What does Judges 18:10 mean?
What is the meaning of Judges 18:10?

When you enter

- The spies speak with confidence that the tribe of Dan will actually set foot in the land of Laish (v. 9; cf. Deuteronomy 11:31; Joshua 1:11).

- “Enter” signals a decisive moment of faith‐action, not mere talk. In Scripture, God often pairs His promises with a call to move (Genesis 12:1; Numbers 14:24).

- The phrase also hints at accountability: once you’re inside, obedience or disobedience will be unmistakable (James 1:22).


you will come to an unsuspecting people

- Laish is relaxed and unprepared (Judges 18:7, 27). This detail describes circumstances, not a divine endorsement of taking advantage of innocence.

- God sometimes uses the complacency of the ungodly to accomplish His purposes (1 Samuel 26:12; Proverbs 1:32).

- For the Danites, the report removes fear: no fortified resistance awaits (Deuteronomy 2:25).


and a spacious land

- “Spacious” evokes relief from Dan’s previous confinement among stronger neighbors (Joshua 19:40–48).

- Scripture links wide spaces with freedom and blessing (2 Samuel 22:20; Psalm 18:19).

- The land’s roominess underscores God’s ability to provide more than His people expect (Ephesians 3:20).


for God has delivered it into your hand

- The spies interpret the opportunity as God’s sovereign gift, echoing earlier conquest language (Joshua 6:2; Judges 3:28).

- Victory is presented as fait accompli: the God who rules history has already acted (Psalm 44:3).

- This assurance calls for trust, not presumption; success depends on following God’s lead (Proverbs 21:31).


It is a place where nothing on earth is lacking

- Fertility, resources, and security are all implied (Deuteronomy 8:7–9).

- The promise mirrors God’s shepherd care: “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1).

- Material abundance in Scripture points beyond itself to God’s greater sufficiency for His people (2 Peter 1:3).


summary

Judges 18:10 records the spies’ faith-filled report: once Dan steps into Laish, they will meet an unguarded people in a roomy, resource-rich land, because God has already granted the victory. The verse encourages decisive obedience, confidence in God’s providence, and expectation of His abundant provision when His people move forward by faith.

How does Judges 18:9 challenge modern views on divine intervention in warfare?
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