Judges 18:5
Judges 18:5 in Multiple Translations
Then they said to him, “Please inquire of God to determine whether we will have a successful journey.”
And they said unto him, Ask counsel, we pray thee, of God, that we may know whether our way which we go shall be prosperous.
And they said unto him, Ask counsel, we pray thee, of God, that we may know whether our way which we go shall be prosperous.
Then they said, Do get directions from God for us, to see if the journey on which we are going will have a good outcome.
“Please ask the Lord for us so we can find out if our journey will be successful,” they asked him.
Againe they said vnto him, Aske counsell nowe of God, that we may knowe whether the way which we goe, shalbe prosperous.
And they say to him, 'Ask, we pray thee, at God, and we know whether our way is prosperous on which we are going.'
They said to him, “Please ask counsel of God, that we may know whether our way which we go shall be prosperous.”
And they said to him, Ask counsel, we pray thee, of God, that we may know whether our way which we go shall be prosperous.
Then they desired him to consult the Lord, that they might know whether their journey should be prosperous, and the thing should have effect.
So they said to him, “Please ask God if we will succeed in what we are trying to do on this journey.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 18:5
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Judges 18:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֥אמְרוּ
ל֖/וֹ
שְׁאַל
נָ֣א
בֵ/אלֹהִ֑ים
וְ/נֵ֣דְעָ֔ה
הֲ/תַצְלִ֣יחַ
דַּרְכֵּ֔/נוּ
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
אֲנַ֖חְנוּ
הֹלְכִ֥ים
עָלֶֽי/הָ
וַ/יֹּ֥אמְרוּ
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
ל֖/וֹ
Prep | Suff
שְׁאַל
shâʼal
H7592
to ask
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
נָ֣א
nâʼ
H4994
please
Part
בֵ/אלֹהִ֑ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
Prep | N-mp
וְ/נֵ֣דְעָ֔ה
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
Conj | V-Qal-1cp
הֲ/תַצְלִ֣יחַ
tsâlach
H6743
to rush
Part | V-Hiphil-Imperf-3fs
דַּרְכֵּ֔/נוּ
derek
H1870
way
N-cs | Suff
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
אֲנַ֖חְנוּ
ʼănachnûw
H587
we
Pron
הֹלְכִ֥ים
hâlak
H1980
to go
V-Qal
עָלֶֽי/הָ
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 18:5
וַ/יֹּ֥אמְרוּ
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
ל֖/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
שְׁאַל
shâʼal
H7592
"to ask"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
To ask or inquire, this Hebrew word is used in the Bible to describe seeking information or requesting something. It can also mean to beg or borrow, and is used in many different contexts throughout the Old Testament. The KJV translates it as ask, beg, or borrow.
Definition: 1) to ask, enquire, borrow, beg 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to ask, ask for 1a2) to ask (as a favour), borrow 1a3) to enquire, enquire of 1a4) to enquire of, consult (of deity, oracle) 1a5) to seek 1b) (Niphal) to ask for oneself, ask leave of absence 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to enquire, enquire carefully 1c2) to beg, practise beggary 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to be given on request 1d2) to grant, make over to, let (one) ask (successfully) or give or lend on request (then) grant or make over to Aramaic equivalent: she.el (שְׁאֵל "to ask" H7593)
Usage: Occurs in 157 OT verses. KJV: ask (counsel, on), beg, borrow, lay to charge, consult, demand, desire, [idiom] earnestly, enquire, [phrase] greet, obtain leave, lend, pray, request, require, [phrase] salute, [idiom] straitly, [idiom] surely, wish. See also: Genesis 24:47; 2 Samuel 8:10; Psalms 2:8.
נָ֣א
nâʼ
H4994
"please"
Part
The Hebrew word 'nâ'' is used to express a polite request, like 'please' or 'I pray', and is often added to verbs to make them more polite. In the Bible, it appears in passages like Ezra's reading of the law to the people.
Definition: 1) I (we) pray, now, please 1a) used in entreaty or exhortation
Usage: Occurs in 374 OT verses. KJV: I beseech (pray) thee (you), go to, now, oh. See also: Genesis 12:11; Judges 4:19; 1 Kings 13:6.
בֵ/אלֹהִ֑ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
Prep | N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
וְ/נֵ֣דְעָ֔ה
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
Conj | V-Qal-1cp
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
הֲ/תַצְלִ֣יחַ
tsâlach
H6743
"to rush"
Part | V-Hiphil-Imperf-3fs
To prosper or succeed, as seen in the story of Joseph in Genesis, who rose to power in Egypt. This Hebrew word means to push forward and make progress. It is used to describe success and prosperity.
