Judges 18:27

KJV

¶ And they took [the things] which Micah had made, and the priest which he had, and came unto Laish, unto a people [that were] at quiet and secure: and they smote them with the edge of the sword, and burnt the city with fire.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they took {H3947} the things which Micah {H4318} had made {H6213}, and the priest {H3548} which he had, and came {H935} unto Laish {H3919}, unto a people {H5971} that were at quiet {H8252} and secure {H982}: and they smote {H5221} them with the edge {H6310} of the sword {H2719}, and burnt {H8313} the city {H5892} with fire {H784}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So they took what Mikhah had made and his cohen. They came to Layish, to a quiet and trusting people. They attacked, killed them and burned down the city.

Berean Standard Bible

After they had taken Micah’s idols and his priest, they went to Laish, to a tranquil and unsuspecting people, and they struck them with their swords and burned down the city.

American Standard Version

And they took that which Micah had made, and the priest whom he had, and came unto Laish, unto a people quiet and secure, and smote them with the edge of the sword; and they burnt the city with fire.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 18:27 vividly recounts the brutal culmination of the Danite tribe's quest for new territory, illustrating the profound moral and spiritual decay prevalent in Israel during the period of the Judges. Having brazenly stolen cultic objects and abducted a Levite priest from Micah's household, the six hundred Danite warriors arrived at Laish, a city whose inhabitants lived in unsuspecting peace and isolation. Without provocation, the Danites launched a merciless attack, annihilating the population with the sword and utterly destroying their city by fire, thereby establishing a new, idolatrous home for themselves through acts of extreme violence and lawlessness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 18:27 stands as the grim climax of a two-chapter narrative (Judges 17-18) that serves as an illustrative appendix to the main cycles of the Book of Judges. This section, along with Judges 19-21, exemplifies the recurring refrain that "in those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes" [Judges 17:6](/judges/17-6 "Judges 17:6 - No King in Israel"). The preceding verses detail the Danites' initial failure to secure their allotted inheritance in the south [Judges 1:34](/judges/1-34 "Judges 1:34 - Dan's Unconquered Territory"), leading them to dispatch spies to find a new homeland. Their journey brings them to Micah's house in Ephraim, where they encounter his private sanctuary, complete with an ephod, teraphim, and a carved image. The Danites, seeing an opportunity, not only steal these religious artifacts but also persuade Micah's Levite priest to abandon his post and join them, promising him greater status and reward [Judges 18:14-20](/judges/18-14 "Judges 18:14-20 - Danites Steal Micah's Idols and Priest"). This act of theft and spiritual usurpation sets the stage for the unprovoked violence against Laish, demonstrating a profound disregard for both property rights and divine law, foreshadowing the complete moral collapse depicted in this verse.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Judges, roughly 1200-1000 BC, was characterized by tribal decentralization, intermittent foreign oppression, and a significant decline in adherence to the Mosaic covenant. Unlike the unified conquest under Joshua, this era saw individual tribes struggling to secure their territories, often failing or compromising with the indigenous populations. The description of Laish as "quiet and secure" (Hebrew: *shaqet* and *betach*) suggests a people living in a state of isolated complacency, perhaps due to their geographical remoteness from major trade routes and potential threats. Their connection to Sidon, a powerful Phoenician city-state, implies a reliance on distant protection rather than local defenses. The Danites' actions, particularly the unprovoked attack and complete destruction, reflect a brutal pragmatism common in the ancient Near East during periods of instability, but it stands in stark contrast to God's commands for righteous warfare and the treatment of non-combatants, especially when compared to the principles of *herem* (devotion to destruction) which was typically reserved for the utterly corrupt Canaanite nations and commanded by God for specific purposes. Here, the violence is driven by land hunger and self-interest, not divine mandate.
* **Key Themes:** The events of Judges 18, culminating in verse 27, powerfully illustrate several pervasive themes within the Book of Judges. Firstly, **Lawlessness and Moral Decay** are paramount; the Danites' actions—theft, coercion, and unprovoked slaughter—epitomize the spiritual and ethical anarchy that pervaded Israel when "every man did that which was right in his own eyes" [Judges 21:25](/judges/21-25 "Judges 21:25 - The Concluding Summary of Judges"). Secondly, **Opportunistic Violence** is a stark theme, as the Danites exploit the vulnerability of a peaceful, unsuspecting people purely for territorial gain, demonstrating a brutal pragmatism devoid of divine guidance or ethical consideration. This is not a divinely sanctioned conquest but an act of self-serving aggression. Thirdly, **Idolatry and Spiritual Compromise** are deeply interwoven; the conquest is carried out by a tribe that has just embraced idolatry, carrying stolen religious objects. This act of conquest, fueled by spiritual apostasy, becomes the foundation for the establishment of a long-standing center of idolatry in Dan [Judges 18:30-31](/judges/18-30 "Judges 18:30-31 - Idolatry Established in Dan"), a profound departure from the covenant with God and a source of future spiritual corruption for Israel.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **quiet (Hebrew, _shaqet'_):** This word (שָׁקֵט) denotes a state of being "quiet," "at rest," "undisturbed," or "tranquil." In the context of Laish, it signifies a lack of alarm, a peaceful existence, and an absence of external threats. The people were not prepared for war; they were living in a state of profound calm, making their sudden destruction all the more tragic and the Danites' act all the more heinous. It emphasizes their unsuspecting nature and the unprovoked aggression they faced.
