DAN AND BENJAMIN. 89

into being an idolater. The name of this young Levite
was Jonathan. We are told that he was the son of
Gershom, the son of Manasseh. Some think that Moses
is meant by Manasseh, so that he would be the degene-
rate son of the great lawgiver, but on that point there
is difference of opinion. I told you a little ago that the
tribe of Dan was pent up in the mountains by the Amo-
rites. When their numbers increased they found it im-
possible for all of them to live together, so they resolved
to plant a colony in another place.

George. Why did they not make a sally upon the
Amorites and drive them off their land ?

Grandfather. Want of faith was doubtless the reason
why they did not, though they could easily excuse their
conduct to themselves by saying it would be impossible
to expel the Amorites.

George. But where could they go to plant a colony ?

Grandfather. To one family in the tribe of Dan there
had been given a piece of land in the very north of
Canaan. Now this family, instead of going to take
possession of their own inheritance, preferred living at
their brethren’s expense. This was mean and cowardly.
They were afraid of the heathen who lived in their land.
However, as their numbers increased, they found that it
would be necessary to attempt something : better face a
foreign foe than stay to starve at home. They chose
five brave men from among them, and sent them to see
how the land looked, and what sort of people inhabited
it. Away they went on their expedition, and as they