Judges 18:14

KJV

¶ Then answered the five men that went to spy out the country of Laish, and said unto their brethren, Do ye know that there is in these houses an ephod, and teraphim, and a graven image, and a molten image? now therefore consider what ye have to do.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then answered {H6030} the five {H2568} men {H582} that went {H1980} to spy out {H7270} the country {H776} of Laish {H3919}, and said {H559} unto their brethren {H251}, Do ye know {H3045} that there is {H3426} in these houses {H1004} an ephod {H646}, and teraphim {H8655}, and a graven image {H6459}, and a molten image {H4541}? now therefore consider {H3045} what ye have to do {H6213}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The men who had gone to spy out the land of Layish then said to their kinsmen, "Are you aware that in these buildings there is a ritual vest, household gods and a carved image overlaid with silver? Decide what you ought to do."

Berean Standard Bible

Then the five men who had gone to spy out the land of Laish said to their brothers, “Did you know that one of these houses has an ephod, household gods, a graven image, and a molten idol? Now think about what you should do.”

American Standard Version

Then answered the five men that went to spy out the country of Laish, and said unto their brethren, Do ye know that there is in these houses an ephod, and teraphim, and a graven image, and a molten image? now therefore consider what ye have to do.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 18:14 marks a critical juncture in the Danites' search for new territory, as five scouts return from reconnoitering Laish with a pivotal discovery. They reveal to their tribal brethren the presence of an ephod, teraphim, a graven image, and a molten image within Micah's household in Ephraim, implicitly suggesting their appropriation. This verse profoundly illustrates the spiritual decay and opportunistic syncretism rampant in Israel during the Judges period, where the sacred boundaries between Yahweh worship and pagan idolatry were dangerously blurred, leading to the brazen theft of religious artifacts for perceived tribal advantage.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 18:14 is situated within the extended narrative of the Danite migration, which itself immediately follows the account of Micah's private shrine in [Judges 17](/judges/17 "Micah's Idols and the Levite"). The tribe of Dan, having failed to fully dispossess the Amorites from their initial inheritance ([Judges 1:34](/judges/1-34 "Judges 1:34 - Dan's Unsecured Inheritance")), dispatches five men to scout for new land in the northern regions ([Judges 18:1](/judges/18-1 "Judges 18:1 - Dan's Search for Land")). During their journey, these spies stop at Micah's house in the hill country of Ephraim, where they recognize the voice of the Levite priest, Jonathan, whom they had previously encountered ([Judges 18:3](/judges/18-3 "Judges 18:3 - Danites Encounter the Levite")). Having observed Micah's illicit cultic objects—an ephod, teraphim, and images—which are detailed in [Judges 17:4-5](/judges/17-4-5 "Judges 17:4-5 - Micah's Idols and Levite Priest"), the spies return to their tribe. This verse, [Judges 18:14](/judges/18-14 "Judges 18:14 - The Spies' Proposal"), represents the decisive moment where the spies, far from condemning the idolatry, propose seizing these items and the Levite himself, thereby setting the stage for the Danites' subsequent acts of religious theft and the establishment of an idolatrous cult in their newly conquered territory.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The era of the Judges is consistently depicted as a period of profound spiritual and political decentralization, famously encapsulated by the recurring phrase, "In those days there was no king in Israel; every man did what was right in his own eyes" ([Judges 17:6](/judges/17-6 "Judges 17:6 - Everyone Did What Was Right in Their Own Eyes") and [Judges 21:25](/judges/21-25 "Judges 21:25 - The Concluding Anarchy of Judges")). This verse vividly illustrates the spiritual and moral anarchy prevalent. The presence of an "ephod, teraphim, a graven image, and a molten image" within a single Israelite household is a stark testament to the rampant syncretism—the unauthorized blending of Yahweh worship with pagan practices—that permeated the culture. This was a direct and egregious violation of the Mosaic Law, particularly the [Second Commandment](/exodus/20-4 "Exodus 20:4 - The Second Commandment Against Idols") prohibiting the making and worship of images. The Danites' interest in these objects was not rooted in genuine spiritual conviction but in pragmatic opportunism, viewing them as transferable assets to legitimize or empower their new tribal center, a common cultural mindset where deities were often considered localized and their power transferable.