* **secure (Hebrew, _betach'_):** This term (בֶּטַח) conveys a sense of "security," "safety," "confidence," or "trust." Coupled with *shaqet*, it paints a picture of a people who felt utterly safe, perhaps even complacent, due to their isolation and perceived lack of enemies. They had no reason to fear an attack, and thus, no defenses were in place. This deep sense of security highlights the predatory nature of the Danites' assault, preying on a community that had no expectation of danger.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they took [the things] which Micah had made, and the priest which he had":** This opening clause immediately reminds the reader of the Danites' prior acts of theft and spiritual usurpation. "The things which Micah had made" refers to the cultic images—the carved image, the ephod, and the teraphim—stolen from Micah's private sanctuary. "And the priest which he had" refers to the Levite whom Micah had employed and whom the Danites enticed to join them. This detail underscores that the Danites' expedition was not merely a search for land but a spiritually corrupt enterprise from its inception, carrying the symbols of their apostasy with them as they committed further atrocities.
* **"and came unto Laish, unto a people [that were] at quiet and secure":** This segment describes the destination and the unsuspecting nature of the victims. Laish was a city in the far north, geographically isolated, which contributed to its inhabitants' sense of peace and security. The repeated emphasis on their "quiet" and "secure" state serves to heighten the moral depravity of the Danites' subsequent actions. It portrays the people of Laish not as a military threat or a wicked nation deserving of judgment, but as a peaceful, vulnerable community, making the Danites' attack an act of pure, unprovoked aggression for territorial gain.
* **"and they smote them with the edge of the sword, and burnt the city with fire":** This final clause graphically depicts the brutal and complete destruction wrought by the Danites. "Smote them with the edge of the sword" indicates a merciless slaughter of the inhabitants, likely including men, women, and children, leaving no survivors. "Burnt the city with fire" signifies the total annihilation of Laish, ensuring no trace remained, and clearing the way for the Danites to rebuild and settle. This act of *herem*-like destruction, performed without divine command and for purely selfish motives, stands as a chilling testament to the depths of moral depravity and lawlessness that characterized this period in Israel's history.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 18:27 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its stark message. The most prominent is **Contrast**, as the "quiet and secure" state of Laish is juxtaposed sharply with the sudden, brutal violence of the Danites. This contrast amplifies the heinousness of the Danite attack, portraying them as predatory aggressors against an unsuspecting, defenseless people. **Irony** is also present: a tribe of Israel, God's covenant people, acts with a ruthlessness that mirrors or even exceeds that of the pagan nations they were meant to dispossess, all while carrying stolen idolatrous objects. This highlights the profound spiritual apostasy and moral inversion within Israel. The graphic description of "smote them with the edge of the sword, and burnt the city with fire" uses **Hyperbole** or **Exaggeration** to emphasize the totality and ferocity of the destruction, ensuring the reader grasps the absolute devastation inflicted. Furthermore, the entire narrative of Judges 17-18, culminating here, serves as **Foreshadowing** for the later division of the kingdom and the establishment of idolatrous worship in the northern kingdom, particularly at Dan, which becomes a lasting center of spiritual rebellion against Yahweh.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 18:27 serves as a stark theological commentary on the consequences of abandoning divine authority and embracing self-interest. The Danites' actions—theft, spiritual compromise, and unprovoked genocide—are a direct affront to God's covenant principles of justice, righteousness, and the sanctity of human life. This episode reveals the terrifying vacuum created when God's law is disregarded and "every man does what is right in his own eyes," leading to a society where might makes right, and spiritual darkness justifies horrific violence. It underscores the biblical truth that true peace and security come from trust in God and adherence to His ways, not from isolation or complacent self-reliance. The Danites' establishment of an idolatrous sanctuary on the ashes of their victims further illustrates the deep spiritual sickness that permeated Israel, demonstrating how moral decay and spiritual apostasy are inextricably linked. This tragic narrative stands as a powerful warning against the dangers of spiritual drift and the corrosive effects of unbridled human autonomy apart from God.

