Judges 18:1-10
The Danites Search for Land
1In those days there was no king in Israel, and the tribe of the Danites was looking for territory to occupy. For up to that time they had not come into an inheritance among the tribes of Israel.
2So the Danites sent out five men from their clans, men of valor from Zorah and Eshtaol, to spy out the land and explore it. “Go and explore the land,” they told them. The men entered the hill country of Ephraim and came to the house of Micah, where they spent the night.
3And while they were near Micah’s house, they recognized the voice of the young Levite; so they went over and asked him, “Who brought you here? What are you doing in this place? Why are you here?”
4“Micah has done this and that for me,” he replied, “and he has hired me to be his priest.”
5Then they said to him, “Please inquire of God to determine whether we will have a successful journey.”
6And the priest told them, “Go in peace. The LORD is watching over your journey.”
7So the five men departed and came to Laish, where they saw that the people were living securely, like the Sidonians, quiet and unsuspecting. There was nothing lacking in the land and no oppressive ruler. And they were far away from the Sidonians and had no alliance with anyone.
8When the men returned to Zorah and Eshtaol, their brothers asked them, “What did you find?”
9They answered, “Come on, let us go up against them, for we have seen the land, and it is very good. Why would you fail to act? Do not hesitate to go there and take possession of the land!
10When you enter, you will come to an unsuspecting people and a spacious land, for God has delivered it into your hand. It is a place where nothing on earth is lacking.”
Berean Standard Bible
The tribe of Dan is still seeking an inheritance, so it sends five men to spy out the land and they come to Micah's house.
The spies recognize the Levite's voice and ask him to inquire of God. He gives a vague answer that they use as confirmation, then the men report a peaceful, spacious land at Laish.
In those days there was no king in Israel, and the tribe of the Danites was looking for territory to occupy. For up to that time they had not come into an inheritance among the tribes of Israel.
The Danite spies recognize the Levite's voice and ask him to inquire of God, but the answer they receive is too vague to carry the confidence they place in it. Their report emphasizes spacious land and security. The chapter lets us see how quickly a desired destination can become evidence in our minds before we have asked whether the path is faithful.
Their need for territory is understandable, but the story does not say that their plan is approved. They measure land by ease and safety before they ask what faithfulness requires.
When you enter, you will come to an unsuspecting people and a spacious land, for God has delivered it into your hand. It is a place where nothing on earth is lacking.”
Talk about the difference between an open opportunity and a command from God. Ask what questions your family should ask before calling a convenient path a blessing.
Questions
1 What is happening in this reading?
AnswerThe tribe of Dan is still seeking an inheritance, so it sends five men to spy out the land and they come to Micah's house. The spies recognize the Levite's voice and ask him to inquire of God.
2 Where do we see responsibility or failure?
AnswerTheir need for territory is understandable, but the story does not say that their plan is approved. They measure land by ease and safety before they ask what faithfulness requires.
3 What does this passage make clear?
AnswerThe Danite spies recognize the Levite's voice and ask him to inquire of God, but the answer they receive is too vague to carry the confidence they place in it. Their report emphasizes spacious land and security. The chapter lets us see how quickly a desired destination can become evidence in our minds before we have asked whether the path is faithful.
4 What should our household remember?
AnswerTalk about the difference between an open opportunity and a command from God. Ask what questions your family should ask before calling a convenient path a blessing.
What This Means for Us
Laish looks spacious and secure, but favorable circumstances do not prove that a plan is God's command. Before calling an opportunity a blessing, teach the family to ask what faithfulness requires and whose interests the plan serves.
An open door can be providential without being permission to ignore God's commands. Before pursuing an attractive opportunity, ask who may be displaced, what motives are operating, and whether the plan can be defended honestly.
Prayer
Lord, help us talk about the difference between an open opportunity and a command from god. Give us wisdom to protect the vulnerable and resist the easy wrong. Amen.