* **Key Themes:** Judges 18:14 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Judges and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **spiritual degeneration and widespread idolatry** that plagued Israel, demonstrating how far the nation had strayed from its covenant obligations to Yahweh. The explicit listing of cultic objects highlights the dangerous amalgamation of legitimate Israelite forms (the ephod, albeit misused) with clear pagan idolatry (teraphim, graven and molten images), showcasing a society where the distinctiveness and purity of Yahweh worship had been severely compromised. Secondly, the verse exemplifies **opportunism and self-serving religion**. The Danites' interest in these items is purely utilitarian; they perceive the religious artifacts and the Levite as tools to serve their own tribal ambitions, rather than as objects of genuine devotion or instruments of divine will. This reflects a "religion of convenience" where spiritual matters are bent to human desires and perceived benefits. Finally, this episode is a stark illustration of the consequences of **moral relativism and the absence of righteous leadership**, echoing the book's recurring motif that "every man did that which was right in his own eyes" ([Judges 17:6](/judges/17-6 "Judges 17:6 - The Anarchy of Judges") and [Judges 21:25](/judges/21-25 "Judges 21:25 - Judges' Concluding Statement")), leading to a chaotic and ungodly society.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ephod (Hebrew, _ʼêphôwd'_):** In its proper context, as described in [Exodus 28:6](/exodus/28-6 "Exodus 28:6 - The High Priest's Ephod"), the ephod was a sacred vestment worn by the high priest, integral to the legitimate worship of Yahweh and often associated with divine consultation (e.g., via the Urim and Thummim). However, in the book of Judges, it frequently appears as a cultic object or idol (e.g., [Judges 8:27](/judges/8-27 "Judges 8:27 - Gideon's Ephod")), indicating its profound misuse and the Israelites' departure from proper worship, transforming a priestly garment into an object of veneration or divination itself.
* **Teraphim (Hebrew, _tᵉrâphîym'_):** These were household idols or cultic images, often associated with divination, ancestor worship, or ensuring prosperity. They could vary significantly in size, from small figurines (as perhaps in [Genesis 31:19](/genesis/31-19 "Genesis 31:19 - Rachel Steals the Teraphim")) to life-sized effigies (as possibly in [1 Samuel 19:13](/1_samuel/19-13 "1 Samuel 19:13 - Michal and the Teraphim")). Their presence alongside the ephod underscores the deeply syncretistic nature of Micah's worship and the widespread blending of pagan practices with Israelite religion.
* **Graven image (Hebrew, _peçel'_):** Refers to a carved or sculptured idol, typically fashioned from wood or stone. Such images were explicitly forbidden by God's law.
* **Molten image (Hebrew, _maççêkâh'_):** Refers to a cast metal idol, typically made by pouring molten metal into a mold. The explicit mention of both "graven image" and "molten image" in [Judges 18:14](/judges/18-14 "Judges 18:14 - The Spies' Inventory") emphatically demonstrates a direct and egregious violation of the [Second Commandment](/exodus/20-4 "Exodus 20:4 - Commandment Against Idols"), which strictly forbids the making and worship of any created images.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then answered the five men that went to spy out the country of Laish, and said unto their brethren":** This opening clause immediately establishes the context and the authoritative nature of the spies' report. Having completed their mission to scout for suitable land, their findings now extend beyond mere geography to include what they perceive as valuable religious artifacts, which they are about to disclose to the rest of the Danite tribe.
* **"Do ye know that there is in these houses an ephod, and teraphim, and a graven image, and a molten image?":** This rhetorical question serves to capture the attention of their brethren, framing their discovery as something of immense significance and potential value. The specific enumeration of the cultic objects—the ephod, teraphim, graven image, and molten image—is crucial, revealing the full extent of Micah's syncretistic shrine. This collection represents a dangerous blend of elements associated with Yahweh worship (the ephod, albeit misused) with outright pagan idolatry, a clear and flagrant violation of God's covenant.
* **"now therefore consider what ye have to do.":** This concluding imperative functions as a thinly veiled command or a strong, decisive suggestion. It is not a genuine question seeking advice, but rather a directive implying a course of action already determined by the spies: to seize these objects and the Levite for the Danite tribe's own purposes. This phrase powerfully underscores the Danites' profound opportunism and their willingness to engage in theft and religious appropriation for perceived tribal benefit, without any apparent moral or theological qualms.