* [Deuteronomy 12:29-31](/deuteronomy/12-29 "Deuteronomy 12:29-31 - Warning Against Adopting Pagan Practices")
* [Proverbs 1:10-19](/proverbs/1-10 "Proverbs 1:10-19 - Warning Against Violent Opportunism")
* [Romans 1:28-32](/romans/1-28 "Romans 1:28-32 - The Descent into Depravity")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 18:27 is a chilling reminder of humanity's capacity for depravity when disconnected from divine truth and moral accountability. The Danites' actions, driven by a desperate need for territory and justified by their own self-serving logic, illustrate the dangers of prioritizing convenience and personal gain over ethical and spiritual integrity. This passage challenges us to examine our own lives and communities: are we, like the Danites, prone to "doing what is right in our own eyes" when it suits our perceived needs, even if it compromises our values or harms others? The complacency of Laish also serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us that spiritual and moral vigilance is always necessary, even in times of apparent peace. We are called to live by God's standards of justice, compassion, and righteousness, rather than succumbing to the pressures of expediency or self-interest. This means actively seeking God's will, submitting to His authority, and cultivating a community where accountability and biblical truth are upheld, preventing the moral and spiritual decay that plagued Israel in the time of the Judges.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do we, individually and corporately, guard against the temptation to prioritize convenience or personal gain over ethical and spiritual integrity?**
* **In what ways might we be "doing what is right in our own eyes" rather than seeking God's will and wisdom for our decisions?**
* **What is the role of strong, godly leadership and adherence to biblical truth in preventing societal and spiritual decay, both within the church and in broader society?**

### FAQ
**Why did the Danites choose Laish, and why was it so vulnerable?**

Answer: The Danites chose Laish because their spies reported it was a fertile, spacious land with no one to oppress its inhabitants and no one nearby to rescue them. The city's vulnerability stemmed from its extreme isolation and its people's complacency. They were "quiet and secure," far removed from Sidon, their supposed protectors, and had no alliances with neighboring peoples. This meant they lacked local defenses and were unprepared for an attack, making them an easy target for the Danites' opportunistic aggression, as described in [Judges 18:7](/judges/18-7 "Judges 18:7 - Danite Spies Report on Laish").

