Judges 18
BSB1 In those days there was no king in Israel, and the tribe of the Danites was looking for territory to occupy. For up to that time they had not come into an inheritance among the tribes of Israel. 2 So the Danites sent out five men from their clans, men of valor from Zorah and Eshtaol, to spy out the land and explore it. “Go and explore the land,” they told them. The men entered the hill country of Ephraim and came to the house of Micah, where they spent the night. 3 And while they were near Micah’s house, they recognized the voice of the young Levite; so they went over and asked him, “Who brought you here? What are you doing in this place? Why are you here?" 4 “Micah has done this and that for me,” he replied, “and he has hired me to be his priest." 5 Then they said to him, “Please inquire of God to determine whether we will have a successful journey." 6 And the priest told them, “Go in peace. The LORD is watching over your journey." 7 So the five men departed and came to Laish, where they saw that the people were living securely, like the Sidonians, tranquil and unsuspecting. There was nothing lacking in the land and no oppressive ruler. And they were far away from the Sidonians and had no alliance with anyone. 8 When the men returned to Zorah and Eshtaol, their brothers asked them, “What did you find?" 9 They answered, “Come on, let us go up against them, for we have seen the land, and it is very good. Why would you fail to act? Do not hesitate to go there and take possession of the land! 10 When you enter, you will come to an unsuspecting people and a spacious land, for God has delivered it into your hand. It is a place where nothing on earth is lacking." 11 So six hundred Danites departed from Zorah and Eshtaol, armed with weapons of war. 12 They went up and camped at Kiriath-jearim in Judah. That is why the place west of Kiriath-jearim is called Mahaneh-dan to this day. 13 And from there they traveled to the hill country of Ephraim and came to Micah’s house. 14 Then the five men who had gone to spy out the land of Laish said to their brothers, “Did you know that one of these houses has an ephod, household gods, a graven image, and a molten idol? Now think about what you should do." 15 So they turned aside there and went to the home of the young Levite, the house of Micah, and greeted him. 16 The six hundred Danites stood at the entrance of the gate, armed with their weapons of war. 17 And the five men who had gone to spy out the land went inside and took the graven image, the ephod, the household idols, and the molten idol, while the priest stood at the entrance of the gate with the six hundred armed men. 18 When they entered Micah’s house and took the graven image, the ephod, the household idols, and the molten idol, the priest said to them, “What are you doing?" 19 “Be quiet,” they told him. “Put your hand over your mouth and come with us and be a father and a priest to us. Is it better for you to be a priest for the house of one person or a priest for a tribe and family in Israel?" 20 So the priest was glad and took the ephod, the household idols, and the graven image, and went with the people. 21 Putting their small children, their livestock, and their possessions in front of them, they turned and departed. 22 After they were some distance from Micah’s house, the men in the houses near Micah’s house mobilized and overtook the Danites. 23 When they called out after them, the Danites turned to face them and said to Micah, “What is the matter with you that you have called out such a company?" 24 He replied, “You took the gods I had made, and my priest, and went away. What else do I have? How can you say to me, ‘What is the matter with you?’" 25 The Danites said to him, “Do not raise your voice against us, or angry men will attack you, and you and your family will lose your lives." 26 So the Danites went on their way, and Micah turned to go back home, because he saw that they were too strong for him. 27 After they had taken Micah’s idols and his priest, they went to Laish, to a tranquil and unsuspecting people, and they struck them with their swords and burned down the city. 28 There was no one to deliver them, because the city was far from Sidon and had no alliance with anyone; it was in a valley near Beth-rehob. And the Danites rebuilt the city and lived there. 29 They named it Dan, after their forefather Dan, who was born to Israel—though the city was formerly named Laish. 30 The Danites set up idols for themselves, and Jonathan son of Gershom, the son of Moses, and his sons were priests for the tribe of Dan until the day of the captivity of the land. 31 So they set up for themselves Micah’s graven image, and it was there the whole time the house of God was in Shiloh.
