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BSB
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Judges 18

BSB·31 verses ·Old Testament
✦ Tap any verse to open Scripture Explorer — original Hebrew/Greek, commentary, notes & highlights
1In thoseהָהֵ֔םhā·hêm — They, them (masculine plural pronoun)H1992 — Full Word Study → daysבַּיָּמִ֣יםbay·yā·mîm — day; time; period; ageH3117 — Full Word Study → there was noאֵ֥ין’ên — nothing, nonexistence, absenceH369 — Full Word Study → kingמֶ֖לֶךְme·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study → in Israelבְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֑לbə·yiś·rā·’êl — God prevailsH3478 — Full Word Study →, and the tribeשֵׁ֣בֶטšê·ḇeṭ — tribe; staff; scepter; rodH7626 — Full Word Study → of the Danitesהַדָּנִ֞יhad·dā·nî — A member of the tribe of DanH1839 — Full Word Study → was looking forמְבַקֶּשׁ־mə·ḇaq·qeš- — To seek, search for, or request earnestlyH1245 — Full Word Study → territoryנַֽחֲלָה֙na·ḥă·lāh — Inheritance; received possession or propertyH5159 — Full Word Study → to occupyלָשֶׁ֔בֶתlā·še·ḇeṯ — to dwell, inhabit, settle, remainH3427 — Full Word Study →. Forכִּי֩kî — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → up toעַד־‘aḏ- — until, till, up to (temporal or spatial limit)H5704 — Full Word Study → thatהַה֛וּאha·hū — He, she, it; the third person pronounH1931 — Full Word Study → timeהַיּ֥וֹםhay·yō·wm — day; time; period; ageH3117 — Full Word Study → they had notלֹֽא־lō- — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → come intoנָ֨פְלָהnā·p̄ə·lāh — to fall; collapse; perishH5307 — Full Word Study → an inheritanceבְּנַחֲלָֽה׃סbə·na·ḥă·lāh — Inheritance; received possession or propertyH5159 — Full Word Study → amongבְּתוֹךְ־bə·ṯō·wḵ- — midst, among, between, throughH8432 — Full Word Study → the tribesשִׁבְטֵ֥יšiḇ·ṭê — tribe; staff; scepter; rodH7626 — Full Word Study → of Israelיִשְׂרָאֵ֖לyiś·rā·’êl — God prevailsH3478 — Full Word Study →. 2So the Danitesבְנֵי־ḇə·nê- — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → sent outוַיִּשְׁלְח֣וּway·yiš·lə·ḥū — to send, let go, releaseH7971 — Full Word Study → fiveחֲמִשָּׁ֣הḥă·miš·šāh — The number five; a set of five unitsH2568 — Full Word Study → menאֲנָשִׁ֣ים’ă·nā·šîm — human being, man, mortal personH582 — Full Word Study → from their clansמִֽמִּשְׁפַּחְתָּ֡םmim·miš·paḥ·tām — Family, clan, household groupH4940 — Full Word Study →, menאֲנָשִׁ֨ים’ă·nā·šîm — human being, man, mortal personH582 — Full Word Study → ofבְּנֵי־bə·nê- — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → valorחַ֜יִלḥa·yil — Army, force, or wealthH2428 — Full Word Study → from Zorahמִצָּרְעָ֣הmiṣ·ṣā·rə·‘āh — A city in JudahH6881 — Full Word Study → and Eshtaolוּמֵֽאֶשְׁתָּאֹ֗לū·mê·’eš·tā·’ōl — A town in JudahH847 — Full Word Study →, to spy outלְרַגֵּ֤לlə·rag·gêl — to spy out, scout, or gather intelligenceH7270 — Full Word Study → the landהָאָ֙רֶץ֙hā·’ā·reṣ — Land, earth, or countryH776 — Full Word Study → and explore itוּלְחָקְרָ֔הּū·lə·ḥā·qə·rāh — to search out, investigate, or examine thoroughlyH2713 — Full Word Study →. “Goלְכ֖וּlə·ḵū — to go, walk, travel, proceedH1980 — Full Word Study → and exploreחִקְר֣וּḥiq·rū — to search out, investigate, or examine thoroughlyH2713 — Full Word Study → the landהָאָ֑רֶץhā·’ā·reṣ — Land, earth, or countryH776 — Full Word Study →,” they told themוַיֹּאמְר֣וּway·yō·mə·rū — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →. The men entered the hill countryהַר־har- — Mountain, hill, or elevated land massH2022 — Full Word Study → of Ephraimאֶפְרַ֙יִם֙’ep̄·ra·yim — Double fruitfulnessH669 — Full Word Study → and came toעַד־‘aḏ- — until, till, up to (temporal or spatial limit)H5704 — Full Word Study → the houseבֵּ֣יתbêṯ — A house; dwelling place; household; familyH1004 — Full Word Study → of Micahמִיכָ֔הmî·ḵāh — Who is like GodH4318 — Full Word Study →, where they spent the nightוַיָּלִ֖ינוּway·yā·lî·nū — to lodge, dwell, or remain (overnight or permanently)H3885 — Full Word Study →. 3And while theyהֵ֚מָּהhêm·māh — They, them (masculine plural pronoun)H1992 — Full Word Study → were nearעִם־‘im- — with, together with, amongH5973 — Full Word Study → Micah’sמִיכָ֔הmî·ḵāh — Who is like GodH4318 — Full Word Study → houseבֵּ֣יתbêṯ — A house; dwelling place; household; familyH1004 — Full Word Study →, theyוְהֵ֣מָּהwə·hêm·māh — They, them (masculine plural pronoun)H1992 — Full Word Study → recognizedהִכִּ֔ירוּhik·kî·rū — To recognize, acknowledge, regard, or treat as strangeH5234 — Full Word Study → the voiceק֥וֹלqō·wl — voice, sound, or cryH6963 — Full Word Study → of the youngהַנַּ֖עַרhan·na·‘ar — Young man, boy, or male servantH5288 — Full Word Study → Leviteהַלֵּוִ֑יhal·lê·wî — Joined, AttachedH3881 — Full Word Study →; so they went overוַיָּס֣וּרוּway·yā·sū·rū — to turn aside, depart, removeH5493 — Full Word Study → and askedוַיֹּ֤אמְרוּway·yō·mə·rū — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → him, “Whoמִֽי־mî- — who? what person?H4310 — Full Word Study → broughtהֱבִיאֲךָ֣hĕ·ḇî·’ă·ḵā — to come, go, enter, arriveH935 — Full Word Study → you hereהֲלֹ֔םhă·lōm — Here, to this place, hitherH1988 — Full Word Study →? Whatוּמָֽה־ū·māh- — What? Why? How? (interrogative particle)H4100 — Full Word Study → are youאַתָּ֥ה’at·tāh — You; second-person pronoun (singular or plural)H859 — Full Word Study → doingעֹשֶׂ֛ה‘ō·śeh — to do, make, or accomplish; to act or performH6213 — Full Word Study → in this place? Whyוּמַה־ū·mah- — What? Why? How? (interrogative particle)H4100 — Full Word Study → are you hereפֹֽה׃p̄ōh — Here, in this place, to this sideH6311 — Full Word Study →?” 