#### Literary Devices
The passage in [Judges 18:14](/judges/18-14 "Judges 18:14 - The Spies' Proposal") employs several potent literary devices to underscore its message of profound spiritual decline and moral decay. **Irony** is a pervasive element, as a tribe of Israel, supposedly dedicated to Yahweh, is depicted not only tolerating but actively seeking to appropriate idolatrous objects. The Levite, whose sacred duty was to uphold the Mosaic Law, is found serving a private, syncretistic cult, further deepening this tragic irony. The explicit **catalogue** or **list** of "an ephod, and teraphim, and a graven image, and a molten image" is a powerful rhetorical device. It serves to emphasize the comprehensive and multifaceted nature of Micah's idolatry and, by extension, the widespread spiritual corruption permeating Israel. This detailed enumeration also highlights the brazenness of the Danites' proposal, as they are fully aware of the forbidden nature of these items yet covet them. Furthermore, the spies' rhetorical question, "Do ye know...?" followed by the implicit command, "now therefore consider what ye have to do," functions as a form of **rhetorical persuasion**, subtly guiding their brethren towards the intended course of action—theft and appropriation—without explicitly stating the criminal intent, thereby revealing their manipulative and self-serving agenda.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 18:14 serves as a chilling testament to the theological chaos and moral decay that characterized Israel during the period of the Judges. It vividly illustrates the profound consequences of a nation abandoning its covenant with Yahweh, leading to rampant syncretism and a self-serving, pragmatic approach to spirituality. The Danites' willingness to steal idolatrous objects, rather than destroy them as explicitly commanded by God (e.g., [Deuteronomy 12:2-4](/deuteronomy/12-2-4 "Deuteronomy 12:2-4 - Destroying Idols")), underscores their profound spiritual blindness and their preference for perceived utility over divine obedience. This episode highlights the insidious dangers of a faith that is not rooted in absolute truth and unwavering devotion to God alone, but rather bends to human convenience and desire, ultimately leading to spiritual anarchy and a complete disregard for God's explicit commands against idolatry ([Exodus 20:4-5](/exodus/20-4-5 "Exodus 20:4-5 - The Second Commandment")). It is a stark reminder that true worship demands exclusivity and purity, a decisive choice to "choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve" ([Joshua 24:15](/joshua/24-15 "Joshua 24:15 - Choose Whom You Will Serve")).

* [Deuteronomy 12:2-4](/deuteronomy/12-2-4 "Command to Destroy Idols")
* [Exodus 20:4-5](/exodus/20-4-5 "The Second Commandment")
* [Joshua 24:14-15](/joshua/24-14-15 "Serve the Lord with Sincerity")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 18:14 stands as a profound and enduring warning against spiritual compromise and the insidious nature of a self-serving faith. In a contemporary world that often prioritizes pragmatism, personal convenience, and cultural accommodation, this verse challenges us to critically examine the purity of our own worship and the underlying motives behind our spiritual pursuits. Are we genuinely seeking to honor God according to His revealed will, or are we, like the Danites, tempted to appropriate or blend elements that serve our own perceived needs, desires, or cultural norms, even if they contradict biblical truth? The inherent danger lies in blurring the lines between true devotion and mere religious ritual, between God's explicit commands and our own subjective desires. We are called to worship God "in spirit and in truth" ([John 4:24](/john/4-24 "John 4:24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")), which necessitates a discerning heart that resolutely rejects syncretism and wholeheartedly embraces the exclusivity of Christ. This passage compels us to vigilantly guard against any form of "spiritual opportunism" where we seek God's blessings or perceived legitimacy through means not sanctioned by His Word, rather than through genuine obedience, profound humility, and wholehearted devotion to Him alone.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How might the "ephod, teraphim, graven image, and molten image" of Judges 18:14 manifest in contemporary forms of spiritual compromise or syncretism in our own lives or cultures today?**
* **What are the inherent dangers of a pragmatic or self-serving faith that seeks to appropriate spiritual benefits or power without genuine commitment to God's commands and His character?**
* **In what specific ways might we be tempted to "do what is right in our own eyes" rather than adhere to God's revealed will, especially when faced with significant challenges, perceived opportunities, or cultural pressures?**