Study Notes — Judges 18
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Judges 18
- Themes from Judges 18
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Judges 18
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
The Danites sent out spies to search for a new territory, and they came to the house of Micah, where they found an ephod, teraphim, and a carved image (Judges 18:1-6). The spies convinced the Danites to attack Laish, a peaceful and unsuspecting city, and they conquered it (Judges 18:7-10). The Danites then established a shrine with the idolatrous priest, Jonathan, and they worshipped the carved image (Judges 18:11-31). This chapter summarizes the Danites' disobedience to God's commands and their embracing of idolatry, highlighting the dangers of spiritual compromise and the importance of faithfulness to God's Word.
Context for the Chapter
Judges 18 is part of the larger narrative of the book of Judges, which describes the period of Israel's history when they were ruled by judges rather than kings. This chapter fits into the broader context of the book, which highlights the cycle of sin, judgment, and redemption that characterized Israel's history during this period. The chapter also points forward to the coming of Jesus Christ, who would establish a new covenant with God's people and bring redemption to those who trust in Him.
Heart Application
As believers, we can apply the lessons of Judges 18 by examining our own spiritual condition and seeking to live a life of obedience to God's commands. We must be careful not to allow anything to take the place of God in our lives, and we must stand firm in our faith, even in the face of opposition or temptation. By submitting to God's authority and following His Word, we can avoid the dangers of spiritual compromise and idolatry, and we can experience the joy and freedom that comes from living a life of faithfulness to God.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Judges 18 describes the Danites' search for a new territory and their conquest of Laish, where they established a shrine with an idolatrous priest. The chapter highlights the dangers of spiritual compromise and the importance of faithfulness to God's Word. As believers, we can apply the lessons of this chapter by examining our own spiritual condition and seeking to live a life of obedience to God's commands. We must be careful not to allow anything to take the place of God in our lives, and we must stand firm in our faith, even in the face of opposition or temptation.
Voices from the Church
“The greatest enemy of the church is not the infidel, but the compromise of the gospel. When we begin to trim and tone down the truth, we are on the road to apostasy.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The human heart is a factory of idols. We are all prone to create our own idols and to worship them, rather than the one true God.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The Danites' Search for a New Territory (Judges 18:1-6) — The Danites sent out spies to search for a new territory, and they came to the house of Micah, where they found an ephod, teraphim, and a carved image.
- The Danites' Conquest of Laish (Judges 18:7-10) — The spies convinced the Danites to attack Laish, a peaceful and unsuspecting city, and they conquered it.
- The Establishment of the Shrine (Judges 18:11-31) — The Danites established a shrine with the idolatrous priest, Jonathan, and they worshipped the carved image.
- The Idolatry of the Danites (Judges 18:1-31) — The Danites' actions in this chapter reveal a deep-seated spiritual problem - a lack of faithfulness to God's Word and a willingness to compromise with the world.
- The Importance of Faithfulness (Judges 18:1-31) — The chapter emphasizes the importance of faithfulness to God's Word, highlighting the need for believers to submit to God's authority and to follow His commands.
Core Doctrines
- The Dangers of Idolatry
- The chapter highlights the dangers of idolatry and the importance of avoiding any form of idolatrous practice. This doctrine serves as a warning to believers to be careful not to allow anything to take the place of God in their lives.
- The Importance of Faithfulness
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of faithfulness to God's Word, highlighting the need for believers to submit to God's authority and to follow His commands. This doctrine encourages believers to stand firm in their faith, even in the face of opposition or temptation.
- The Consequences of Disobedience
- The Danites' disobedience to God's commands is a recurring theme in this chapter, emphasizing the importance of submitting to God's authority and following His Word. This doctrine serves as a warning to believers of the consequences of disobedience and the importance of living a life of obedience to God.
- The Need for a Savior
- The chapter points to the need for a Savior who can redeem God's people from their sins and establish a new covenant with them. This doctrine is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who is the King of kings and the Lord of lords.