4Micahמִיכָ֑הmî·ḵāh — Who is like GodH4318 — Full Word Study → has doneעָ֥שָׂה‘ā·śāh — to do, make, or accomplish; to act or performH6213 — Full Word Study → thisכָּזֹ֣הkā·zōh — This, that; demonstrative pronoun or adjectiveH2090 — Full Word Study → and thatוְכָזֶ֔הwə·ḵā·zeh — this, that; the one, the otherH2088 — Full Word Study → for me,” he repliedוַיֹּ֣אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →, “and he has hired meוַיִּשְׂכְּרֵ֕נִיway·yiś·kə·rê·nî — to hire, engage for wages; to earn or receive compensationH7936 — Full Word Study → to beוָאֱהִי־wā·’ĕ·hî- — to be, become, exist, happenH1961 — Full Word Study → his priestלְכֹהֵֽן׃lə·ḵō·hên — priest; one who serves in God's sanctuaryH3548 — Full Word Study →.” 5Then they saidוַיֹּ֥אמְרוּway·yō·mə·rū — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → to him, “Pleaseנָ֣אnā — Please, I beseech, I prayH4994 — Full Word Study → inquireשְׁאַל־šə·’al- — to ask, request, inquire, or demandH7592 — Full Word Study → of Godבֵאלֹהִ֑יםḇê·lō·hîm — God, the divine beingH430 — Full Word Study → to determineוְנֵ֣דְעָ֔הwə·nê·ḏə·‘āh — to know, understand, perceiveH3045 — Full Word Study → whether weאֲנַ֖חְנוּ’ă·naḥ·nū — We, us, ourselves (first person plural pronoun)H587 — Full Word Study → will have a successfulהֲתַצְלִ֣יחַhă·ṯaṣ·lî·aḥ — To prosper, succeed, push forwardH6743 — Full Word Study → journeyדַּרְכֵּ֔נוּdar·kê·nū — way, path, journey, conductH1870 — Full Word Study →.” 6And the priestהַכֹּהֵ֖ןhak·kō·hên — priest; one who serves in God's sanctuaryH3548 — Full Word Study → toldוַיֹּ֧אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → them, “Goלְכ֣וּlə·ḵū — to go, walk, travel, proceedH1980 — Full Word Study → in peaceלְשָׁל֑וֹםlə·šā·lō·wm — Peace, wholeness, well-being, prosperityH7965 — Full Word Study →. The LORDיְהוָ֔הYah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study → is watching overנֹ֣כַחnō·ḵaḥ — directly before, in front of, oppositeH5227 — Full Word Study → your journeyדַּרְכְּכֶ֖םdar·kə·ḵem — way, path, journey, conductH1870 — Full Word Study →.” 7So the fiveחֲמֵ֣שֶׁתḥă·mê·šeṯ — The number five; a set of five unitsH2568 — Full Word Study → menהָאֲנָשִׁ֔יםhā·’ă·nā·šîm — human being, man, mortal personH582 — Full Word Study → departedוַיֵּלְכוּ֙way·yê·lə·ḵū — to go, walk, travel, proceedH1980 — Full Word Study → and cameוַיָּבֹ֖אוּway·yā·ḇō·’ū — to come, go, enter, arriveH935 — Full Word Study → to Laishלָ֑יְשָׁהlā·yə·šāh — Laish, a city in northern PalestineH3919 — Full Word Study →, where they sawוַיִּרְא֣וּway·yir·’ū — to see, perceive, behold, experienceH7200 — Full Word Study → that the peopleהָעָ֣םhā·‘ām — a people; nation; communityH5971 — Full Word Study → were livingיוֹשֶֽׁבֶת־yō·wō·še·ḇeṯ- — to dwell, inhabit, settle, remainH3427 — Full Word Study → securelyלָ֠בֶטַחlā·ḇe·ṭaḥ — Security, confidence, trust, or safetyH983 — Full Word Study →, likeכְּמִשְׁפַּ֨טkə·miš·paṭ — Justice, judgment, or legal decisionH4941 — Full Word Study → the Sidoniansצִדֹנִ֜יםṣi·ḏō·nîm — Sidonians, from SidonH6722 — Full Word Study →, tranquil and unsuspectingוּבֹטֵ֗חַū·ḇō·ṭê·aḥ — to trust, rely on, have confidenceH982 — Full Word Study →. There was nothingוְאֵין־wə·’ên- — nothing, nonexistence, absenceH369 — Full Word Study → lackingמַכְלִ֨יםmaḵ·lîm — to be ashamed, humiliated, or confoundedH3637 — Full Word Study → in the landבָּאָ֙רֶץ֙bā·’ā·reṣ — Land, earth, or countryH776 — Full Word Study → and no oppressiveיוֹרֵ֣שׁyō·w·rêš — to possess, inherit, dispossessH3423 — Full Word Study → rulerעֶ֔צֶר‘e·ṣer — Magistrate, ruler, or one who restrainsH6114 — Full Word Study →. And theyהֵ֙מָּה֙hêm·māh — They, them (masculine plural pronoun)H1992 — Full Word Study → were far awayוּרְחֹקִ֥יםū·rə·ḥō·qîm — distant, far away, remote in space or timeH7350 — Full Word Study → from the Sidoniansמִצִּ֣דֹנִ֔יםmiṣ·ṣi·ḏō·nîm — Sidonians, from SidonH6722 — Full Word Study → and had noאֵין־’ên- — nothing, nonexistence, absenceH369 — Full Word Study → allianceוְדָבָ֥רwə·ḏā·ḇār — word, matter, thing, affairH1697 — Full Word Study → withעִם־‘im- — with, together with, amongH5973 — Full Word Study → anyoneאָדָֽם׃’ā·ḏām — Man, mankind, human beingH120 — Full Word Study →. 8When the men returnedוַיָּבֹ֙אוּ֙way·yā·ḇō·’ū — to come, go, enter, arriveH935 — Full Word Study → toאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → Zorahצָרְעָ֖הṣā·rə·‘āh — A city in JudahH6881 — Full Word Study → and Eshtaolוְאֶשְׁתָּאֹ֑לwə·’eš·tā·’ōl — A town in JudahH847 — Full Word Study →, their brothersאֲחֵיהֶ֖ם’ă·ḥê·hem — Male sibling; brother; kinsmanH251 — Full Word Study → askedוַיֹּאמְר֥וּway·yō·mə·rū — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → them, “Whatמָ֥הmāh — What? Why? How? (interrogative particle)H4100 — Full Word Study → did you findאַתֶּֽם׃’at·tem — You; second-person pronoun (singular or plural)H859 — Full Word Study →?” 