Definition: (Qal) to rush
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: break out, come (mightily), go over, be good, be meet, be profitable, (cause to, effect, make to, send) prosper(-ity, -ous, -ously). See also: Genesis 24:21; 2 Chronicles 26:5; Psalms 1:3.
דַּרְכֵּ֔/נוּ
derek
H1870
"way"
N-cs | Suff
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
אֲנַ֖חְנוּ
ʼănachnûw
H587
"we"
Pron
A Hebrew word for we or us, used for emphasis, like when Moses said we will follow God's commands, emphasizing the community's commitment.
Definition: we (first pers. pl. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 115 OT verses. KJV: ourselves, us, we. See also: Genesis 13:8; 1 Chronicles 11:1; Psalms 20:8.
הֹלְכִ֥ים
hâlak
H1980
"to go"
V-Qal
Means to walk or go, used in many different contexts in the Bible. It can describe physical movement, but also spiritual or emotional journeys. Appears in various forms, such as 'to go' or 'to walk'.
Definition: : walk/move 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to walk 1b2) to walk (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to traverse 1c2) to walk about 1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 473 OT verses. KJV: (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl. See also: Genesis 2:14; Judges 4:9; 1 Kings 13:12.
עָלֶֽי/הָ
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
Study Notes — Judges 18:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Judges 18:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Judges 18:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 18:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 18:5
- Trapp's Commentary on Judges 18:5
- Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 18:5
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 18:5
- Cambridge Bible on Judges 18:5
- Barnes' Notes on Judges 18:5
- Whedon's Commentary on Judges 18:5
- Sermons on Judges 18:5
Context — The Danites Settle in Laish
3And 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.”
5Then they said to him, “Please inquire of God to determine whether we will have a successful journey.”
6And the priest told them, “Go in peace. The LORD is watching over your journey.” 7So the five men departed and came to Laish, where they saw that the people were living securely, like the Sidonians, quiet 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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Acts 8:10 | and all the people, from the least to the greatest, heeded his words and said, “This man is the divine power called the Great Power.” |
| 2 | Isaiah 30:1 | “Woe to the rebellious children,” declares the LORD, “to those who carry out a plan that is not Mine, who form an alliance, but against My will, heaping up sin upon sin. |
| 3 | 1 Kings 22:5 | But Jehoshaphat also said to the king of Israel, “Please inquire first for the word of the LORD.” |
| 4 | Hosea 4:12 | My people consult their wooden idols, and their divining rods inform them. For a spirit of prostitution leads them astray and they have played the harlot against their God. |
| 5 | Judges 17:13 | Then Micah said, “Now I know that the LORD will be good to me, because a Levite has become my priest.” |
| 6 | Ezekiel 21:21 | For the king of Babylon stands at the fork in the road, at the junction of the two roads, to seek an omen: He shakes the arrows, he consults the idols, he examines the liver. |
| 7 | Judges 17:5 | Now this man Micah had a shrine, and he made an ephod and some household idols, and ordained one of his sons as his priest. |
| 8 | 2 Kings 16:15 | Then King Ahaz commanded Uriah the priest, “Offer on the great altar the morning burnt offering, the evening grain offering, and the king’s burnt offering and grain offering, as well as the burnt offerings, grain offerings, and drink offerings of all the people of the land. Sprinkle on the altar all the blood of the burnt offerings and sacrifices. But I will use the bronze altar to seek guidance.” |
| 9 | Judges 18:14 | 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.” |
Judges 18:5 Summary
[Judges 18:5 shows us that seeking God's guidance is essential in making decisions, just like the five men who asked the priest to inquire of God for a successful journey. This act of seeking God's will is similar to what we see in Proverbs 3:5-6, where we are encouraged to trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding. By seeking God's guidance, we can have confidence that we are making decisions that align with His plans, and we can trust that He will watch over our journey, just like He did for the five men in Judges 18:6. As we navigate our own life's journey, we can apply this principle by seeking God's wisdom and guidance through prayer, reading His Word, and trusting in His sovereignty, as encouraged in Psalm 119:105.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of inquiring of God in Judges 18:5?
Inquiring of God, as seen in Judges 18:5, is an act of seeking divine guidance and wisdom, similar to what we see in Proverbs 3:5-6, where we are encouraged to trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding. This act of seeking God's will is essential in making decisions that align with His plans.
Who are the people asking the priest to inquire of God in this verse?
The people asking the priest to inquire of God are the five men who were sent by their tribe to find a new place to settle, as mentioned in the context of Judges 18:3-7. They recognized the young Levite's voice and approached him to ask about his presence and role in Micah's household.
What does the priest's role signify in this context?
The priest's role, as seen in Judges 18:5, signifies a spiritual leader who can mediate between God and the people, similar to what we see in Exodus 4:14-16, where Moses is instructed by God to speak to the people. The priest is expected to provide guidance and wisdom, as well as to inquire of God on behalf of the people.
