שופטים, פרק י״ח, פסוק י״א

The successful scouting mission spurs the Tribe of Dan into action, launching them on a combined military campaign and settlement journey to claim a new homeland. Trusting the favorable report brought back by their spies, the people are thoroughly convinced to make the move [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Their departure is decisive. Rather than hesitating, the tribe uproots their homes immediately, demonstrating complete confidence in the men who surveyed the land [מלבי״ם].

From their cities of Zorah and Eshtaol, a vanguard of six hundred armed men sets out with the clear objective of conquering the city of Laish [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. While the attention centers on these equipped warriors, the movement is actually a full-scale migration. The members of the tribe completely abandon their previous settlements, bringing along their families and all their possessions.

As they travel, the migrating group deliberately avoids setting up camp inside populated cities, choosing instead to establish their camps just outside these settled areas. This careful approach is evident as they progress, such as when they later encamp near Kiriath-jearim, settling just behind the city in a location that would eventually be named Mahaneh-dan in their honor [אברבנאל].