9They answeredוַיֹּאמְר֗וּway·yō·mə·rū — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →, “Come onק֚וּמָהqū·māh — To rise, stand, or be establishedH6965 — Full Word Study →, let us go upוְנַעֲלֶ֣הwə·na·‘ă·leh — to ascend, rise up, go upH5927 — Full Word Study → against themעֲלֵיהֶ֔ם‘ă·lê·hem — upon, over, against; concerningH5921 — Full Word Study →, forכִּ֤יkî — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → we have seenרָאִ֙ינוּ֙rā·’î·nū — to see, perceive, behold, experienceH7200 — Full Word Study → the landהָאָ֔רֶץhā·’ā·reṣ — Land, earth, or countryH776 — Full Word Study →, and it is veryמְאֹ֑דmə·’ōḏ — Much, greatly, very, exceedinglyH3966 — Full Word Study → goodטוֹבָ֖הṭō·w·ḇāh — good, beneficial, pleasing, wellH2896 — Full Word Study →. Why would you fail to actוְאַתֶּ֣םwə·’at·tem — You; second-person pronoun (singular or plural)H859 — Full Word Study →? Do notאַל־’al- — do not; negative imperative particleH408 — Full Word Study → hesitateתֵּעָ֣צְל֔וּtê·‘ā·ṣə·lū — to be sluggish, slothful, or lazyH6101 — Full Word Study → to go thereלָלֶ֥כֶתlā·le·ḵeṯ — to go, walk, travel, proceedH1980 — Full Word Study → and take possession ofלָרֶ֥שֶׁתlā·re·šeṯ — to possess, inherit, dispossessH3423 — Full Word Study → the landהָאָֽרֶץ׃hā·’ā·reṣ — Land, earth, or countryH776 — Full Word Study →! 10When you enterכְּבֹאֲכֶ֞םkə·ḇō·’ă·ḵem — to come, go, enter, arriveH935 — Full Word Study →, you will comeתָּבֹ֣אוּ׀tā·ḇō·’ū — to come, go, enter, arriveH935 — Full Word Study → toאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → an unsuspectingבֹּטֵ֗חַbō·ṭê·aḥ — to trust, rely on, have confidenceH982 — Full Word Study → peopleעַ֣ם‘am — a people; nation; communityH5971 — Full Word Study → and a spaciousרַחֲבַ֣תra·ḥă·ḇaṯ — Broad, WideH7342 — Full Word Study → landוְהָאָ֙רֶץ֙wə·hā·’ā·reṣ — Land, earth, or countryH776 — Full Word Study →, forכִּֽי־kî- — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → Godאֱלֹהִ֖ים’ĕ·lō·hîm — God, the divine beingH430 — Full Word Study → has delivered itנְתָנָ֥הּnə·ṯā·nāh — to give, grant, or bestowH5414 — Full Word Study → into your handבְּיֶדְכֶ֑םbə·yeḏ·ḵem — hand; power, strength, controlH3027 — Full Word Study →. It is a placeמָקוֹם֙mā·qō·wm — A place, location, or spaceH4725 — Full Word Study → whereאֲשֶׁ֣ר’ă·šer — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → nothingאֵֽין־’ên- — nothing, nonexistence, absenceH369 — Full Word Study → on earthבָּאָֽרֶץ׃bā·’ā·reṣ — Land, earth, or countryH776 — Full Word Study → is lackingמַחְס֔וֹרmaḥ·sō·wr — Lack, want, or shortage; deprivation or povertyH4270 — Full Word Study →.” 11So sixשֵֽׁשׁ־šêš- — The number six; sixth in orderH8337 — Full Word Study → hundredמֵא֣וֹתmê·’ō·wṯ — hundred; a large complete numberH3967 — Full Word Study → Danitesהַדָּנִ֔יhad·dā·nî — A member of the tribe of DanH1839 — Full Word Study → departedוַיִּסְע֤וּway·yis·‘ū — to journey, set out, departH5265 — Full Word Study → fromמִשָּׁם֙miš·šām — There, in that placeH8033 — Full Word Study → Zorahמִצָּרְעָ֖הmiṣ·ṣā·rə·‘āh — A city in JudahH6881 — Full Word Study → and Eshtaolוּמֵאֶשְׁתָּאֹ֑לū·mê·’eš·tā·’ōl — A town in JudahH847 — Full Word Study →, armedחָג֖וּרḥā·ḡūr — to gird, encircle, or prepare oneselfH2296 — Full Word Study → with weaponsכְּלֵ֥יkə·lê — vessel, instrument, or article of useH3627 — Full Word Study → of warמִלְחָמָֽה׃mil·ḥā·māh — Battle, warfare, combat, military conflictH4421 — Full Word Study →. 12They went upוַֽיַּעֲל֗וּway·ya·‘ă·lū — to ascend, rise up, go upH5927 — Full Word Study → and campedוַֽיַּחֲנ֛וּway·ya·ḥă·nū — to pitch a tent; to camp; to dwellH2583 — Full Word Study → at Kiriath-jearimיְעָרִ֖יםyə·‘ā·rîm — Kiriath-jearim, a city of JudahH7157 — Full Word Study → in Judahבִּֽיהוּדָ֑הbî·hū·ḏāh — The Lord is praisedH3063 — Full Word Study →. That is whyעַל־‘al- — upon, over, against; concerningH5921 — Full Word Study → theהַה֜וּאha·hū — He, she, it; the third person pronounH1931 — Full Word Study → placeלַמָּק֨וֹםlam·mā·qō·wm — A place, location, or spaceH4725 — Full Word Study → westאַחֲרֵ֖י’a·ḥă·rê — after, behind, followingH310 — Full Word Study → of Kiriath-jearimיְעָרִֽים׃yə·‘ā·rîm — Kiriath-jearim, a city of JudahH7157 — Full Word Study → is calledקָרְאוּ֩qā·rə·’ū — To call, summon, or proclaimH7121 — Full Word Study → Mahaneh-danדָ֗ןḏān — Camp of Dan, a Danite encampmentH4265 — Full Word Study → toעַ֚ד‘aḏ — until, till, up to (temporal or spatial limit)H5704 — Full Word Study → thisהַזֶּ֔הhaz·zeh — this, that; the one, the otherH2088 — Full Word Study → dayהַיּ֣וֹםhay·yō·wm — day; time; period; ageH3117 — Full Word Study →. 13And from thereמִשָּׁ֖םmiš·šām — There, in that placeH8033 — Full Word Study → they traveledוַיַּעַבְר֥וּway·ya·‘aḇ·rū — to cross over; to pass through or beyondH5674 — Full Word Study → to the hill countryהַר־har- — Mountain, hill, or elevated land massH2022 — Full Word Study → of Ephraimאֶפְרָ֑יִם’ep̄·rā·yim — Double fruitfulnessH669 — Full Word Study → and cameוַיָּבֹ֖אוּway·yā·ḇō·’ū — to come, go, enter, arriveH935 — Full Word Study → toעַד־‘aḏ- — until, till, up to (temporal or spatial limit)H5704 — Full Word Study → Micah’sמִיכָֽה׃mî·ḵāh — Who is like GodH4318 — Full Word Study → houseבֵּ֥יתbêṯ — A house; dwelling place; household; familyH1004 — Full Word Study →. 