The Danites Settle in Laish

1In 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. 2So 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. 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.

8When the men returned to Zorah and Eshtaol, their brothers asked them, “What did you find?”

9They 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! 10When 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.”

11So six hundred Danites departed from Zorah and Eshtaol, armed with weapons of war. 12They went up and camped at Kiriath-jearim in Judah. That is why the place west of Kiriath-jearim is called Mahaneh-dana to this day. 13And from there they traveled to the hill country of Ephraim and came to Micah’s house.

The Danites Take Micah’s Idols

14Then 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.”

15So they turned aside there and went to the home of the young Levite, the house of Micah, and greeted him.

16The six hundred Danites stood at the entrance of the gate, armed with their weapons of war. 17And 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.

18When 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?”

20So the priest was glad and took the ephod, the household idols, and the graven image, and went with the people. 21Putting their small children, their livestock, and their possessions in front of them, they turned and departed.

22After they were some distance from Micah’s house, the men in the houses near Micah’s house mobilized and overtook the Danites. 23When 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?”

24He 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?’”

25The 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.”

26So the Danites went on their way, and Micah turned to go back home, because he saw that they were too strong for him.

27After they had taken Micah’s idols and his priest, they went to Laish, to a quiet and unsuspecting people, and they struck them with their swords and burned down the city. 28There 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. 29They named it Dan, after their forefather Dan, who was born to Israel—though the city was formerly named Laish.

30The Danites set up idols for themselves, and Jonathan son of Gershom, the son of Moses,b and his sons were priests for the tribe of Dan until the day of the captivity of the land.

31So they set up for themselves Micah’s graven image, and it was there the whole time the house of God was in Shiloh.

1. The Danger of Spiritual Drift
In Judges 18, we see the tribe of Dan seeking an inheritance because they had not yet received their portion. This highlights the danger of spiritual drift when we fail to claim the promises God has given us. As it says in Judges 18:1, "In those days there was no king in Israel, and the Danites were seeking an inheritance to dwell in." Without a firm foundation, we can easily wander from God's path.

2. The Importance of Seeking Godly Counsel
The Danites sent five men to spy out the land, and they encountered a Levite who served as a priest. Instead of seeking God's guidance, they relied on human advice. Judges 18:5 records, "Then they said to him, 'Please inquire of God to learn whether our journey will be successful.'" This reminds us to seek divine wisdom rather than solely human counsel.

3. The Perils of Idolatry
The chapter reveals how the Danites took idols from Micah's house, showing how easily people can fall into idolatry. Judges 18:17 states, "The five men who had gone to spy out the land went in and took the carved image, the ephod, the household idols, and the cast image." This serves as a warning against allowing anything to take God's place in our hearts.

4. The Consequences of Compromise
Micah's household had compromised by creating a shrine and appointing a personal priest. When the Danites took these items, it demonstrated the instability that comes from compromising our faith. Judges 18:24 captures Micah's lament, "You have taken the gods I made, and the priest, and gone away. What else do I have?" Compromise leads to loss and emptiness.

5. The Power of Unity
Despite their misguided actions, the Danites acted with unity and purpose. Judges 18:11 notes, "Six hundred men of the Danites, armed with weapons of war, set out from Zorah and Eshtaol." This illustrates the power of unity, reminding us that when we align our actions with God's will, we can achieve great things.

6. The Influence of Leadership
The Levite priest's willingness to serve the Danites for personal gain shows the impact of leadership. Judges 18:20 says, "The priest was glad. He took the ephod, the household idols, and the carved image, and went with the people." Leaders must be guided by integrity and devotion to God, as their influence can lead others astray.

7. The Importance of Godly Heritage
The Danites' actions led to the establishment of a city named Dan, but it was built on a foundation of idolatry. Judges 18:30 reveals, "The Danites set up for themselves the carved image, and Jonathan son of Gershom, the son of Moses, and his sons were priests for the tribe of Dan." A godly heritage is crucial for future generations to thrive in faith.

8. The Consequences of Disobedience
The Danites' conquest of Laish was successful, but it was not sanctioned by God. Judges 18:27-28 describes their victory, "They took what Micah had made, and the priest who belonged to him, and came to Laish, to a people quiet and unsuspecting, and struck them with the edge of the sword." Disobedience may bring temporary success, but it ultimately leads to spiritual downfall.

9. The Call to Stand Firm in Faith
Micah's story is a reminder to stand firm in our faith, even when others around us falter. Judges 18:23-24 shows Micah's confrontation with the Danites, "They shouted to the Danites, who turned to face them and said to Micah, 'What is the matter with you that you have called out your men to fight?'" We must hold fast to our convictions, trusting in God's promises.

10. The Sovereignty of God
Despite the chaos and disobedience in Judges 18, God's sovereignty remains evident. He works through imperfect people and situations to fulfill His divine plan. As Romans 8:28 reminds us, "And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose." Trust in His sovereignty, knowing that He is in control.

These lessons from Judges 18 encourage us to remain steadfast in our faith, seek God's guidance, and avoid the pitfalls of idolatry and compromise. Let us strive to live lives that honor Him, trusting in His eternal plan.

Ask God to reveal and remove any idols in your life that hinder your relationship with Him.

Pray for godly leaders in your community and church who will lead with integrity and faithfulness.

Seek patience and trust in God's perfect timing and provision for your life.

2. Does archaeological evidence confirm a city like Laish (Judges 18:7) existing so isolated and unfortified, or does the narrative conflict with external data?

3. How does the swift, seemingly unopposed conquest of Laish in Judges 18:27–29 align with other biblical accounts or historical records of territorial conflicts?

4. Is Jonathan’s lineage in Judges 18:30 (identified as Moses’ descendant in some translations) consistent with known genealogies, or does it present contradictions?

5. How do we reconcile the setting up of a carved image in Judges 18:31 with the strict prohibition against idolatry found elsewhere in the Old Testament?

1. How does the behaviour of the Danites reflect on the society and values of the time?

2. Why do you think the Danites felt it was necessary to steal Micah's idols and priest?

3. How does the narrative reflect the concept of moral relativism?

4. How might Micah have felt when his idols were stolen? What does this say about the attachment to physical representations of faith?

5. How does the Levite's willingness to serve the Danites reflect on his character and spiritual dedication?

6. What lessons can we learn from the way the people of Laish lived their lives?

7. How does the establishment of the city of Dan reflect the human need for territorial identity?

8. What consequences do you think the Danites faced due to their departure from God's guidance?

9. How can we apply the lessons from Judges 18 to prevent idolatry in our lives?

10. How does Judges 18 illustrate the dangers of abandoning Divine guidance?

11. What steps can you take in your own life to ensure you are following God's guidance rather than your own understanding?

12. What does the chapter say about the role of spiritual leaders in society?

13. How does Judges 18 speak to the issues of materialism and power in contemporary society?

14. How would you have responded differently to the situation if you were in the place of the Danites, Micah, or the Levite?

15. In our modern context, what can constitute idolatry and how can we guard ourselves against it?

16. How can the story of the Danites inspire us to handle conflicts or make important decisions in our lives?

17. How can we ensure we are not compromising our faith in the pursuit of prosperity or security?

18. How does Judges 18 inform your understanding of how to interact with cultures or traditions different from your own?

19. If you were Micah, how would you have dealt with the loss of your idols and the Levite priest?

20. How does Judges 18 challenge you to reflect on your own personal faith journey?