Judges 18:26
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.

Majority 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.

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.

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 Version
and 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 Bible
And 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 Bible
Then 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 1917
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.

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 Way
Jump to Next
Children Dan Danites Departed Home House Micah Strong Stronger Turned Turneth Way
Judges 18
1. The Danites send five men to seek out an inheritance
3. 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
Micah, a resident of the hill country of Ephraim, had created a shrine with an idol and hired a Levite to serve as his priest. His encounter with the Danites resulted in the loss of his idol and priest, highlighting the spiritual confusion and syncretism prevalent in Israel during the time of the Judges. Micah's return home symbolizes the futility of his idolatrous practices and the transient nature of his personal religion. This incident underscores the theme of spiritual apostasy and the need for true worship of Yahweh.

because he saw that they were too strong for him
Micah's realization of the Danites' strength reflects the lawlessness and might-makes-right mentality of the period, as described in Judges 21:25: "In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes." The Danites' ability to overpower Micah without consequence illustrates the lack of centralized authority and the moral chaos of the era. This phrase also serves as a reminder of the consequences of relying on human strength and idolatry rather than trusting in the Lord. The narrative foreshadows the eventual downfall of Israel due to its repeated failure to adhere to God's commandments.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Danites
A 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 Idolatry
This 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.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 Danites
בְנֵי־ (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


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OT History: Judges 18:26 The children of Dan went their way: (Jd Judg. Jdg)
Judges 18:25
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