14Then the fiveחֲמֵ֣שֶׁתḥă·mê·šeṯ — The number five; a set of five unitsH2568 — Full Word Study → menהָאֲנָשִׁ֗יםhā·’ă·nā·šîm — human being, man, mortal personH582 — Full Word Study → who had goneהַהֹלְכִים֮ha·hō·lə·ḵîm — to go, walk, travel, proceedH1980 — Full Word Study → to spy outלְרַגֵּל֮lə·rag·gêl — to spy out, scout, or gather intelligenceH7270 — Full Word Study → the landהָאָ֣רֶץhā·’ā·reṣ — Land, earth, or countryH776 — Full Word Study → of Laishלַיִשׁ֒la·yiš — Laish, a city in northern PalestineH3919 — Full Word Study → saidוַיֹּֽאמְרוּ֙way·yō·mə·rū — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → toאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → their brothersאֲחֵיהֶ֔ם’ă·ḥê·hem — Male sibling; brother; kinsmanH251 — Full Word Study →, “Did you knowהַיְדַעְתֶּ֗םhay·ḏa‘·tem — to know, understand, perceiveH3045 — Full Word Study → thatכִּ֠יkî — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → one of theseהָאֵ֙לֶּה֙hā·’êl·leh — These; those; the onesH428 — Full Word Study → housesבַּבָּתִּ֤יםbab·bāt·tîm — A house; dwelling place; household; familyH1004 — Full Word Study → hasיֵ֣שׁyêš — there is, exists, has beingH3426 — Full Word Study → an ephodאֵפ֣וֹד’ê·p̄ō·wḏ — priestly garment; breastplate worn by the high priestH646 — Full Word Study →, household godsוּתְרָפִ֔יםū·ṯə·rā·p̄îm — household idols or images used in divinationH8655 — Full Word Study →, a graven imageוּפֶ֖סֶלū·p̄e·sel — Carved idol or graven imageH6459 — Full Word Study →, and a molten idolוּמַסֵּכָ֑הū·mas·sê·ḵāh — Cast metal image; molten idolH4541 — Full Word Study →? Nowוְעַתָּ֖הwə·‘at·tāh — Now; at the present timeH6258 — Full Word Study → think aboutדְּע֥וּdə·‘ū — to know, understand, perceiveH3045 — Full Word Study → whatמַֽה־mah- — What? Why? How? (interrogative particle)H4100 — Full Word Study → you should doתַּעֲשֽׂוּ׃ta·‘ă·śū — to do, make, or accomplish; to act or performH6213 — Full Word Study →.” 15So they turnedוַיָּס֣וּרוּway·yā·sū·rū — to turn aside, depart, removeH5493 — Full Word Study → aside thereשָׁ֔מָּהšām·māh — There, in that placeH8033 — Full Word Study → and wentוַיָּבֹ֛אוּway·yā·ḇō·’ū — to come, go, enter, arriveH935 — Full Word Study → toאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → the homeבֵּֽית־bêṯ- — A house; dwelling place; household; familyH1004 — Full Word Study → of the youngהַנַּ֥עַרhan·na·‘ar — Young man, boy, or male servantH5288 — Full Word Study → Leviteהַלֵּוִ֖יhal·lê·wî — Joined, AttachedH3881 — Full Word Study →, the houseבֵּ֣יתbêṯ — A house; dwelling place; household; familyH1004 — Full Word Study → of Micahמִיכָ֑הmî·ḵāh — Who is like GodH4318 — Full Word Study →, and greeted himוַיִּשְׁאֲלוּ־way·yiš·’ă·lū- — to ask, request, inquire, or demandH7592 — Full Word Study →. 16The sixוְשֵׁשׁ־wə·šêš- — The number six; sixth in orderH8337 — Full Word Study → hundredמֵא֣וֹתmê·’ō·wṯ — hundred; a large complete numberH3967 — Full Word Study → Danitesמִבְּנֵי־mib·bə·nê- — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → stoodנִצָּבִ֖יםniṣ·ṣā·ḇîm — To stand, station, or set up firmlyH5324 — Full Word Study → at the entranceפֶּ֣תַחpe·ṯaḥ — doorway, entrance, openingH6607 — Full Word Study → of the gateהַשָּׁ֑עַרhaš·šā·‘ar — Gate; entrance to a city or enclosureH8179 — Full Word Study →, armedחֲגוּרִים֙ḥă·ḡū·rîm — to gird, encircle, or prepare oneselfH2296 — Full Word Study → with their weaponsכְּלֵ֣יkə·lê — vessel, instrument, or article of useH3627 — Full Word Study → of warמִלְחַמְתָּ֔םmil·ḥam·tām — Battle, warfare, combat, military conflictH4421 — Full Word Study →. 17And the fiveחֲמֵ֣שֶׁתḥă·mê·šeṯ — The number five; a set of five unitsH2568 — Full Word Study → menהָאֲנָשִׁ֗יםhā·’ă·nā·šîm — human being, man, mortal personH582 — Full Word Study → who had goneהַהֹלְכִים֮ha·hō·lə·ḵîm — to go, walk, travel, proceedH1980 — Full Word Study → to spy outלְרַגֵּ֣לlə·rag·gêl — to spy out, scout, or gather intelligenceH7270 — Full Word Study → the landהָאָרֶץ֒hā·’ā·reṣ — Land, earth, or countryH776 — Full Word Study → went insideבָּ֣אוּbā·’ū — to come, go, enter, arriveH935 — Full Word Study → and tookלָקְח֗וּlā·qə·ḥū — to take, seize, or receiveH3947 — Full Word Study → the graven imageהַפֶּ֙סֶל֙hap·pe·sel — Carved idol or graven imageH6459 — Full Word Study →, the ephodהָ֣אֵפ֔וֹדhā·’ê·p̄ō·wḏ — priestly garment; breastplate worn by the high priestH646 — Full Word Study →, the household idolsהַתְּרָפִ֖יםhat·tə·rā·p̄îm — household idols or images used in divinationH8655 — Full Word Study →, andוְאֶת־wə·’eṯ- — direct object marker; signs accusative caseH853 — Full Word Study → the molten idolהַמַּסֵּכָ֑הham·mas·sê·ḵāh — Cast metal image; molten idolH4541 — Full Word Study →, while the priestוְהַכֹּהֵ֗ןwə·hak·kō·hên — priest; one who serves in God's sanctuaryH3548 — Full Word Study → stoodנִצָּב֙niṣ·ṣāḇ — To stand, station, or set up firmlyH5324 — Full Word Study → at the entranceפֶּ֣תַחpe·ṯaḥ — doorway, entrance, openingH6607 — Full Word Study → of the gateהַשַּׁ֔עַרhaš·ša·‘ar — Gate; entrance to a city or enclosureH8179 — Full Word Study → with the sixוְשֵׁשׁ־wə·šêš- — The number six; sixth in orderH8337 — Full Word Study → hundredמֵא֣וֹתmê·’ō·wṯ — hundred; a large complete numberH3967 — Full Word Study → armedהֶחָג֖וּרhe·ḥā·ḡūr — to gird, encircle, or prepare oneselfH2296 — Full Word Study → menהָאִ֔ישׁhā·’îš — man, male person, husbandH376 — Full Word Study →. 