Judges 18:28

KJV

And [there was] no deliverer, because it [was] far from Zidon, and they had no business with [any] man; and it was in the valley that [lieth] by Bethrehob. And they built a city, and dwelt therein.

KJV (with Strong's)

And there was no deliverer {H5337}, because it was far {H7350} from Zidon {H6721}, and they had no business {H1697} with any man {H120}; and it was in the valley {H6010} that lieth by Bethrehob {H1050}. And they built {H1129} a city {H5892}, and dwelt {H3427} therein.

Complete Jewish Bible

No one came to rescue them, because it was far from Tzidon, and they had no dealings with other peoples. This was in the valley near Beit-Rechov. Then the people of Dan rebuilt the city and settled there.

Berean Standard Bible

There was no one to deliver them, because the city was far from Sidon and had no alliance with anyone; it was in a valley near Beth-rehob. And the Danites rebuilt the city and lived there.

American Standard Version

And there was no deliverer, because it was far from Sidon, and they had no dealings with any man; and it was in the valley that lieth by Beth-rehob. And they built the city, and dwelt therein.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 18:28 vividly recounts the brutal conquest of the city of Laish by the migrating tribe of Dan, highlighting the complete vulnerability of its inhabitants. Isolated geographically and socially, Laish possessed no external allies or internal defense, rendering it utterly defenseless against the Danite assault. This verse marks the successful, albeit illicit, establishment of the tribe of Dan in Israel's far north, as they rebuilt and renamed the city "Dan," cementing a significant shift in the tribal landscape and further illustrating the chaotic and self-serving nature of the era of the Judges.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The book of Judges chronicles a dark and turbulent period in Israel's history following the death of Joshua, characterized by cycles of apostasy, oppression, and deliverance, often summarized by the refrain, "every man did that which was right in his own eyes" ([Judges 21:25](/judges/21-25 "Judges 21:25 - The Spiritual State of Israel During the Judges Period")). Chapter 18 specifically details the aggressive and unauthorized migration of the tribe of Dan. Having failed to dispossess the Philistines and Amorites from their original inheritance in the central coastal plain ([Judges 1:34](/judges/1-34 "Judges 1:34 - Dan's Failure to Dispossess the Amorites")), a contingent of Danites sought new territory. Their spies discovered Laish, a city described as living "secure, quiet, and unsuspecting" ([Judges 18:7](/judges/18-7 "Judges 18:7 - Laish's Peaceful Existence")), making it an attractive and easy target for conquest. Judges 18:28 concludes the narrative of this conquest, emphasizing Laish's utter lack of defense and the subsequent establishment of the Danite presence in the far north.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The reference to "Zidon" (Sidon) is crucial for understanding Laish's vulnerability. Sidon was a powerful Phoenician city-state located to the northwest, renowned for its maritime trade, military might, and cultural influence. Laish being "far from Zidon" meant it was beyond the protective sphere of Sidonian alliances or any regional network that might have offered deterrence or aid. The phrase "had no business with [any] man" further underscores their extreme social and political isolation, indicating a lack of treaties, trade agreements, or diplomatic relations with neighboring peoples. Geographically, Laish (later Dan) was situated "in the valley that [lieth] by Bethrehob," placing it in the fertile upper Jordan Valley, near the sources of the Jordan River. While agriculturally rich, this region was strategically exposed, bordering Aram (Syria) to the north and east, a vulnerability that would lead to future conflicts for Israel. This period of the Judges was marked by decentralized governance and a lack of unified tribal action, leaving individual communities or tribes to fend for themselves or act independently, often with violent consequences.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within the book of Judges and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **vulnerability of isolation**, demonstrating how Laish's detachment, both geographical and social, left it utterly exposed and defenseless against aggression. Secondly, it illustrates a **false sense of security**; the inhabitants of Laish lived in a state of perceived peace and quiet ([Judges 18:7](/judges/18-7 "Judges 18:7 - Laish's Undisturbed Life")), but this security was rooted in their remoteness rather than in strength, alliances, or divine protection, ultimately leading to their downfall. Thirdly, the phrase "had no business with any man" underscores the **consequences of disconnection**, emphasizing how a lack of external relationships for trade, defense, or social interaction meant no one would intervene on their behalf. Finally, the verse marks a critical point in the **Danite expansion and relocation**, as they successfully established themselves in the northernmost part of Israel, far from their original inheritance ([Joshua 19:40-48](/joshua/19-40 "Joshua 19:40-48 - The Original Inheritance of Dan")). This relocation, achieved through violence and outside the bounds of their divinely appointed territory, further exemplifies the tribal disunity and moral decline prevalent in the era of the Judges.