Judges 18:2

So 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.

Study Bible

So the Danites sent out five men from their clans
The tribe of Dan was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Dan, the son of Jacob and Bilhah. At this time, the Danites were struggling to secure their allotted inheritance in the Promised Land, as described in Joshua 19:40-48. The sending of five men indicates a strategic reconnaissance mission, similar to the twelve spies sent by Moses in Numbers 13. This reflects a common practice in ancient warfare and exploration.

men of valor from Zorah and Eshtaol
Zorah and Eshtaol were towns located in the territory originally assigned to the tribe of Dan, near the border of the Philistine territory. These towns are also associated with Samson, another Danite, as seen in Judges 13:25. The term "men of valor" suggests that these were experienced warriors, capable of handling the challenges of scouting and potential conflict.

to spy out the land and explore it
The mission to "spy out the land" echoes the earlier biblical narrative of the Israelite spies sent into Canaan. This task was to assess the land's suitability for settlement and its inhabitants' strength. The Danites were seeking a new territory because they had not been able to fully conquer their original allotment, as noted in Judges 1:34.

“Go and explore the land,” they told them
This command reflects a proactive approach to finding a solution to their territorial challenges. The directive to "explore" suggests a thorough investigation, not just of military aspects but also of the land's resources and potential for settlement. This mirrors God's command to the Israelites to explore the Promised Land, emphasizing the importance of divine guidance in their endeavors.

The men entered the hill country of Ephraim
The hill country of Ephraim was a central region in Israel, known for its rugged terrain and strategic importance. It was part of the territory allotted to the tribe of Ephraim, descendants of Joseph. This area was significant in Israel's history, being the location of Shiloh, where the tabernacle was set up (Joshua 18:1).

and came to the house of Micah
Micah's house is central to the narrative in Judges 17-18, where he had established a shrine with an idol and hired a Levite as a priest. This reflects the religious syncretism and idolatry prevalent in Israel during the time of the Judges, highlighting the spiritual decline and lack of centralized worship.

where they spent the night
Spending the night at Micah's house suggests hospitality, a valued cultural practice in ancient Israel. It also sets the stage for the subsequent events, where the Danites would learn about Micah's shrine and the Levite priest, leading to their decision to take both for themselves. This act foreshadows the moral and spiritual chaos that characterizes the period of the Judges.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Danites
A tribe of Israel, descendants of Dan, one of the twelve sons of Jacob. They were seeking a territory to settle in because they had not yet received their inheritance.

2. Zorah and Eshtaol
Towns in the territory of Dan, from where the five men were sent. These locations are significant as they are part of the Danite's original allotment.

3. Five Leading Men
Representatives of the tribe of Dan tasked with exploring new territory. Their mission was to find a suitable place for the tribe to settle.

4. Hill Country of Ephraim
A region in central Israel where the men traveled. It is significant as a place of transition and decision-making.

5. House of Micah
The dwelling of a man named Micah, who had set up a shrine with idols. This location becomes a pivotal point in the account of the Danites.

Teaching Points

Seeking God's Guidance
The Danites' search for a new land underscores the importance of seeking God's direction in our decisions. We should prioritize prayer and discernment in our pursuits.

Consequences of Disobedience
The Danites' actions later in the chapter reveal the dangers of straying from God's commands. This serves as a reminder to adhere to biblical principles.

Community and Leadership
The sending of leading men reflects the importance of wise and godly leadership in community decisions. We should seek leaders who are committed to God's will.

Influence of Idolatry
The encounter with Micah's house highlights the pervasive influence of idolatry. We must guard against allowing cultural or personal idols to take precedence over our faith.

Faith and Action
The Danites' journey illustrates the balance between faith and action. While trusting in God's provision, we must also be proactive in fulfilling our responsibilities.

Bible Study Questions

1. What can we learn from the Danites' approach to seeking new territory, and how can we apply this to our own decision-making processes?

2. How does the account of the Danites and Micah challenge us to examine the idols in our own lives?

3. In what ways does the leadership of the five men from Dan reflect the qualities we should look for in our own leaders?

4. How does the account of the Danites' exploration connect with other biblical accounts of exploration and conquest, such as those in Numbers 13?

5. What steps can we take to ensure that our actions align with God's will, especially when faced with significant life decisions?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Joshua 19:40-48
This passage details the original allotment of land to the tribe of Dan, providing context for their search for new territory.

Judges 17
The previous chapter introduces Micah and his idolatrous practices, setting the stage for the encounter with the Danites.

Numbers 13
The sending of spies by the Danites parallels the earlier sending of spies by Moses to explore Canaan, highlighting themes of exploration and divine guidance.