18When theyוְאֵ֗לֶּהwə·’êl·leh — These; those; the onesH428 — Full Word Study → enteredבָּ֚אוּbā·’ū — to come, go, enter, arriveH935 — Full Word Study → Micah’sמִיכָ֔הmî·ḵāh — Who is like GodH4318 — Full Word Study → houseבֵּ֣יתbêṯ — A house; dwelling place; household; familyH1004 — Full Word Study → and tookוַיִּקְחוּ֙way·yiq·ḥū — to take, seize, or receiveH3947 — Full Word Study → the graven imageפֶּ֣סֶלpe·sel — Carved idol or graven imageH6459 — Full Word Study →, the ephodהָאֵפ֔וֹדhā·’ê·p̄ō·wḏ — priestly garment; breastplate worn by the high priestH646 — Full Word Study →, the household idolsהַתְּרָפִ֖יםhat·tə·rā·p̄îm — household idols or images used in divinationH8655 — Full Word Study →, andוְאֶת־wə·’eṯ- — direct object marker; signs accusative caseH853 — Full Word Study → the molten idolהַמַּסֵּכָ֑הham·mas·sê·ḵāh — Cast metal image; molten idolH4541 — Full Word Study →, the priestהַכֹּהֵ֔ןhak·kō·hên — priest; one who serves in God's sanctuaryH3548 — Full Word Study → saidוַיֹּ֤אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → to themאֲלֵיהֶם֙’ă·lê·hem — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study →, “Whatמָ֥הmāh — What? Why? How? (interrogative particle)H4100 — Full Word Study → are youאַתֶּ֖ם’at·tem — You; second-person pronoun (singular or plural)H859 — Full Word Study → doingעֹשִֽׂים׃‘ō·śîm — to do, make, or accomplish; to act or performH6213 — Full Word Study →?” 19Be quietהַחֲרֵ֜שׁha·ḥă·rêš — to engrave, plow, devise, or keep silentH2790 — Full Word Study →,” they toldוַיֹּאמְרוּ֩way·yō·mə·rū — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → him. “Putשִֽׂים־śîm- — to put, place, set, appointH7760 — Full Word Study → your handיָדְךָ֤yā·ḏə·ḵā — hand; power, strength, controlH3027 — Full Word Study → overעַל־‘al- — upon, over, against; concerningH5921 — Full Word Study → your mouthפִּ֙יךָ֙pî·ḵā — Mouth; lips; edge; openingH6310 — Full Word Study → and comeוְלֵ֣ךְwə·lêḵ — to go, walk, travel, proceedH1980 — Full Word Study → with usעִמָּ֔נוּ‘im·mā·nū — with, together with, amongH5973 — Full Word Study → and beוֶֽהְיֵה־weh·yêh- — to be, become, exist, happenH1961 — Full Word Study → a fatherלְאָ֣בlə·’āḇ — H1 — Full Word Study → and a priestוּלְכֹהֵ֑ןū·lə·ḵō·hên — priest; one who serves in God's sanctuaryH3548 — Full Word Study → to us. Is it betterהֲט֣וֹב׀hă·ṭō·wḇ — good, beneficial, pleasing, wellH2896 — Full Word Study → for you to beהֱיוֹתְךָ֣hĕ·yō·wṯ·ḵā — to be, become, exist, happenH1961 — Full Word Study → a priestכֹהֵ֗ןḵō·hên — priest; one who serves in God's sanctuaryH3548 — Full Word Study → for the houseלְבֵית֙lə·ḇêṯ — A house; dwelling place; household; familyH1004 — Full Word Study → of oneאֶחָ֔ד’e·ḥāḏ — One; unity; single; firstH259 — Full Word Study → personאִ֣ישׁ’îš — man, male person, husbandH376 — Full Word Study → orא֚וֹ’ōw — or, whether; also expressing desire or preferenceH176 — Full Word Study → a priestכֹהֵ֔ןḵō·hên — priest; one who serves in God's sanctuaryH3548 — Full Word Study → for a tribeלְשֵׁ֥בֶטlə·šê·ḇeṭ — tribe; staff; scepter; rodH7626 — Full Word Study → and familyוּלְמִשְׁפָּחָ֖הū·lə·miš·pā·ḥāh — Family, clan, household groupH4940 — Full Word Study → in Israelבְּיִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃bə·yiś·rā·’êl — God prevailsH3478 — Full Word Study →?” 20So the priestהַכֹּהֵ֔ןhak·kō·hên — priest; one who serves in God's sanctuaryH3548 — Full Word Study → was gladוַיִּיטַב֙way·yî·ṭaḇ — to be good, to improve, to do wellH3190 — Full Word Study → and tookוַיִּקַּח֙way·yiq·qaḥ — to take, seize, or receiveH3947 — Full Word Study → the ephodהָ֣אֵפ֔וֹדhā·’ê·p̄ō·wḏ — priestly garment; breastplate worn by the high priestH646 — Full Word Study →, the household idolsהַתְּרָפִ֖יםhat·tə·rā·p̄îm — household idols or images used in divinationH8655 — Full Word Study →, andוְאֶת־wə·’eṯ- — direct object marker; signs accusative caseH853 — Full Word Study → the graven imageהַפָּ֑סֶלhap·pā·sel — Carved idol or graven imageH6459 — Full Word Study →, and wentוַיָּבֹ֖אway·yā·ḇō — to come, go, enter, arriveH935 — Full Word Study → withבְּקֶ֥רֶבbə·qe·reḇ — midst, inner part, heart, inward beingH7130 — Full Word Study → the peopleהָעָֽם׃hā·‘ām — a people; nation; communityH5971 — Full Word Study →. 21Puttingוַיָּשִׂ֨ימוּway·yā·śî·mū — to put, place, set, appointH7760 — Full Word Study → their small childrenהַטַּ֧ףhaṭ·ṭap̄ — young child; little one; infantH2945 — Full Word Study →, their livestockהַמִּקְנֶ֛הham·miq·neh — Livestock; herds and flocks as possessionsH4735 — Full Word Study →, and their possessionsהַכְּבוּדָּ֖הhak·kə·ḇū·dāh — Glory, splendor, magnificence, or honorable bearingH3520 — Full Word Study → in front of themלִפְנֵיהֶֽם׃lip̄·nê·hem — face; presence; beforeH6440 — Full Word Study →, they turnedוַיִּפְנ֖וּway·yip̄·nū — to turn, face, or direct attentionH6437 — Full Word Study → and departedוַיֵּלֵ֑כוּway·yê·lê·ḵū — to go, walk, travel, proceedH1980 — Full Word Study →. 22After theyהֵ֥מָּהhêm·māh — They, them (masculine plural pronoun)H1992 — Full Word Study → were some distanceהִרְחִ֖יקוּhir·ḥî·qū — to be far, remove, distance oneselfH7368 — Full Word Study → from Micah’sמִיכָ֑הmî·ḵāh — Who is like GodH4318 — Full Word Study → houseמִבֵּ֣יתmib·bêṯ — A house; dwelling place; household; familyH1004 — Full Word Study →, the menוְהָאֲנָשִׁ֗יםwə·hā·’ă·nā·šîm — human being, man, mortal personH582 — Full Word Study → in the housesבַּבָּתִּים֙bab·bāt·tîm — A house; dwelling place; household; familyH1004 — Full Word Study → nearעִם־‘im- — with, together with, amongH5973 — Full Word Study → Micah’sמִיכָ֔הmî·ḵāh — Who is like GodH4318 — Full Word Study → houseבֵּ֣יתbêṯ — A house; dwelling place; household; familyH1004 — Full Word Study → mobilizedנִֽזְעֲק֔וּniz·‘ă·qū — To cry out, call for help, summonH2199 — Full Word Study → and overtookוַיַּדְבִּ֖יקוּway·yaḏ·bî·qū — to cling to, cleave fast, adhere closelyH1692 — Full Word Study → the Danitesבְּנֵי־bə·nê- — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study →. 23When they called outוַֽיִּקְרְאוּ֙way·yiq·rə·’ū — To call, summon, or proclaimH7121 — Full Word Study → after themאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study →, the Danitesבְּנֵי־bə·nê- — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → turnedוַיַּסֵּ֖בּוּway·yas·sêb·bū — to turn, surround, go aroundH5437 — Full Word Study → to face themפְּנֵיהֶ֑םpə·nê·hem — face; presence; beforeH6440 — Full Word Study → and saidוַיֹּאמְר֣וּway·yō·mə·rū — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → to Micahלְמִיכָ֔הlə·mî·ḵāh — Who is like GodH4318 — Full Word Study →, “What is the matterמַה־mah- — What? Why? How? (interrogative particle)H4100 — Full Word Study → with you thatכִּ֥יkî — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → you have called out such a companyנִזְעָֽקְתָּ׃niz·‘ā·qə·tā — To cry out, call for help, summonH2199 — Full Word Study →?” 24He repliedוַיֹּ֡אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →, “You tookלְקַחְתֶּ֧םlə·qaḥ·tem — to take, seize, or receiveH3947 — Full Word Study → the godsאֱלֹהַי֩’ĕ·lō·hay — God, the divine beingH430 — Full Word Study → I had madeעָשִׂ֨יתִי‘ā·śî·ṯî — to do, make, or accomplish; to act or performH6213 — Full Word Study →, and my priestהַכֹּהֵ֛ןhak·kō·hên — priest; one who serves in God's sanctuaryH3548 — Full Word Study →, and went awayוַתֵּלְכ֖וּwat·tê·lə·ḵū — to go, walk, travel, proceedH1980 — Full Word Study →. What elseע֑וֹד‘ō·wḏ — still, yet, again, continuing or additional occurrenceH5750 — Full Word Study → do I haveוּמַה־ū·mah- — What? Why? How? (interrogative particle)H4100 — Full Word Study →? Howוּמַה־ū·mah- — What? Why? How? (interrogative particle)H4100 — Full Word Study → can you sayתֹּאמְר֥וּtō·mə·rū — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → to meאֵלַ֖י’ê·lay — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study →, ‘What is the matterמַה־mah- — What? Why? How? (interrogative particle)H4100 — Full Word Study → with you?’” 25The Danitesבְּנֵי־bə·nê- — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → saidוַיֹּאמְר֤וּway·yō·mə·rū — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → to himאֵלָיו֙’ê·lāw — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study →, “Do notאַל־’al- — do not; negative imperative particleH408 — Full Word Study → raiseתַּשְׁמַ֥עtaš·ma‘ — to hear, listen, obeyH8085 — Full Word Study → your voiceקוֹלְךָ֖qō·wl·ḵā — voice, sound, or cryH6963 — Full Word Study → against usעִמָּ֑נוּ‘im·mā·nū — with, together with, amongH5973 — Full Word Study →, orפֶּֽן־pen- — lest, that not, for fear thatH6435 — Full Word Study → angryמָ֣רֵיmā·rê — Bitter; marked by anguish or grievingH4751 — Full Word Study → menאֲנָשִׁים֙’ă·nā·šîm — human being, man, mortal personH582 — Full Word Study → will attackיִפְגְּע֣וּyip̄·gə·‘ū — to meet, encounter, or intercedeH6293 — Full Word Study → you, and you and your familyבֵּיתֶֽךָ׃bê·ṯe·ḵā — A house; dwelling place; household; familyH1004 — Full Word Study → will loseוְאָסַפְתָּ֥הwə·’ā·sap̄·tāh — to gather, assemble, collectH622 — Full Word Study → your livesנַפְשְׁךָ֖nap̄·šə·ḵā — soul, life, person, selfH5315 — Full Word Study →.” 26So the Danitesבְנֵי־ḇə·nê- — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → wentוַיֵּלְכ֥וּway·yê·lə·ḵū — to go, walk, travel, proceedH1980 — Full Word Study → on their wayלְדַרְכָּ֑םlə·ḏar·kām — way, path, journey, conductH1870 — Full Word Study →, and Micah turnedוַיִּ֖פֶןway·yi·p̄en — to turn, face, or direct attentionH6437 — Full Word Study → to go backוַיָּ֥שָׁבway·yā·šāḇ — to turn back, return, restoreH7725 — Full Word Study → homeבֵּיתֽוֹ׃bê·ṯōw — A house; dwelling place; household; familyH1004 — Full Word Study →, because heמִיכָ֗הmî·ḵāh — Who is like GodH4318 — Full Word Study → sawוַיַּ֣רְאway·yar — to see, perceive, behold, experienceH7200 — Full Word Study → thatכִּי־kî- — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → theyהֵ֙מָּה֙hêm·māh — They, them (masculine plural pronoun)H1992 — Full Word Study → were too strongחֲזָקִ֥יםḥă·zā·qîm — Strong, mighty, firm, courageousH2389 — Full Word Study → for himמִמֶּ֔נּוּmim·men·nū — from, out of, by means ofH4480 — Full Word Study →. 