the actual situation was.
And Dan, why did he abide with the ships?: With this question the taunts are addressed to another tribe, that of Dan (see comments on verse 1.34). And renders the Hebrew waw conjunction. And Dan may be rendered “As for Dan,” “And as far as Dan is concerned,” or even “And what about the tribe of Dan?” Translators should always keep in mind, however, that this is a song, and not a narrative text.
Why did he abide with the ships? is a rhetorical question. This accusation against the tribe of Dan is expressed using the same question form as used against the tribe of Reuben in verse 5.16. However, this time the question is not directly addressed to the people concerned, but expressed in the third person. The singular pronoun he designates the group, so we might say “Why did the people of Dan remain on the coast?” However, if second person better conveys rebukes or criticisms, another possible model is “Dan, how could you just sit there next to your ships!”
The Hebrew verb rendered abide (gur) is different from the one translated stayed (shakan) in the previous line. This verb applies to living for a time as a stranger in a certain place. This is in keeping with what this book teaches about the Danites who made a major move from the Mediterranean coast in the south to the hill country in the far north (verse 1.34). New International Version says “linger,” while Revised English Bible has “tarry,” but in many languages it will be more natural to use “stay,” “remain,” or “find refuge.” In Hebrew the expression rendered with the ships does not have a preposition, but various versions try to render it in a natural way, saying the Danites remained “on their ships” (Contemporary English Version) or “by the ships” (Good News Translation, New International Version). This figure of speech certainly refers to a time when the Danites had not yet moved north, and were still living “on the coast.” Translators might use such expressions, but it is important to remember that in this poetic song these images are associated with each tribe: Reuben with his flocks of sheep and Dan with his ships. The reluctance of the Danites to help their brothers is just the beginning of their moral failure. Later in this book, they show themselves to be immoral and corrupt.
Asher sat still at the coast of the sea: Like Dan, the tribe of Asher does nothing to help their brothers. However, unlike Dan, Asher is introduced here without a conjunction. Translators should use natural forms in their language, for example, “And as for Asher….” The territory of Asher was much further north on the Mediterranean coast than the Danite territory (see comments on verse 1.31). Like the people of Reuben, Gad and Dan, the Asherites sat still where they were, refusing to respond to the call. The coast of the sea (that is, “the seashore”) was the dwelling place of this tribe. The word for sea is plural in Hebrew, and here refers to the Mediterranean Sea, a very large body of water that touches the coast of Palestine. Some languages do not have a word for sea, so they will have to say “big waters” or something similar. In many languages the word “coast” or “sea” alone is sufficient: “The tribe of Asher refused to leave their home by the coast” or “The Asherites remained at home by the sea.”
Settling down by his landings forms a chiasm with the preceding line: “he remained at the seacoast and on his landing places he stayed.” This structure draws attention to the Asherites’ obstinate behavior. Settling down renders the same Hebrew verb as stayed in the first line, describing the tribe of Gad, and if possible, the same verb can be used. In some languages it may be more effective to use a negative expression, such as “refused to move” or “would not budge.”
The meaning of the Hebrew noun rendered landings is uncertain. This word comes from a root meaning “burst” or “break through.” Contemporary English Version and Jerusalem Bible speak of “harbors,” and Good News Translation has “shore.” These renderings make sense, since they are parallel to coast of the sea in the previous line. New International Version‘s “coves” seems possible, but Revised English Bible‘s “creeks” does not seem correct in this context.
A possible model for the whole verse is:
• The tribe of Gad refused to budge, never crossing the river.
As for the tribe of Dan, they just sat there next to their ships!
The tribe of Asher too stayed down by the sea,
refusing to budge from their [lovely] seashore.
Quoted with permission from Zogbo, Lynell and Ogden, Graham S. A Handbook on Judges. (UBS Helps for Translators). Miami: UBS, 2019. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .