Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version So the Danites went their way, and Micah, seeing that they were too strong for him, turned around and went back home. New Living Translation So the men of Dan continued on their way. When Micah saw that there were too many of them for him to attack, he turned around and went home. English Standard Version Then the people of Dan went their way. And when Micah saw that they were too strong for him, he turned and went back to his home. Berean Standard Bible So the Danites went on their way, and Micah turned to go back home, because he saw that they were too strong for him. King James Bible And the children of Dan went their way: and when Micah saw that they were too strong for him, he turned and went back unto his house. New King James Version Then the children of Dan went their way. And when Micah saw that they were too strong for him, he turned and went back to his house. New American Standard Bible So the sons of Dan went on their way; and when Micah saw that they were too strong for him, he turned and went back to his house. NASB 1995 So the sons of Dan went on their way; and when Micah saw that they were too strong for him, he turned and went back to his house. NASB 1977 So the sons of Dan went on their way; and when Micah saw that they were too strong for him, he turned and went back to his house. Legacy Standard Bible So the sons of Dan went on their way; and when Micah saw that they were too strong for him, he turned and went back to his house. Amplified Bible Then the Danites went on their way; and Micah saw that they were too strong for him, so he turned and went back to his house. Christian Standard Bible The Danites went on their way, and Micah turned to go back home, because he saw that they were stronger than he was. Holman Christian Standard Bible The Danites went on their way, and Micah turned to go back home, because he saw that they were stronger than he was. American Standard Version And the children of Dan went their way: and when Micah saw that they were too strong for him, he turned and went back unto his house. Contemporary English Version After saying this, they turned and left. Micah realized there was no way he could win a fight with them, and so he went back home. English Revised Version And the children of Dan went their way: and when Micah saw that they were too strong for him, he turned and went back unto his house. GOD'S WORD® Translation The people of Dan went on their way. Micah saw they were stronger than he was, so he turned around and went home. Good News Translation Then the Danites went on. Micah saw that they were too strong for him, so he turned and went back home. International Standard Version Then the descendants of Dan went on their way. Because Micah saw that they were too strong for him, he turned and went back home. NET Bible The Danites went on their way; when Micah realized they were too strong to resist, he turned around and went home. New Heart English Bible The people of Dan went their way; and when Micah saw that they were too strong for him, he turned and went back to his house. Webster's Bible Translation And the children of Dan departed: and when Micah saw that they were too strong for him, he turned and went back to his house. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleSo the Danites went on their way, and Micah turned to go back home, because he saw that they were too strong for him. World English Bible The children of Dan went their way; and when Micah saw that they were too strong for him, he turned and went back to his house. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand the sons of Dan go on their way, and Micah sees that they are stronger than he, and turns, and goes back to his house. Young's Literal Translation and the sons of Dan go on their way, and Micah seeth that they are stronger than he, and turneth, and goeth back unto his house. Smith's Literal Translation And the sons of Dan will go to their way: and Micah will see that they were strong above him, and he will turn and turn back to his house. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd so they went on the journey they had begun. But Michas seeing that they were stronger than he, returned to his house. Catholic Public Domain Version And so, they continued on the journey that they had begun. But Micah, seeing that they were stronger than he was, returned to his house. New American Bible Then the Danites went on their way, and Micah, seeing that they were too strong for him, turned back and went home. New Revised Standard Version Then the Danites went their way. When Micah saw that they were too strong for him, he turned and went back to his home. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThen the Danites went their way; and when Micah saw that they were too strong for him, he turned and went back to his house. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And the sons of Dan went their way, and when Mikah saw that they were stronger than he, he returned and came to his house OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And the children of Dan went their way; and when Micah saw that they were too strong for him, he turned and went back unto his house. Brenton Septuagint Translation And the children of Dan went their way; and Michaias saw that they were stronger than himself, and he returned to his house. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Danites Take Micah's Idols…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 tranquil and unsuspecting people, and they struck them with their swords and burned down the city.