Lessons from Judges 18
- The Importance of Faithfulness — The chapter emphasizes the importance of faithfulness to God's Word, highlighting the need for believers to submit to God's authority and to follow His commands.
- The Dangers of Idolatry — The chapter highlights the dangers of idolatry and the importance of avoiding any form of idolatrous practice.
- The Consequences of Disobedience — The Danites' disobedience to God's commands is a recurring theme in this chapter, emphasizing the importance of submitting to God's authority and following His Word.
- The Need for a Savior — The chapter points to the need for a Savior who can redeem God's people from their sins and establish a new covenant with them.
- The Importance of Spiritual Discernment — The chapter emphasizes the importance of spiritual discernment and the need for believers to be careful not to allow anything to take the place of God in their lives.
Themes from Judges 18
- The Dangers of Spiritual Compromise — The chapter highlights the dangers of spiritual compromise and the importance of standing firm in one's faith, even in the face of opposition or temptation.
- The Importance of Faithfulness to God's Word — The chapter emphasizes the importance of faithfulness to God's Word, highlighting the need for believers to submit to God's authority and to follow His commands.
- The Consequences of Disobedience — The Danites' disobedience to God's commands is a recurring theme in this chapter, emphasizing the importance of submitting to God's authority and following His Word.
- The Need for a Savior — The chapter points to the need for a Savior who can redeem God's people from their sins and establish a new covenant with them.
- The Importance of Spiritual Discernment — The chapter emphasizes the importance of spiritual discernment and the need for believers to be careful not to allow anything to take the place of God in their lives.
Questions for Meditation
- What are some ways in which we can compromise our faith and allow idolatry to creep into our lives?
- How can we stand firm in our faith, even in the face of opposition or temptation?
- What are some consequences of disobedience to God's commands, and how can we avoid them?
- How does the chapter's emphasis on the importance of faithfulness to God's Word relate to our own lives as believers?
- What are some ways in which we can apply the lessons of Judges 18 to our own lives and avoid the dangers of spiritual compromise and idolatry?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Danites' Search for a New Territory (Judges 18:1-6)
| Judges 18:1 | In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit. |
| Judges 18:2 | The Danites sent out five of their leading men from Zorah and Eshtaol to spy out the land and search it. |
| Judges 18:3 | When they came to Micah's house, they recognized the voice of the young Levite; so they turned in there and asked him, 'Who brought you here? What are you doing in this place? What do you have here?' |
| Judges 18:4 | He told them what Micah had done for him, and about his conversation with him, and then he said, 'He has hired me, and I am his priest.' |
| Judges 18:5 | Then they said to him, 'Please inquire of God to learn whether our journey will be successful.' |
| Judges 18:6 | The priest answered them, 'Go in peace. Your journey has the Lord’s approval.' |
2. The Danites' Conquest of Laish (Judges 18:7-10)
| Judges 18:7 | So the five men left and came to Laish, where they saw that the people were living in safety, like the Sidonians, unsuspecting and secure. |
| Judges 18:8 | When they returned to Zorah and Eshtaol, their brothers asked them, 'How did you find it?' |
| Judges 18:9 | They answered, 'Come on, let’s attack them! We have seen the land, and it is very good. Aren’t you going to do something? Don’t hesitate to go there and take it over.' |
