Judges 18:27

¶ 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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Commentary on Judges 18:27 (KJV)

This verse marks the climax of the Danites' search for new territory and their morally bankrupt methods of acquiring it. It vividly illustrates the chaotic and lawless state of Israel during the period of the Judges, a time when central authority was absent, and spiritual decline was rampant.

Context

The Book of Judges recounts the tumultuous era in Israel after the death of Joshua, where the tribes often acted independently and repeatedly fell into cycles of apostasy, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. The tribe of Dan, unable to fully conquer their allotted inheritance in the south (Judges 1:34), sent out spies to find new land. Their journey led them to the secluded city of Laish in the far north. Prior to reaching Laish, these 600 Danite warriors encountered Micah's house, where they brazenly stole his cultic images (an ephod, teraphim, and a carved image) and persuaded his Levite priest to join them, promising him a higher position and more prestige. This theft and recruitment of a private priest underscore the deep spiritual corruption prevalent among the Israelites, foreshadowing the violent actions that follow.

Key Themes

  • Lawlessness and Moral Decay: The Danites' actions—theft of religious artifacts, kidnapping of a priest, and unprovoked slaughter of a peaceful people—epitomize the spiritual and moral anarchy of the Judges period. This narrative starkly contrasts with God's commands for righteous conduct and just warfare.
  • Opportunistic Violence: The people of Laish are described as "quiet and secure," highlighting their unsuspecting and isolated nature. The Danites exploited this vulnerability, attacking a defenseless population purely for territorial gain, demonstrating a brutal pragmatism devoid of divine guidance or ethical consideration.
  • Idolatry and Spiritual Compromise: The conquest is carried out by a tribe that has just embraced idolatry, carrying stolen pagan 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, a profound departure from the covenant with God.
  • Consequences of "Doing What Was Right in One's Own Eyes": This entire episode is a grim illustration of the recurring theme in Judges: "every man did that which was right in his own eyes" (Judges 21:25). Without a king or strong spiritual leadership, self-interest and violence prevailed.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "at quiet and secure" is significant. The Hebrew words are shaqet (שָׁקֵט), meaning "quiet," "at rest," or "undisturbed," and betach (בֶּטַח), meaning "security," "safely," or "confidently." Together, they paint a picture of a people living in profound peace and confidence, perhaps even complacency, due to their isolation and lack of threat. This description heightens the tragedy of their sudden and brutal annihilation by the Danites, emphasizing the unprovoked and predatory nature of the attack.

Practical Application

Judges 18:27 serves as a powerful cautionary tale. It reminds us of the dangers of spiritual drift and the consequences of abandoning God's moral standards. When individuals or communities lose their moral compass and pursue self-interest or convenience over righteousness, violence, injustice, and spiritual decay often follow. This verse challenges us to examine our own motives and actions, ensuring they align with divine principles rather than selfish desires, and to recognize the importance of strong, godly leadership and adherence to God's Word in maintaining order and justice within any community.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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.