27After theyוְהֵ֨מָּהwə·hêm·māh — They, them (masculine plural pronoun)H1992 — Full Word Study → had takenלָקְח֜וּlā·qə·ḥū — to take, seize, or receiveH3947 — Full Word Study → Micah’sמִיכָ֗הmî·ḵāh — Who is like GodH4318 — Full Word Study → idols and his priestהַכֹּהֵן֮hak·kō·hên — priest; one who serves in God's sanctuaryH3548 — Full Word Study →, they wentוַיָּבֹ֣אוּway·yā·ḇō·’ū — to come, go, enter, arriveH935 — Full Word Study → toעַל־‘al- — upon, over, against; concerningH5921 — Full Word Study → Laishלַ֗יִשׁla·yiš — Laish, a city in northern PalestineH3919 — Full Word Study →, toעַל־‘al- — upon, over, against; concerningH5921 — Full Word Study → a tranquil and unsuspectingוּבֹטֵ֔חַū·ḇō·ṭê·aḥ — to trust, rely on, have confidenceH982 — Full Word Study → peopleעַם֙‘am — a people; nation; communityH5971 — Full Word Study →, and they struckוַיַּכּ֥וּway·yak·kū — To strike, smite, or defeat with forceH5221 — Full Word Study → themאוֹתָ֖ם’ō·w·ṯām — direct object marker; signs accusative caseH853 — Full Word Study → with their swordsחָ֑רֶבḥā·reḇ — sword; blade weaponH2719 — Full Word Study → and burned downשָׂרְפ֥וּśā·rə·p̄ū — to burn, kindle, consume by fireH8313 — Full Word Study → the cityהָעִ֖ירhā·‘îr — City; fortified settlement or townH5892 — Full Word Study →. 28There was no oneוְאֵ֨יןwə·’ên — nothing, nonexistence, absenceH369 — Full Word Study → to deliver themמַצִּ֜ילmaṣ·ṣîl — to rescue, deliver, or snatch awayH5337 — Full Word Study →, becauseכִּ֧יkî — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → the city was farרְֽחוֹקָה־rə·ḥō·w·qāh- — distant, far away, remote in space or timeH7350 — Full Word Study → from Sidonמִצִּיד֗וֹןmiṣ·ṣî·ḏō·wn — Fishery or huntingH6721 — Full Word Study → and had noאֵין־’ên- — nothing, nonexistence, absenceH369 — Full Word Study → allianceוְדָבָ֤רwə·ḏā·ḇār — word, matter, thing, affairH1697 — Full Word Study → withעִם־‘im- — with, together with, amongH5973 — Full Word Study → anyoneאָדָ֔ם’ā·ḏām — Man, mankind, human beingH120 — Full Word Study →; itוְהִ֕יאwə·hî — He, she, it; the third person pronounH1931 — Full Word Study → was in a valleyבָּעֵ֖מֶקbā·‘ê·meq — ValleyH6010 — Full Word Study → nearאֲשֶׁ֣ר’ă·šer — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → Beth-rehobרְח֑וֹבrə·ḥō·wḇ — Beth-rehob, a northern city or regionH1050 — Full Word Study →. And the Danites rebuiltוַיִּבְנ֥וּway·yiḇ·nū — to build, construct, establishH1129 — Full Word Study → the cityהָעִ֖ירhā·‘îr — City; fortified settlement or townH5892 — Full Word Study → and livedוַיֵּ֥שְׁבוּway·yê·šə·ḇū — to dwell, inhabit, settle, remainH3427 — Full Word Study → there. 29They namedוַיִּקְרְא֤וּway·yiq·rə·’ū — To call, summon, or proclaimH7121 — Full Word Study → it Danדָּ֔ןdān — He judgedH1835 — Full Word Study →, afterבְּשֵׁם֙bə·šêm — Name; reputation; renownH8034 — Full Word Study → their forefatherאֲבִיהֶ֔ם’ă·ḇî·hem — H1 — Full Word Study → Danדָּ֣ןdān — He judgedH1835 — Full Word Study →, whoאֲשֶׁ֥ר’ă·šer — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → was bornיוּלַּ֖דyūl·laḏ — to give birth, beget, or bear a childH3205 — Full Word Study → to Israelלְיִשְׂרָאֵ֑לlə·yiś·rā·’êl — God prevailsH3478 — Full Word Study →thoughוְאוּלָ֛םwə·’ū·lām — but, however, surely, indeedH199 — Full Word Study → the cityהָעִ֖ירhā·‘îr — City; fortified settlement or townH5892 — Full Word Study → was formerlyלָרִאשֹׁנָֽה׃lā·ri·šō·nāh — First, foremost, or former; earliest in time or orderH7223 — Full Word Study → namedשֵׁם־šêm- — Name; reputation; renownH8034 — Full Word Study → Laishלַ֥יִשׁla·yiš — Laish, a city in northern PalestineH3919 — Full Word Study →. 30The Danitesבְּנֵי־bə·nê- — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → set upוַיָּקִ֧ימוּway·yā·qî·mū — To rise, stand, or be establishedH6965 — Full Word Study → idolsהַפָּ֑סֶלhap·pā·sel — Carved idol or graven imageH6459 — Full Word Study → for themselves, and Jonathanוִ֠יהוֹנָתָןwî·hō·w·nā·ṯān — Yahweh has givenH3083 — Full Word Study → son ofבֶּן־ben- — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → Gershomגֵּרְשֹׁ֨םgê·rə·šōm — Expulsion or banishmentH1647 — Full Word Study →, the sonבֶּן־ben- — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → of Mosesמְנַשֶּׁ֜הmə·naš·šɛh — God has made me forgetH4519 — Full Word Study →, and his sonsוּבָנָ֗יוū·ḇā·nāw — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → wereהָי֤וּhā·yū — to be, become, exist, happenH1961 — Full Word Study → priestsכֹהֲנִים֙ḵō·hă·nîm — priest; one who serves in God's sanctuaryH3548 — Full Word Study → for the tribeלְשֵׁ֣בֶטlə·šê·ḇeṭ — tribe; staff; scepter; rodH7626 — Full Word Study → of Danהַדָּנִ֔יhad·dā·nî — A member of the tribe of DanH1839 — Full Word Study → untilעַד־‘aḏ- — until, till, up to (temporal or spatial limit)H5704 — Full Word Study → the dayי֖וֹםyō·wm — day; time; period; ageH3117 — Full Word Study → of the captivityגְּל֥וֹתgə·lō·wṯ — HeglamH1540 — Full Word Study → of the landהָאָֽרֶץ׃hā·’ā·reṣ — Land, earth, or countryH776 — Full Word Study →. 31So they set upוַיָּשִׂ֣ימוּway·yā·śî·mū — to put, place, set, appointH7760 — Full Word Study → for themselves Micah’sמִיכָ֖הmî·ḵāh — Who is like GodH4318 — Full Word Study → graven imageפֶּ֥סֶלpe·sel — Carved idol or graven imageH6459 — Full Word Study →, and it was there the wholeכָּל־kāl- — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → timeיְמֵ֛יyə·mê — day; time; period; ageH3117 — Full Word Study → the houseבֵּית־bêṯ- — A house; dwelling place; household; familyH1004 — Full Word Study → of Godהָאֱלֹהִ֖יםhā·’ĕ·lō·hîm — God, the divine beingH430 — Full Word Study → wasהֱי֥וֹתhĕ·yō·wṯ — to be, become, exist, happenH1961 — Full Word Study → in Shilohבְּשִׁלֹֽה׃פbə·ši·lōh — A place of restH7887 — Full Word Study →.
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Chapter Commentary — Judges 18
Chapter Overview