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **"no deliverer" (Hebrew, _'en matsil'_):** The Hebrew phrase אֵין מַצִּיל (_'en matsil'_) literally translates to "there is no one who rescues" or "no savior." This emphasizes the absolute and utter lack of any external aid or internal capability for defense. The term _matsil_ (מַצִּיל) derives from the root נָצַל (natsal), meaning "to snatch away, deliver, rescue." Its use here highlights Laish's desperate situation: they had no one to snatch them from the impending destruction, no one to come to their aid, whether a neighboring city-state, a tribal ally, or even a divinely appointed judge. Their isolation was complete, leading to their inevitable demise.
* **"no business" (Hebrew, _'en devarim'_):** The phrase וְאֵין דָּבָר (_v'en davar_), translated as "no business" or "no dealings," literally means "there was no word" or "no matter/thing." In this context, _davar_ (דָּבָר) refers to affairs, dealings, or interactions. It signifies a complete absence of social, political, or economic ties with other communities or peoples. This lack of "business" implies no treaties, no trade agreements, no alliances, and thus no reason for anyone to come to their defense. Their self-imposed or circumstantial isolation meant they were a community entirely unto themselves, without the protective network that often characterized ancient Near Eastern societies.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And [there was] no deliverer":** This opening clause immediately establishes the dire predicament of Laish. It underscores their complete lack of external or internal capacity for defense against the encroaching Danites. They were utterly alone and helpless, devoid of any hope of rescue.
* **"because it [was] far from Zidon":** This clause provides the primary reason for Laish's vulnerability – its geographical isolation from Sidon. Sidon was a major Phoenician power, and its distance meant Laish was beyond its sphere of influence, protection, or potential military intervention. This physical remoteness contributed directly to their defenselessness.
* **"and they had no business with [any] man":** This phrase further elaborates on Laish's isolation, emphasizing their social and political detachment. It suggests an absence of alliances, trade agreements, or any form of diplomatic or economic interaction with neighboring peoples. This meant no one had a vested interest in their survival or would come to their aid when attacked.
* **"and it was in the valley that [lieth] by Bethrehob":** This clause precisely locates Laish (and subsequently Dan) in the fertile Upper Jordan Valley, near Bethrehob. This geographical detail confirms its position in a relatively open and exposed region, making it susceptible to invasion, despite its inhabitants' perceived security.
* **"And they built a city, and dwelt therein":** This final clause shifts focus to the actions of the Danites, marking the successful conclusion of their conquest. After destroying Laish, they rebuilt the city, transforming it into their new tribal center, which they renamed "Dan." This act solidified their unauthorized relocation and established their presence in the northernmost reaches of Israel.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 18:28 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Irony**, as Laish's perceived peace and security, rooted in its isolation, ultimately become the very cause of its destruction. What they believed protected them actually made them vulnerable. There is also a strong element of **Contrast** between Laish's peaceful, unsuspecting existence ([Judges 18:7](/judges/18-7 "Judges 18:7 - Laish's Undisturbed Life")) and the brutal, unexpected violence unleashed upon them by the Danites. The verse's stark description of "no deliverer" and "no business with any man" serves as a form of **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the broader spiritual and political disunity that would plague Israel throughout the period of the Judges and beyond. The narrative also uses **Descriptive Language** to paint a clear picture of Laish's geographical and social isolation, emphasizing the factors that led to its downfall.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 18:28 serves as a stark commentary on the consequences of isolation and self-reliance, both for a community and for an individual. Theologically, Laish's fate highlights the dangers of a false sense of security that is not rooted in divine protection or covenant faithfulness. In a period where "every man did that which was right in his own eyes," the Danites' actions demonstrate a profound disregard for God's established order and the principles of justice, reflecting the spiritual decay of Israel. The absence of a "deliverer" for Laish stands in stark contrast to the recurring pattern in Judges where God raises up deliverers for His people when they cry out to Him, underscoring Laish's lack of a relationship with the God of Israel. This narrative implicitly warns against spiritual complacency and the illusion of self-sufficiency, reminding believers of the necessity of divine dependence and communal solidarity.