… Cross References Joshua 19:47 (Later, when the territory of the Danites was lost to them, they went up and fought against Leshem, captured it, and put it to the sword. So they took possession of Leshem, settled there, and renamed it after their father Dan.) Judges 1:34 The Amorites forced the Danites into the hill country and did not allow them to come down into the plain. Judges 17:6 In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes. Judges 21:25 In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes. 1 Samuel 14:47 After Saul had assumed the kingship over Israel, he fought against all his enemies on every side—the Moabites, the Ammonites, the Edomites, the kings of Zobah, and the Philistines. Wherever he turned, he routed them. 1 Kings 12:28-30 After seeking advice, the king made two golden calves and said to the people, “Going up to Jerusalem is too much for you. Here, O Israel, are your gods, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt.” / One calf he set up in Bethel, and the other in Dan. / And this thing became a sin; the people walked as far as Dan to worship before one of the calves. 2 Kings 17:21 When the LORD had torn Israel away from the house of David, they made Jeroboam son of Nebat king, and Jeroboam led Israel away from following the LORD and caused them to commit a great sin. Hosea 4:17 Ephraim is joined to idols; leave him alone! Hosea 5:11 Ephraim is oppressed, crushed in judgment, for he is determined to follow worthless idols. Hosea 10:6 Yes, it will be carried to Assyria as tribute to the great king. Ephraim will be seized with shame; Israel will be ashamed of its wooden idols. Matthew 4:15 “Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles— John 4:9 “You are a Jew,” said the woman. “How can You ask for a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.) Acts 7:43 You have taken along the tabernacle of Molech and the star of your god Rephan, the idols you made to worship. Therefore I will send you into exile beyond Babylon.’ Romans 1:21-23 For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking and darkened in their foolish hearts. / Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools, / and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images of mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles. 1 Corinthians 10:20 No, but the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God. And I do not want you to be participants with demons. Treasury of Scripture And the children of Dan went their way: and when Micah saw that they were too strong for him, he turned and went back to his house. Jump to Previous Children Dan Danites Departed Home House Micah Strong Stronger Turned Turneth WayJump to Next Children Dan Danites Departed Home House Micah Strong Stronger Turned Turneth WayJudges 18 1. The Danites send five men to seek out an inheritance3. At the house of Micah they consult with Jonathan, and are encouraged 7. They search Laish, and bring back news of good hope 11. Six hundred men are sent to surprise it 16. In their way they rob Micah of his priest and his consecrated things 27. They win Laish, and call it Dan 30. They set up idolatry, wherein Jonathan inherits the priesthood. So the Danites went on their way The tribe of Dan was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, originally allotted territory in the central coastal region. However, due to pressure from the Amorites and Philistines, they sought a new inheritance in the north. This movement reflects the broader theme of Israel's struggle to fully possess the Promised Land. The Danites' journey northward is a significant moment in their history, marking a shift in their tribal identity and location. This relocation is also a precursor to the establishment of the city of Dan, which later becomes a center of idolatry in Israel (1 Kings 12:29-30). and Micah turned to go back home because he saw that they were too strong for him Persons / Places / Events 1. The DanitesA tribe of Israel seeking a new territory to settle. They are characterized by their aggressive pursuit of land and willingness to take what they desire by force. 2. Micah An individual from the hill country of Ephraim who had established a shrine with idols and hired a Levite to be his priest. He represents a personal, albeit misguided, attempt at worship and religious practice. 3. The Hill Country of Ephraim The region where Micah lived and where the events of this chapter unfold. It is significant as a place of personal religious expression and conflict. 4. The Levite A young Levite who was hired by Micah to serve as a priest. His role highlights the spiritual confusion and lack of centralized worship during this period. 5. The Idols Objects of worship that Micah had made, which the Danites took along with the Levite. This act signifies the spiritual decline and syncretism present in Israel at the time. Teaching Points The Dangers of IdolatryThis passage highlights the ease with which God's people can fall into idolatry when they stray from His commandments. It serves as a reminder to guard our hearts against modern-day idols. The Consequences of Spiritual Compromise Micah's account illustrates the dangers of compromising on spiritual truths for personal convenience or gain. True worship requires adherence to God's standards, not personal preferences. The Importance of Godly Leadership The lack of strong, godly leadership in Israel during this time led to chaos and moral decline. This underscores the need for leaders who are committed to God's Word and His ways. Trusting in God's Strength Micah's inability to confront the Danites reminds us that our strength is insufficient without God's support. We must rely on His power and guidance in our lives. The Role of Community in Faith The events in this passage show the importance of a faith community that holds each other accountable and encourages adherence to God's commands. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Judges 18:26?2. How does Judges 18:26 illustrate consequences of ignoring God's guidance? 3. What lessons can we learn from the Danites' actions in Judges 18:26? 4. How does Judges 18:26 connect to the theme of idolatry in Scripture? 5. How can we ensure our actions align with God's will, unlike the Danites? 6. What modern situations reflect the Danites' disregard for God's commands in Judges 18:26? 7. What does Judges 18:26 reveal about the moral state of the Israelites during this period? 8. How does Judges 18:26 reflect the theme of idolatry in the Book of Judges? 9. What historical context is necessary to understand the events in Judges 18:26? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Judges 18? 11. What are the family idols mentioned in the Bible? 12. Who is the author of the Book of Micah? 13. In Judges 18:2, how can the Danites' sudden relocation from the south to the distant north be reconciled with known settlement patterns or historical records? 14. Does archaeological evidence confirm a city like Laish (Judges 18:7) existing so isolated and unfortified, or does the narrative conflict with external data? What Does Judges 18:26 Mean So the Danites went on their way• The tribe presses forward, unshaken by Micah’s protests (compare Judges 18:19–21, 27). • Judges 18:1 has already noted the restlessness of Dan; here that quest for land continues unhindered, fulfilling Genesis 49:16–17 and foreshadowing Joshua 19:47. • The scene exposes the unchecked momentum of a culture doing “what was right in his own eyes” (Judges 17:6). • Although the Danites carry stolen idols, the narrative never credits those idols with power; instead, God allows this movement as part of Israel’s larger story of discipline (Judges 2:11–15). and Micah turned to go back home • Micah’s pursuit ends in defeat; the man who once said, “Now I know that the LORD will do me good” (Judges 17:13) returns empty-handed. • Judges 18:24 records his complaint: “You have taken the gods I made.” The irony is clear—hand-made gods cannot defend themselves (Psalm 115:4-8; Isaiah 46:6-7). • Lessons that surface: – Trust placed in anything but the living God proves hollow. – Home without the Lord’s presence offers no real security (Psalm 127:1). • Micah’s retreat underscores the failure of self-styled religion and the emptiness of reclaiming “normal” life once idols are exposed. because he saw that they were too strong for him • Sheer force settles the dispute; Micah gauges the odds and bows to superior might (Proverbs 24:10). • His handmade religion offers no saving power (Isaiah 45:20; Jeremiah 10:5). • The verse illustrates the period’s moral vacuum: when truth is absent, power rules (Judges 21:25). • Yet God’s providence still overarches human strength; elsewhere He reminds Israel, “The battle is not yours, but God’s” (2 Chronicles 20:15). Micah has no such promise because he has replaced the Lord with idols. summary Judges 18:26 pictures two contrasting realities: the unstoppable march of a tribe acting in self-interest and the helpless collapse of a man who trusted in what his own hands had crafted. The Danites continue unchecked, yet their success is not endorsement but another snapshot of the lawless era of the Judges. Micah’s retreat exposes the futility of idol-reliance—when opposition rises, powerless gods cannot save. The verse therefore warns that only the true and living God offers real strength; any substitute leaves us retreating in defeat when real power confronts us. Verse 26. - The verse tells us what the two parties did, but not in the Order in which an English writer would express it; for no doubt the Danites, encumbered with their women, and children, and baggage, did not go on their way till Micah and his party had turned back, though in English the contrary order is rather implied. The Hebrew merely puts the actions side by side, and leaves the order to be inferred.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew So the Danitesבְנֵי־ (ḇə·nê-) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 1121: A son went וַיֵּלְכ֥וּ (way·yê·lə·ḵū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk on their way, לְדַרְכָּ֑ם (lə·ḏar·kām) Preposition-l | Noun - common singular construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 1870: A road, a course of life, mode of action and Micah turned וַיִּ֖פֶן (way·yi·p̄en) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 6437: To turn, to face, appear, look to go back וַיָּ֥שָׁב (way·yā·šāḇ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again home, בֵּיתֽוֹ׃ (bê·ṯōw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 1004: A house because he מִיכָ֗ה (mî·ḵāh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 4318: Micah -- the name of several Israelites saw וַיַּ֣רְא (way·yar) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7200: To see that כִּי־ (kî-) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction they הֵ֙מָּה֙ (hêm·māh) Pronoun - third person masculine plural Strong's 1992: They were too strong חֲזָקִ֥ים (ḥă·zā·qîm) Adjective - masculine plural Strong's 2389: Strong, stout, mighty for him. מִמֶּ֔נּוּ (mim·men·nū) Preposition | third person masculine singular Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of Links Judges 18:26 NIVJudges 18:26 NLT Judges 18:26 ESV Judges 18:26 NASB Judges 18:26 KJV Judges 18:26 BibleApps.com Judges 18:26 Biblia Paralela Judges 18:26 Chinese Bible Judges 18:26 French Bible Judges 18:26 Catholic Bible OT History: Judges 18:26 The children of Dan went their way: (Jd Judg. 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