**What was the significance of stealing Micah's idols and priest?**

Answer: The theft of Micah's cultic images (ephod, teraphim, carved image) and the recruitment of his Levite priest were profoundly significant acts of spiritual corruption. It demonstrated the Danites' willingness to embrace syncretism and idolatry, rather than relying on the true God of Israel. By taking these objects and the priest, they sought to establish their own "legitimate" religious center, providing a false sense of divine approval for their violent expansion. This act foreshadowed the lasting idolatry that would be established in Dan, becoming a spiritual snare for the northern tribes, as noted in [Judges 18:30-31](/judges/18-30 "Judges 18:30-31 - Idolatry in Dan Until the Captivity"). It highlighted the spiritual chaos of a time when even a Levite priest could be swayed by personal gain over faithfulness to God.

**How does this event relate to the overall message of the Book of Judges?**

Answer: The conquest of Laish in Judges 18:27 is a quintessential illustration of the central theme of the Book of Judges: the tragic consequences of Israel's spiritual decline and the absence of a righteous king. The repeated refrain, "In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes" [Judges 17:6](/judges/17-6 "Judges 17:6 - No King in Israel") and [Judges 21:25](/judges/21-25 "Judges 21:25 - The Concluding Summary of Judges"), finds its most vivid and disturbing expression in this narrative. The Danites' actions—their failure to fully conquer their inheritance, their resort to idolatry, their theft, and their unprovoked violence—epitomize the moral anarchy, tribal disunity, and spiritual apostasy that plagued Israel when there was no central authority to enforce God's law. This episode serves as a powerful argument for the necessity of righteous leadership and adherence to God's covenant for the well-being of the nation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The brutal narrative of Judges 18:27, with its portrayal of opportunistic violence, spiritual compromise, and profound lawlessness, powerfully underscores humanity's desperate need for a true and righteous King. The Danites, driven by self-interest and operating without divine guidance, exemplify the chaos that ensues when "everyone did what was right in his own eyes." In stark contrast to this predatory conquest, Jesus Christ is revealed as the ultimate King who came not to destroy but to save [John 3:17](/john/3-17 "John 3:17 - God Sent His Son to Save the World"). Unlike the Danites who preyed on the "quiet and secure" people of Laish, Jesus is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep, offering true security and rest to those who are weary and burdened [John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd"); [Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary"). The stolen idols and hired priest of Judges 18 highlight the futility of human-made religion and the corruption of false worship; Christ, however, is the true and perfect High Priest who offered Himself as the ultimate sacrifice, cleansing us from sin and establishing a new covenant based on grace and truth [Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice"). His kingdom is founded on righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit, not on violence or territorial acquisition [Romans 14:17](/romans/14-17 "Romans 14:17 - The Kingdom of God is Righteousness, Peace, and Joy"). The spiritual and moral vacuum depicted in Judges 18:27 finds its complete and glorious fulfillment in Christ, who alone brings order to chaos, redeems humanity from its self-destructive tendencies, and establishes a kingdom where justice and true worship prevail.

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

Joshua 19:47

And the coast of the children of Dan went out [too little] for them: therefore the children of Dan went up to fight against Leshem, and took it, and smote it with the edge of the sword, and possessed it, and dwelt therein, and called Leshem, Dan, after the name of Dan their father.

Judges 18:7

¶ Then the five men departed, and came to Laish, and saw the people that [were] therein, how they dwelt careless, after the manner of the Zidonians, quiet and secure; and [there was] no magistrate in the land, that might put [them] to shame in [any] thing; and they [were] far from the Zidonians, and had no business with [any] man.

Judges 18:10

When ye go, ye shall come unto a people secure, and to a large land: for God hath given it into your hands; a place where [there is] no want of any thing that [is] in the earth.

Deuteronomy 33:22

¶ And of Dan he said, Dan [is] a lion's whelp: he shall leap from Bashan.

Joshua 11:11

And they smote all the souls that [were] therein with the edge of the sword, utterly destroying [them]: there was not any left to breathe: and he burnt Hazor with fire.