| Judges 18:10 | So six hundred men from the tribe of Dan, armed for battle, set out from Zorah and Eshtaol. |
3. The Establishment of the Shrine (Judges 18:11-31)
| Judges 18:11 | They went up and camped near Kiriath Jearim in Judah. This is why the place west of Kiriath Jearim is called Mahaneh Dan to this day. |
| Judges 18:12 | From there they went on to the hill country of Ephraim and came to Micah’s house. |
| Judges 18:13 | Then they turned in there and asked the young Levite, 'Who brought you here? What are you doing in this place? What do you have here?' |
| Judges 18:14 | He told them what Micah had done for him, and about his conversation with him, and then he said, 'He has hired me, and I am his priest.' |
| Judges 18:15 | Then they said to him, 'Please inquire of God to learn whether our journey will be successful.' |
| Judges 18:16 | The priest answered them, 'Go in peace. Your journey has the Lord’s approval.' |
| Judges 18:17 | So the five men left and came to Laish, where they saw that the people were living in safety, like the Sidonians, unsuspecting and secure. |
| Judges 18:18 | When they returned to Zorah and Eshtaol, their brothers asked them, 'How did you find it?' |
| Judges 18:19 | They answered, 'Come on, let’s attack them! We have seen the land, and it is very good. Aren’t you going to do something? Don’t hesitate to go there and take it over.' |
| Judges 18:20 | So six hundred men from the tribe of Dan, armed for battle, set out from Zorah and Eshtaol. |
| Judges 18:21 | They went up and camped near Kiriath Jearim in Judah. This is why the place west of Kiriath Jearim is called Mahaneh Dan to this day. |
| Judges 18:22 | From there they went on to the hill country of Ephraim and came to Micah’s house. |
| Judges 18:23 | Then they turned in there and asked the young Levite, 'Who brought you here? What are you doing in this place? What do you have here?' |
| Judges 18:24 | He told them what Micah had done for him, and about his conversation with him, and then he said, 'He has hired me, and I am his priest.' |
| Judges 18:25 | Then they said to him, 'Please inquire of God to learn whether our journey will be successful.' |
| Judges 18:26 | The priest answered them, 'Go in peace. Your journey has the Lord’s approval.' |
| Judges 18:27 | Then they took what Micah had made, and the priest who had been appointed, and they went on to Laish, against a peaceful and unsuspecting people. They attacked them with the sword and burned down their city. |
| Judges 18:28 | There was no one to rescue them because they lived a long way from Sidon and had no relationship with anyone else. The city was located in the valley near Beth Rehob. The Danites rebuilt the city and settled there. |
| Judges 18:29 | They named it Dan after their ancestor, who was born to Israel—though the city used to be called Laish. |
| Judges 18:30 | There the Danites set up for themselves the idol, and Jonathan son of Gershom, the son of Moses, and his sons were priests for the tribe of Dan until the time of the captivity of the land. |
| Judges 18:31 | They continued to use the idol Micah had made, all the time the house of God was in Shiloh. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of Judges 18?
The main theme of Judges 18 is the Danites' idolatry and conquest of Laish, highlighting the dangers of spiritual compromise and the importance of faithfulness to God's Word.
What is the significance of the Danites' establishment of a shrine in Laish?
The Danites' establishment of a shrine in Laish is significant because it highlights their idolatry and disobedience to God's commands, and it serves as a warning to believers to avoid any form of idolatrous practice.
How does the chapter relate to our own lives as believers?
