What was Yaakov referring to when he said, "Dan Yadin Amo... "?
Rashi: He was referring to Shimshon's final act of vengeance against the Pelishtim. 1
Ramban: Of the many times, during the early period of the Shoftim, that the Pelishtim subjugated Yisrael, Shimshon was the only one who defeated them, thereby avenging 2 Yisrael for the maltreatment at their hands. 3
Rashbam: He was referring to the entire tribe of Dan. Throughout the period of both Moshe and Yehoshua, 4 Dan traveled at the back of the camp ('Me'asef l'Chol ha'Machanos' (Bamidbar 10:25)), and they were therefore required to defend Yisrael from whoever attacked them from the rear.
Targum Yonasan: 'From Dan there will arise a man who will judge his people in truth.'
Malbim: Dan was the last Machaneh [when they traveled in the Midbar], and needed to fight enemies who attack stragglers at the back. Even so, Dan will judge and wage the battle of his nation, like all Shevatim.
Ha'amek Davar: They loved monetary judgments, like it says in Pesachim 4a. He was not a Shofet based on power of Torah, for they did not engage in Torah so much, rather, based on their good intellect and straight heart.
Rashi: See also Shoftim 16:28-29, and refer to 49:18:1:1. We find the word "Din" with connotations of "vengeance" in Ha'azinu (Devarim 32:36). Refer to 49:16:1:2 and the note there. (See Rashbam's strong objection to Rashi's explanation that Yaakov was referring specifically to Shimshon.)
Ramban: The Torah uses the word "Yadin" because Shimshon was a Shofet and not a king.
Ramban: As the Pasuk (Shoftim 13:5) indicates. This is also probably what Targum Onkelos means when he writes, "in his days his people will be redeemed."
See Yehoshua 6:9.
What did Yaakov mean when he added, "k'Achad Shivtei Yisrael"?
Rashi #1: He meant that, at the same time, he also avenged all of Yisrael. 1
Rashi #2: He was comparing Shimshon to David, from the special tribe of Yehudah (who defeated his enemies - "Yadcha b'Oref Oyevecha" (49:8) - Ramban). 2
Targum Yonasan: All the tribes of Yisrael together will submit themselves to him.
Hadar Zekenim: Do not say that because Dan is from a Shifchah, he will not have authority like his brothers.
Ohr ha'Chayim: Shimshon will be just like one of the special Shoftim of Yisrael. 3
Malbim: Refer to 49:16:1:5.
Ha'amek Davar: They will be judges like other Shevatim, who are Ba'alei Torah.
See Sifsei Chachamim.
Ohr Yakar: He teaches unlike the opinion that he has no share in the world to come, like Pelishtim - "Tamus Nafshi Im Pelishtim" (Shoftim 16:30).
QUESTIONS ON RASHI
Rashi writes: "'Like one, the tribes of Yisrael' - ... Yaakov's prophecy was about Shimshon." How is the concept of "oneness" related to Shimshon?
Maharal #1 (Chidushei Agados Vol. 2, p. 40, to Sotah 10a): The Gemara learns from this verse, that Shimshon judged Yisrael like their Father in Heaven (who is One). Maharal explains that Din is by definition one; 1 Shimshon personified this Midah. 2
Maharal #2 (to Sotah ibid.): Shimshon's name is derived from "Shemesh," the sun. Tehilim compares Hashem's protection over all, to the sun (Tehilim 84:12); so too did Shimshon protect Yisrael. Maharal explains that the sun rules over the day with no assistance; so too was Shimshon unique, with none to compare. 3
Perhaps this means that in justice, there can be only one true verdict, there is no room for favoritism towards either side. (CS)
See Maharal (ibid. p. 38) further, as to why Dan is compared to a "snake upon the way" (49:17).
Shimshon fought the Pelishtim single-handedly, with no assistance from any other member of Klal Yisrael. (CS)
