Judges 18:15

Judges 18:15 describes a pivotal moment in the Danites' quest for a new territory. After sending five spies to scout out the land, a larger force of 600 armed men from the tribe of Dan arrives at the home of Micah, where they encounter the young Levite who serves as Micah's personal priest for his idolatrous worship system.

Context

This verse is part of a disturbing narrative in Judges 17-18, which illustrates the spiritual and moral decline of Israel during the period when "there was no king in Israel." The narrative begins with Micah, an Ephraimite, creating a personal shrine with molten and graven images, and then hiring a wandering Levite to serve as his priest. The initial five Danite spies, while scouting, had previously encountered this Levite at Micah's house (Judges 18:3) and inquired of him concerning their journey. Upon their return, they reported finding a vulnerable, undefended land (Laish) that would be easy to conquer. This verse details the arrival of the main Danite expeditionary force at Micah's house, not just to pass by, but with a clear, pre-meditated intention based on the spies' prior knowledge.

Key Themes

• Spiritual Apostasy and Idolatry: The scene vividly portrays the widespread spiritual compromise in Israel. A Levite, who should have been dedicated to the true worship of God according to the Mosaic Law, is found serving a private citizen's idolatrous shrine. This highlights the deep corruption and departure from God's commands prevalent in that era.
• Lack of Central Authority: The events in Judges 17-18 are often prefaced by the phrase "in those days there was no king in Israel" (Judges 17:6; Judges 21:25). This absence of a righteous king and strong spiritual leadership led to moral relativism, where "every man did that which was right in his own eyes," resulting in chaotic and ungodly actions.
• Calculated Deception: The act of "saluting" or greeting Micah and the Levite appears cordial on the surface, but it masks the Danites' true intentions. They are about to orchestrate the theft of Micah's idols and the coercion of his priest, demonstrating a chilling opportunism under the guise of politeness.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "saluted him" translates the Hebrew word shalom (שָׁלֹם), which carries a broader meaning than just a simple "hello." While it certainly means to greet, it also implies inquiring about one's well-being or peace. In this context, it suggests a formal, perhaps even probing, greeting. The Danites were not merely being polite; they were likely assessing the situation, perhaps distracting Micah and the Levite, before executing their plan to appropriate the idols and the priest for their own tribal use.

Practical Application

This verse, though seemingly minor, underscores the dangers of spiritual decline and compromise. It serves as a caution against:

• Syncretism: The mixing of true worship with pagan practices, as seen in Micah's household and the Levite's willingness to serve. Believers today must guard against blending worldly values or practices with biblical truth.
• Moral Relativism: The idea that "what is right in one's own eyes" supersedes God's established laws. This story reminds us of the importance of adhering to God's unchanging Word as our guide for conduct and faith.
• Exploiting Spiritual Authority: The Levite's role was perverted for personal gain and convenience, rather than serving God's kingdom. We should be wary of those who use religious positions for selfish ends.

The narrative encourages believers to seek true spiritual leadership and to remain steadfast in their devotion to the Lord, rather than falling prey to the cultural and spiritual compromises of their time.