The chapter relates to our own lives as believers by emphasizing the importance of faithfulness to God's Word and the dangers of spiritual compromise. We must be careful not to allow anything to take the place of God in our lives, and we must stand firm in our faith, even in the face of opposition or temptation.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Judges 18:1 → Deuteronomy 12:8-14 | The verse highlights the spiritual chaos and lawlessness that characterized the period of the judges, which is contrasted with the order and structure that God established in Deuteronomy 12:8-14. |
| 2 | Judges 18:2 → Numbers 13:1-3 | The Danites' sending out of spies to search for a new territory is reminiscent of the Israelites' sending out of spies to search for the Promised Land in Numbers 13:1-3. |
| 3 | Judges 18:7 → Joshua 19:47 | The Danites' conquest of Laish is mentioned in Joshua 19:47, which highlights the tribe's failure to fully possess their inheritance. |
| 4 | Judges 18:11 → 1 Kings 12:28-33 | The Danites' establishment of a shrine in Laish is similar to Jeroboam's establishment of shrines in Bethel and Dan in 1 Kings 12:28-33. |
| 5 | Judges 18:20 → Psalm 78:60-61 | The Danites' idolatry and disobedience to God's commands are mentioned in Psalm 78:60-61, which highlights the consequences of their actions. |
| 6 | Judges 18:25 → Proverbs 28:1 | The Danites' attack on Laish is an example of the wicked fleeing when no one pursues, as mentioned in Proverbs 28:1. |
| 7 | Judges 18:30 → Hosea 8:14 | The Danites' use of the idol Micah had made is an example of the Israelites' tendency to forget God's commands and follow after other gods, as mentioned in Hosea 8:14. |
| 8 | Judges 18:31 → John 4:23-24 | The Danites' idolatry and disobedience to God's commands are contrasted with the true worship of God, which is mentioned in John 4:23-24. |
Sermons on Judges 18
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Ten Shekels and a Shirt (Cleaned Up) by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the difference between 20th century preaching and the preaching of John Wesley. Wesley was known for exalting the holiness of God and deliver |
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How Much Could You Lose by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the fragility of life and the blessings we often take for granted. He mentions an Englishman arriving in America on the 4th of July and the |
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Judges 18 vs 24 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker shares various stories and experiences to illustrate the idea of losing material possessions and facing trials. He mentions a girl who became blind afte |
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Samson #5 - Tragic Legacy by Andrew Foster | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the sad state of the Church of Christ, which has become blind and defeated, giving the wicked reason to mock God's people. The preacher empha |
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The Danites Look for a Place to Settle by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the story of the Danites in Judges chapter 18. He highlights the importance of having a guide and authority in our lives, emphasizing t |
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Revelation 2:1 Missionary Conf. by J.M. Davies | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the darkness that exists in the world and the importance of following the Lord. They highlight the cost of following the Lord, but also empha |
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Judges 18 by Leonard Ravenhill | Leonard Ravenhill delivers a powerful sermon on Judges 18, emphasizing the question of how much one can lose without losing faith in God. He reflects on the story of Micah, who los |
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The Message of Judges by G. Campbell Morgan | G. Campbell Morgan delivers a powerful sermon on 'The Message of Judges,' emphasizing the deterioration of a nation through religious apostasy, political disorganization, and socia |
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Idolatry by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot, in his sermon 'The History of an Idol, its Rise, Reign and Progress,' delves into the deep-rooted sin of idolatry in the human heart, tracing its prevalence from anci |
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The History of an Idol, Its Rise, Reign and Progress by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot delivers a powerful sermon on idolatry, highlighting how it is deeply rooted in the human heart and can manifest in various forms, even among Christians. He emphasizes |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Judges 18
Matthew Henry's commentary on Judges 18 highlights the spiritual chaos and lawlessness that characterized the period of the judges. The Danites' idolatry and disobedience to God's commands are seen as a result of their lack of faithfulness to God's Word. Henry emphasizes the importance of faithfulness to God's commands and the dangers of spiritual compromise. He also notes that the Danites' actions are a warning to believers to avoid any form of idolatrous practice and to stand firm in their faith, even in the face of opposition or temptation. Ultimately, the chapter points to the need for a Savior who can redeem God's people from their sins and establish a new covenant with them. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Danites' Spiritual Condition
The Danites' actions in this chapter reveal a deep-seated spiritual problem - a lack of faithfulness to God's Word and a willingness to compromise with the world. This observation highlights the importance of believers examining their own spiritual condition and seeking to live a life of obedience to God's commands.
The Dangers of Idolatry
The chapter highlights the dangers of idolatry and the importance of avoiding any form of idolatrous practice. This observation serves as a warning to believers to be careful not to allow anything to take the place of God in their lives.
The Importance of Faithfulness
The chapter emphasizes the importance of faithfulness to God's Word, highlighting the need for believers to submit to God's authority and to follow His commands. This observation encourages believers to stand firm in their faith, even in the face of opposition or temptation.