<b>Dan shall judge his people like one of the tribes of Israel (Gen. 49:16).</b> L<i>ike one</i> signifies that like Judah, he was one of the most distinguished of the tribes. Another explanation of <i>like one of the tribes of Israel</i>. He was like the Unique One of the world, who requires no assistance in battle, as it is said: <i>I have trod the wine press alone</i> (Isa. 43:3). Samson, who descended from Dan, needed no assistance from others, as is said: <i>With the jawbone of an ass have I smitten a thousand men</i> (Judg. 15:16).
<i>Dan shall be a serpent on the way</i> (Gen. 49:16). All animals travel about in pairs, but the serpent goes about alone. And just as the serpent is vengeful so too was Samson, as is said: <i>I may be this once avenged of the Philistines for my two eyes</i> (Judg. 16:18). When Jacob saw him he exclaimed: <i>I wait for Thy salvation, O Lord</i> (Gen. 49:18).
<i>Gad, a troop shall troop upon him; but he shall troop at the end</i> (Gen. 49:19). That is to say, the redeemer who will come at the end of days will descend from Gad, for he was one of the last to come: <i>Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and terrible day of the Lord</i> (Mal. 3:23). And Elijah descended from Gad. Hence it is said: <i>But he shall troop in the end</i>.