### FAQ

**What was the significance of Micah's cultic objects, and why did the Danites want them?**

Answer: Micah's cultic objects—an ephod, teraphim, and graven/molten images—represent a dangerous and forbidden blend of legitimate Israelite forms (the ephod, though profoundly misused) with outright pagan practices (teraphim, images). This collection vividly illustrates the widespread syncretism and spiritual confusion prevalent in Israel during the Judges period, where people attempted to blend the worship of Yahweh with idolatry, a direct and severe violation of the [Second Commandment](/exodus/20-4 "Exodus 20:4 - The Second Commandment"). The Danites wanted these objects not out of genuine spiritual conviction or a desire for pure worship, but for pragmatic opportunism. They perceived these items, along with the Levite priest, as valuable assets that could bring perceived legitimacy, power, or blessings to their new tribal settlement in Laish, highlighting their deeply self-serving and utilitarian approach to religion.

**How does this episode reflect the broader theme of "every man did what was right in his own eyes" in the book of Judges?**

Answer: This episode is a vivid and disturbing illustration of the recurring refrain in Judges: "In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes" ([Judges 17:6](/judges/17-6 "Judges 17:6 - Everyone Did What Was Right in Their Own Eyes") and [Judges 21:25](/judges/21-25 "Judges 21:25 - The Concluding Anarchy of Judges")). Without a central, righteous authority (both political and spiritual), Israel descended into profound moral and spiritual anarchy. The Danites' actions—their failure to secure their divinely appointed inheritance, their opportunistic theft of illicit religious artifacts, and their subsequent establishment of an idolatrous cult—demonstrate a complete breakdown of divine law and communal responsibility. Rather than seeking God's will or upholding the covenant, they acted solely on their own perceived self-interest and convenience, leading to profound spiritual and ethical chaos that permeated the entire society.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The spiritual anarchy and rampant idolatry so vividly depicted in [Judges 18:14](/judges/18-14 "Judges 18:14 - The Spies' Proposal"), where a people created a religion of convenience and stolen idols, powerfully underscore the desperate need for a true King and a perfect High Priest. The ephod, tragically misused as an idol, points to the inherent inadequacy and corruptibility of the Levitical priesthood when it strayed from God's design, contrasting sharply with Jesus Christ, our [Great High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest"), who truly mediates between God and humanity with perfect purity and efficacy. The presence of teraphim and graven images highlights humanity's innate, fallen tendency to fashion gods in its own image, a stark antithesis to the living God revealed in Jesus. Unlike the Danites who sought perceived power or legitimacy from stolen, lifeless objects, Christ offers genuine spiritual life, eternal authority, and true peace, declaring, "[All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")". He is the one who cleanses the temple, both physical and spiritual, from all forms of idolatry and commercialism ([John 2:13-16](/john/2-13-16 "John 2:13-16 - Jesus Cleanses the Temple")), calling us to worship God not through man-made images or self-serving rituals, but "[in spirit and truth](/john/4-23-24 "John 4:23-24 - True Worshipers")". The ultimate fulfillment of Israel's longing for a righteous leader and pure worship is found in Jesus, the true [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), who alone can deliver us from the spiritual chaos of "doing what is right in our own eyes" and lead us into genuine, life-giving communion with God.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Judges 17:5

And the man Micah had an house of gods, and made an ephod, and teraphim, and consecrated one of his sons, who became his priest.

Judges 18:3

When they [were] by the house of Micah, they knew the voice of the young man the Levite: and they turned in thither, and said unto him, Who brought thee hither? and what makest thou in this [place]? and what hast thou here?

Judges 18:4

And he said unto them, Thus and thus dealeth Micah with me, and hath hired me, and I am his priest.

Isaiah 8:19

And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead?

Isaiah 8:20

To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, [it is] because [there is] no light in them.

1 Samuel 14:28

Then answered one of the people, and said, Thy father straitly charged the people with an oath, saying, Cursed [be] the man that eateth [any] food this day. And the people were faint.

Proverbs 19:27

¶ Cease, my son, to hear the instruction [that causeth] to err from the words of knowledge.