Judges 18

KJ3 Literal Translation — Chapter 18 of 21

1 In those days there was no king in Israel. And in those days the tribe of the Danites was seeking an inheritance for itself to inhabit. For to that day it had not fallen to them by inheritance among the tribes of Israel.

2 And the sons of Dan sent out of their family five men from their whole number, men, sons of strength, from Zorah and from Eshtaol, to spy out the land, and to search it. And they said to them, Go, search the land. And they came to the hills of Ephraim, to Micah's house, and lodged there.

3 They were near the household of Micah, and they recognized the young man's voice, the Levite. And they turned in there, and said to him, Who has brought you here? And what are you doing in this place? And what have you here?

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Chapter Summary

The men of Dan seek a place. 3 At Micah's house they recognize Jonathan. 7 They find Laish unprotected. 11 Six hundred men are sent to seize it. 27 They take Laish, and call it Dan.

Key Hebrew Words

נַֽחֲלָה֙ possession H5159 · TWOT 1342a
חֲמִשָּׁ֣ה five H2568 · TWOT 686a
כֹהֵ֗ן priest H3548 · TWOT 959a
אֵפ֣וֹד ephod H646 · TWOT 142.1a
כְּלֵ֥י article H3627 · TWOT 982g

People & Context

Danites Send Spies to Search for Land

Seeking an inheritance, the tribe of Dan sends five strong men from Zorah and Eshtaol to spy out the land. They arrive at Micah's house.

Spies Encounter Micah's Priest

The spies recognize the Levite's voice, learn of his arrangement with Micah, and ask him to inquire of God if their journey will be prosperous.

Spies Discover Laish

The five spies arrive at Laish, observing that the people live securely, quietly, and far from the Sidonians without any allies.

Timeline

Danites Send Spies to Search for Land

Seeking an inheritance, the tribe of Dan sends five strong men from Zorah and Eshtaol to spy out the land. They arrive at Micah's house.

Judges 18:1-2
Spies Encounter Micah's Priest

The spies recognize the Levite's voice, learn of his arrangement with Micah, and ask him to inquire of God if their journey will be prosperous.

Judges 18:3-6
Spies Discover Laish

The five spies arrive at Laish, observing that the people live securely, quietly, and far from the Sidonians without any allies.

Judges 18:7

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