Judges 18:23

When 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?"

Study Bible

When they called out to them
This phrase indicates a moment of confrontation and communication. The Hebrew root for "called out" is קָרָא (qara), which often implies a loud or urgent call. This reflects the urgency and desperation of Micah and his men as they attempt to reclaim what was taken from them. In the broader biblical narrative, calling out often signifies a plea for justice or a demand for attention, echoing the cries of the oppressed seeking redress.

the Danites turned to face them
The Danites, members of the tribe of Dan, are depicted here as responding to the call. The act of turning to face someone in ancient Near Eastern culture often signifies readiness to engage, whether in dialogue or conflict. Historically, the tribe of Dan was seeking a permanent settlement, and their actions in this chapter reflect their determination to secure a place for themselves, even at the expense of others.

and said to Micah
Micah, whose name means "Who is like Yahweh?" is a central figure in this narrative. His interaction with the Danites highlights the personal nature of the conflict. The mention of his name here personalizes the encounter, reminding readers of the individual accounts and struggles within the larger narrative of Israel's history.

What is the matter with you
This phrase can be seen as dismissive or incredulous. The Danites' question implies a lack of understanding or concern for Micah's plight. It reflects a broader theme in Judges of moral and social chaos, where personal grievances are often overshadowed by the larger struggles for power and survival.

that you have called out such a company?
The word "company" here refers to the group of people Micah gathered to confront the Danites. The Hebrew word used can imply a band or troop, suggesting a significant number of people. This highlights the seriousness with which Micah viewed the situation, as he felt compelled to muster a group to reclaim his stolen property. In the context of Judges, this reflects the tribal and familial loyalties that often led to conflict and strife in the absence of centralized leadership.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Danites
A tribe of Israel seeking a new territory to settle. They are central to this account as they are in the process of relocating and establishing themselves.

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 is the one confronting the Danites in this verse.

3. Ephraim
The region where Micah lived. It is significant as a place of idolatry in this context.

4. Levite
A young Levite who was hired by Micah to serve as a priest, which was against the traditional Levitical role as prescribed in the Law.

5. Idolatry
The central issue in this account, as Micah's idols and shrine are taken by the Danites, highlighting the spiritual decline in Israel during this period.

Teaching Points

The Danger of Idolatry
Idolatry leads to spiritual blindness and moral confusion. The account of Micah and the Danites serves as a warning against creating and worshiping idols, whether physical or metaphorical.

The Importance of Obedience to God’s Law
The account highlights the consequences of ignoring God's commandments. True worship requires adherence to God's instructions, not personal interpretations or conveniences.

Community and Accountability
The interaction between Micah and the Danites shows the need for accountability within the community of believers. When one part of the community strays, it affects the whole.

The Role of Leadership
The Levite's role in this account underscores the importance of godly leadership. Leaders must adhere to their God-given roles and responsibilities, guiding others in truth.

Seeking God’s Will in Our Lives
The Danites' search for a new home reflects our own search for purpose and direction. It is crucial to seek God's guidance and align our pursuits with His will.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the account of Micah and the Danites illustrate the consequences of idolatry in our lives today?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our worship and religious practices align with biblical teachings, avoiding the pitfalls seen in Judges 18?

3. How can we hold each other accountable in our faith communities to prevent spiritual decline, as seen in the interaction between Micah and the Danites?

4. What lessons can we learn from the Levite's role in this account about the importance of godly leadership and adherence to our spiritual responsibilities?

5. How can we discern and follow God's will in our personal lives, similar to the Danites' search for a new territory, while ensuring our actions are in line with His commandments?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 20:4-5
This passage connects to the prohibition against idolatry, which is a central theme in Judges 18. The Danites' actions and Micah's shrine are in direct violation of the commandments given to Israel.

Joshua 19:40-48
This passage provides background on the inheritance of the tribe of Dan, which is relevant to understanding their search for a new territory in Judges 18.

1 Samuel 15:22-23
This scripture emphasizes obedience over sacrifice, which relates to the misplaced religious practices of Micah and the Danites.