Our Lord & Savior

The Book of Judges: Part 2

The Dantes Adopt Micah's Idolatry

(Judges 18:1-26)

1 In that era, Israel had no king, and during this time, the Danite tribe sought an inheritance to settle in, for they had not yet received their inheritance among the tribes of Israel.

2 The Danites sent five of their valiant men from their territory, from Zorah and Eshtaol, to scout the land and explore it. They instructed them, "Go and explore the land." These men arrived at Mount Ephraim and stayed at Micah's house.

3 Near Micah's house, they recognized the voice of the young Levite man and approached him, asking, "Who brought you here? What are you doing in this place? What do you have here?"

4 He replied, "Micah has dealt with me in such a manner, has hired me, and I serve as his priest."

5 They said to him, "We beseech you to seek God's counsel, that we may know whether our journey will be successful."

6 The priest replied, "Go in peace; the Lord is with you on your way."

7 So the five men left and arrived at Laish, where they observed the people living carefree lives, in the manner of the Zidonians, tranquil and secure. There was no ruler in the land to disgrace them for anything; they were far from the Zidonians and had no dealings with anyone.

8 They returned to their kin in Zorah and Eshtaol, who asked them, "What do you report?"

9 They answered, "Get up, let us attack them, for we have seen the land and it is very good. Why do you hesitate? Do not be lazy to go and take possession of the land.

10 When you go, you will come to a secure people and a vast land, for God has given it into your hands; a place lacking nothing that the earth provides.

11 From there, six hundred men of the Danite family, armed for battle, set out from Zorah and Eshtaol.

12 They went up and encamped at Kirjathjearim in Judah. To this day, the place is called Mahanehdan, located west of Kirjathjearim.

13 They moved on from there to the hill country of Ephraim and arrived at Micah's house.

14 The five men who had scouted the land of Laish reported back to their kin, "Are you aware that in one of these homes there are an ephod, teraphim, a carved image, and a cast idol? Consider now what action to take."

15 They turned in that direction and arrived at the house of the young Levite, at Micah's residence, and greeted him.

16 The six hundred men of the Danites, armed for battle, stood at the entrance of the gate.

17 The five men who had gone to scout the land proceeded to enter, seizing the carved image, ephod, household gods, and cast idol, while the priest stood by the gate with the six hundred armed warriors.

18 As they entered Micah's home and took the carved image, ephod, household gods, and cast idol, the priest challenged them, "What are you doing?"

19 They told him, "Be silent, place your hand over your mouth, and come with us to be our father and priest. Is it not better for you to serve as a priest for a tribe and family in Israel rather than just one man's house?"

20 The priest was overjoyed, and he took the ephod, teraphim, and the idol, and joined the people.

21 They turned to leave, placing the children, livestock, and possessions in front of them.

22 As they moved away from Micah's house, the men who lived near Micah's home gathered and caught up with the Danites.

23 The children of Dan were called out to by the others. They turned around and asked Micah, "What troubles you that you come with such a company?"

24 Micah responded, "You have taken the gods I crafted, along with the priest, and have left. What else do I have now? And why do you ask, 'What troubles you?'"

25 The children of Dan warned him, "Do not let your voice be heard among us, or angry men might attack you, and you would lose your life and the lives of your family."

26 So the children of Dan continued on their way. Seeing that they were too powerful for him, Micah turned around and returned to his house.