Topical Bible: Theft and Thieves: The Spies of Laish

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Topical Encyclopedia

The account of the spies of Laish is found in the Book of Judges, specifically in Judges 18. This narrative provides a vivid illustration of theft and the moral decline during the period of the Judges, a time characterized by the repeated refrain, "In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes" (Judges 17:6).

Context and Background

The tribe of Dan, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, was seeking an inheritance to settle in, as they had not yet secured a territory of their own. The Danites sent five men from Zorah and Eshtaol to spy out the land and explore it. These men were tasked with finding a suitable place for the tribe to inhabit.

Theft of Micah's Idols

As the spies journeyed, they came to the house of Micah in the hill country of Ephraim. Micah had a shrine, and he had made an ephod and household gods, and had installed one of his sons as a priest. The spies recognized the voice of the young Levite who served as Micah's priest and inquired about his presence there. The Levite explained his arrangement with Micah, and the spies asked for God's guidance on their journey, to which the Levite responded favorably.

Upon returning to their people, the spies reported the good land they had found, encouraging the Danites to take possession of it. As the Danite army set out, they came again to Micah's house. Here, the narrative takes a turn towards theft. The Danites, with the encouragement of the spies, took Micah's carved image, the ephod, the household idols, and the cast image. They also persuaded the Levite priest to join them, offering him a more prestigious position as a priest to a tribe rather than to one man's household.

Conquest of Laish

The Danites proceeded to Laish, a city described as living in security, quiet and unsuspecting. The inhabitants of Laish were isolated, with no allies to come to their aid. The Danites attacked the city, struck it with the sword, and burned it. They rebuilt the city and named it Dan, after their ancestor.

Moral and Theological Implications

The account of the spies of Laish and the subsequent actions of the Danites highlight several key themes related to theft and moral decay. The theft of Micah's idols and the recruitment of his priest reflect a disregard for personal property and spiritual integrity. The Danites' actions demonstrate a utilitarian approach to religion, where spiritual leaders and objects are valued only for their perceived benefits.

Moreover, the conquest of Laish, a peaceful and unsuspecting city, underscores the lawlessness and moral ambiguity of the time. The Danites' willingness to take what they desired, regardless of the means, illustrates the broader theme of moral relativism prevalent in the era of the Judges.

The narrative serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of abandoning divine law and order, emphasizing the need for adherence to God's commandments and the dangers of a society where "everyone did what was right in his own eyes" (Judges 21:25).

Nave's Topical Index

Judges 18:14-27
Then answered the five men that went to spy out the country of Laish, and said to their brothers, Do you know that there is in these houses an ephod, and teraphim, and a graven image, and a molten image? now therefore consider what you have to do.
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