The account of the spies sent to Laish is found in the Book of Judges, specifically in Judges 18. This narrative is part of the larger account of the tribe of Dan's quest for territorial expansion during the period of the Judges, a time characterized by decentralized leadership and frequent cycles of apostasy and deliverance in Israel.

Context and Background

The tribe of Dan, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, was originally allotted territory in the southwestern part of the land of Canaan, near the Philistine territories (Joshua 19:40-48). However, they struggled to fully possess this land due to the formidable presence of the Philistines and other Canaanite inhabitants. As a result, the Danites sought additional territory to settle.

The Mission of the Spies

In Judges 18:1-2, the Danites, seeking a more secure and expansive inheritance, sent five men from Zorah and Eshtaol to explore the land and find a suitable place for settlement. These men were described as "valiant warriors" (Judges 18:2), indicating their readiness for potential conflict.

The Discovery of Laish

The spies traveled northward and arrived at Laish, a city inhabited by a people living in security and peace. Judges 18:7 describes the inhabitants of Laish as living "in safety, quiet and unsuspecting," with no oppressive ruler in the land. The city was geographically isolated, with no immediate allies to come to its defense, making it an attractive target for the Danites.

The Report and Subsequent Actions

Upon returning to their brethren in Zorah and Eshtaol, the spies reported the favorable conditions of Laish, encouraging their fellow Danites to take action. They emphasized the abundance of the land and the vulnerability of its inhabitants, stating, "Arise, let us go up against them, for we have seen the land, and behold, it is very good" (Judges 18:9).

Motivated by the report, the Danites mobilized a force of 600 men armed for battle and set out to conquer Laish. On their journey, they stopped at the house of Micah in the hill country of Ephraim, where they seized a carved image, an ephod, household gods, and a cast idol, along with a Levite priest who served in Micah's household (Judges 18:14-20).

The Conquest of Laish

The Danites continued their march northward and attacked Laish, striking the city with the sword and burning it to the ground. Judges 18:27-28 notes that the people of Laish had no one to rescue them, as they were far from Sidon and had no dealings with anyone else. The Danites rebuilt the city and renamed it Dan, after their ancestor.

Significance

The account of the spies sent to Laish highlights several themes prevalent in the Book of Judges, including the struggle for land, the moral and spiritual decline of Israel, and the consequences of idolatry. The Danites' actions, including their appropriation of Micah's idols and priest, reflect the syncretism and religious confusion of the period. The account also underscores the importance of divine guidance and obedience to God's commands, which were often neglected during the time of the Judges.