Chapter Overview

Judges 18 depicts one of the darkest chapters in Israel's period of the judges, exemplifying the spiritual and moral chaos that prevailed "when there was no king in Israel." The tribe of Dan, failing to secure their tribal inheritance through faith in God's promise, pursues a worldly solution by conquering Laish through military force. In doing so, they compound their disobedience by stealing Micah's idolatrous religious articles and his hired priest, establishing a false worship system that becomes a snare to the nation. This chapter illustrates the devastating consequences of spiritual compromise and the human tendency to rely on personal schemes rather than God's provision.

Verses 1–5: The Problem and the False Counsel

The narrative opens with the repeated refrain, "there was no king in Israel" (v. 1), signaling that this lawless period encouraged each person to do "that which was right in his own eyes" (see Judges 17:6). Dan, one of Jacob's twelve sons, had not yet secured a permanent inheritance. Rather than waiting upon the Lord or seeking counsel from the high priest at Shiloh, five men of valour are sent to spy out the land. Their path leads them to Micah's house, where they recognize the voice of a young Levite hired as a private priest (v. 3–4).

Here is the first spiritual danger: the Danites ask this priest to "ask counsel of God" on their behalf (v. 5). But this "priest" is himself operating outside the divinely appointed order. He is not serving at the tabernacle; he is merely an employee in a man's household, tending idolatrous religious items. His blessing is worthless, yet the five men accept his assurance: "Go in peace: before the LORD is your way" (v. 6). This illustrates how spiritual blindness begets false confidence.

Verses 7–12: Presumption Disguised as Opportunity

The spies return to report that Laish is rich and vulnerable—its people "dwelt careless...quiet and secure" with "no magistrate" to defend them (v. 7). The reconnaissance becomes the justification for conquest. Six hundred armed men from Dan march northward, and the narrative emphasizes their military strength and organization (vv. 11–12). What appears to be providential opportunity—an undefended land and a successful mission—is actually the fruit of human ambition clothed in religious language. Notice that the spies claim "God hath given it into your hands" (v. 10), but God gave no such word. They are manufacturing divine sanction for their own desires.

Verses 13–20: The Theft and Seduction

When the Danite army passes through Mount Ephraim, the five spies point out the religious treasures in Micah's house: "an ephod, and teraphim, and a graven image, and a molten image" (v. 14). These are instruments of false worship. Rather than destroying them, the Danites steal them (v. 17). More troubling still, they seduce the young priest with flattery: "is it better for thee to be a priest unto the house of one man, or that thou be a priest unto a tribe?" (v. 19). His heart is glad (v. 20)—he abandons Micah for a larger salary and greater prestige. The priest's moral compromise reveals that his faith was never rooted in obedience to God's law.

Verses 21–31: Judgment and the Establishment of Idolatry

Micah pursues the Danites but, seeing their overwhelming military force, turns back in defeat (vv. 22–26). The tribe of Dan destroys the peaceful city of Laish, establishing it as their new territory and renaming it "Dan" (vv. 27–29). They set up the stolen idolatrous shrine with the hired priest as their religious leader (vv. 30–31). This false worship persists "until the day of the captivity of the land," poisoning the spiritual life of the tribe for generations.

Application for Today

Judges 18 warns us against substituting human reasoning and worldly methods for genuine trust in God's Word. The Danites had a legitimate need—territorial security—but pursued it through deception, idolatry, and violence. We, too, face the temptation to "make it happen" ourselves, seeking counsel from unreliable sources or building our lives on false spiritual foundations. True blessing comes only through alignment with God's revealed truth and obedience to His ordering of our lives, not through cleverness or force.

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