How does this verse relate to our modern-day Christian walk?
This verse reminds us of the importance of seeking God's will and guidance in our decisions, as encouraged in Psalm 119:105, where the Word of God is described as a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. By seeking God's guidance, we can make informed decisions that align with His plans and purposes for our lives.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to seek God's guidance and wisdom, just like the five men in Judges 18:5?
- How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's sovereignty and guidance, even when the outcome is uncertain?
- In what ways can I, like the priest in this verse, be a spiritual leader and guide for those around me, pointing them to God's wisdom and love?
- What are some practical steps I can take to prioritize seeking God's will in my decision-making processes, and how can I trust that He will direct my paths?
Gill's Exposition on Judges 18:5
And they said unto him, ask counsel, we pray thee, of God,.... They did not reprove him for assuming the priestly office, when they knew he was a Levite, such was the corruption of those times, and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 18:5
And the children of Dan sent of their family five men from their coasts, men of valour, from Zorah, and from Eshtaol, to spy out the land, and to search it; and they said unto them, Go, search the
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 18:5
Ask counsel, we pray thee, of God, to wit, by thine ephod, or teraphim, or images, which they knew he had, .
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 18:5
Judges 18:5 And they said unto him, Ask counsel, we pray thee, of God, that we may know whether our way which we go shall be prosperous.Ver. 5. Ask counsel, we pray thee, of God.] Videntur non minus leves fuisse quam Levita ille, saith Lavater. These Danites were as wise as this wandering Levite; and hearing of a teraphim, would needs have an oracle.
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 18:5
(5) Ask counsel . . . of God.—Doubtless Jonathan showed them the glittering ephod. There were no prophets of whom to inquire, as in 1 Kings 22:5; but their unauthorised inquiry was liable to the strong censure expressed in Isaiah 30:1, Hosea 4:12. They might have at least consulted the high priest Phinehas, or some other national representative.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 18:5
Verse 5. Ask counsel - of God] As the Danites use the word אלהים Elohim here for God, we are necessarily led to believe that they meant the true God; especially as the Levite answers, Judges 18:6, Before the LORD (יהוה Yehovah) is your way. Though the former word may be sometimes applied to idols, whom their votaries clothed with the attributes of God; yet the latter is never applied but to the true God alone. As the Danites succeeded according to the oracle delivered by the Levite, it is a strong presumption that the worship established by Micah was not of an idolatrous kind. It is really begging the question to assert, as many commentators have done, that the answer was either a trick of the Levite, or suggested by the devil; and that the success of the Danites was merely accidental. This is taking the thing by the worst handle, to support an hypothesis, and to serve a system. See the end of the preceding chapter. Judges 17:13 (note)
Cambridge Bible on Judges 18:5
5. Ask counsel … of God] i.e. by means of the ephod or sacred lot. To consult the divine will in this way was one of the special functions of the priesthood; see 1 Samuel 6:2; 1 Samuel 14:18 (RVm.), 1 Samuel 22:10, 1 Samuel 23:9-12 etc. So long as sacrificial acts were freely performed by laymen, the chief distinction of the priest doubtless lay in his qualification to give an oracle: W. R Smith, OTJC., p. 292.
Barnes' Notes on Judges 18:5
The sight of the ephod and teraphim suggested the notion of inquiring of God.
Whedon's Commentary on Judges 18:5
5. Ask counsel — By means of the urim on the ephod which Micah had made for his sanctuary and priest. Judges 17:5. It was a common custom in Israel thus to inquire of the Lord. Comp.
Sermons on Judges 18:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Homily 18 on the Acts of the Apostles by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches about the importance of building churches and spreading the Gospel, emphasizing the need for believers to actively engage in the cultivation of souls and t |
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Homily 46 on Matthew by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches on the parable of the wheat and tares, emphasizing the presence of false teachings and corrupters within the Kingdom of Heaven, warning against the devil's |
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The Secret of Spiritual Strength by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of seeking God's guidance and counsel in times of crisis. He highlights the story of King David, who sought God's direction b |
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(Poland) the Capacity to Be Stirred by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of witnessing the hardships of communism in Poland. He recalls the scarcity of goods in the grocery stores and the long que |
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Audio Sermon: The Great Apostasy 1986 by David Wilkerson | This sermon addresses the great apostasy, emphasizing the need for repentance and turning back to God. The speaker highlights the dangers of falling away from the faith, the lure o |
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Words of Expostulation by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, the preacher begins by describing a vision of a great feast where armies have met and there has been a terrible slaughter. He relates this vision to the spiritual b |
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Righteousness Imputed and Imparted by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about a woman who felt restless and missed her husband when he was gone. She couldn't sleep and in her desperation, she knelt by |