* [Proverbs 18:1](/proverbs/18-1 "Proverbs 18:1 - The Danger of Isolation")
* [Hebrews 10:24-25](/hebrews/10-24-25 "Hebrews 10:24-25 - Do Not Neglect Meeting Together")
* [Isaiah 43:13](/isaiah/43-13 "Isaiah 43:13 - God as the Only Deliverer")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The tragic story of Laish in Judges 18:28 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. Just as Laish's physical and social isolation led to its destruction, spiritual isolation can render individuals vulnerable to spiritual attack and complacency. The Christian life is designed to be lived in community, as part of the body of Christ, where members support, encourage, and protect one another. Relying solely on oneself, without connection to God's people or His divine protection, can leave one exposed to spiritual and practical challenges, much like Laish's "no business with any man" left them without allies. True security comes not from physical remoteness or self-sufficiency, but from active reliance on God and robust engagement within His established community, the Church. We are called to be interdependent, sharing burdens, offering accountability, and drawing strength from collective faith, ensuring we are not left without a "deliverer" in times of need.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be isolating myself, either physically or spiritually, from the community of faith?**
* **What false sense of security might I be relying on instead of God's sovereign protection and the support of His people?**
* **How can I actively cultivate deeper "business" or meaningful connections with other believers to foster mutual support and accountability?**
* **What does Laish's fate teach me about the importance of seeking God as my ultimate Deliverer in all circumstances?**

### FAQ
**Why did the Danites choose Laish, and was their conquest justified?**

Answer: The Danites chose Laish primarily because their spies reported it as an easy target: "a people secure, quiet, and unsuspecting" ([Judges 18:7](/judges/18-7 "Judges 18:7 - Laish's Peaceful Existence")). Its isolation, lack of alliances, and distance from major powers like Sidon made it seem ripe for conquest. From a human perspective, it was a pragmatic choice for a tribe seeking new territory after failing to secure their original inheritance. However, from a biblical and theological standpoint, their conquest was not justified. It was an act of unprovoked aggression, undertaken outside of God's command, and driven by self-interest rather than obedience to the covenant. This event, like many others in [the book of Judges](/judges/1 "The Book of Judges"), illustrates the moral and spiritual decline of Israel when "every man did what was right in his own eyes" instead of following God's law.

**What is the significance of "Bethrehob" in this verse?**

Answer: Bethrehob serves as a geographical marker, helping to pinpoint the location of Laish (which the Danites renamed Dan). It places the city in the Upper Jordan Valley, a fertile region near the sources of the Jordan River. While fertile, this area was also strategically exposed, bordering Aram (Syria) to the north and east. Its mention highlights the precise geographical context of the Danite settlement and underscores the vulnerability of the region, which would later become a frontier for Israel in conflicts with its northern neighbors.

**How does this event reflect the overall spiritual state of Israel in Judges?**

Answer: This event is a powerful microcosm of the spiritual and moral chaos that characterized the era of the Judges. The Danites, a tribe of Israel, acted independently and violently, disregarding God's previous allocation of land ([Joshua 19:40-48](/joshua/19-40 "Joshua 19:40-48 - The Original Inheritance of Dan")) and engaging in conquest without divine sanction. Their actions demonstrate a profound lack of central authority, tribal unity, and adherence to covenant principles. The narrative of Judges 18, including the theft of Micah's idols and priest ([Judges 18:14-26](/judges/18-14 "Judges 18:14-26 - The Danites Steal Micah's Idols and Priest")), further highlights the widespread idolatry and moral relativism that permeated Israel, reinforcing the book's overarching theme that "there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes" ([Judges 21:25](/judges/21-25 "Judges 21:25 - Every Man Did What Was Right in His Own Eyes")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The plight of Laish, with "no deliverer" and "no business with any man," powerfully foreshadows humanity's desperate spiritual condition apart from Christ. In our fallen state, we are inherently isolated from God, without the capacity to rescue ourselves or establish a saving "business" with Him through our own efforts. The Old Testament's recurring need for a deliverer, whether a judge or a king, points forward to the ultimate and perfect Deliverer, Jesus Christ. Unlike the temporary and often flawed deliverers of Israel, Jesus is the one true "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). He came when humanity was "without strength," demonstrating God's love by dying for the ungodly ([Romans 5:6-8](/romans/5-6 "Romans 5:6-8 - Christ Died for the Ungodly")). Through His sacrifice, we are delivered "from the domain of darkness and transferred... to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins" ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from the Domain of Darkness")). Moreover, Christ does not leave us in spiritual isolation; He brings us into His body, the Church, where we are no longer "strangers and aliens, but... fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God" ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Built on the Foundation of Apostles and Prophets")), finding true security and belonging in Him.

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

2 Samuel 10:6

¶ And when the children of Ammon saw that they stank before David, the children of Ammon sent and hired the Syrians of Bethrehob, and the Syrians of Zoba, twenty thousand footmen, and of king Maacah a thousand men, and of Ishtob twelve thousand men.

Numbers 13:21

¶ So they went up, and searched the land from the wilderness of Zin unto Rehob, as men come to Hamath.

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.

Psalms 7:2

Lest he tear my soul like a lion, rending [it] in pieces, while [there is] none to deliver.

Judges 18:1

¶ In those days [there was] no king in Israel: and in those days the tribe of the Danites sought them an inheritance to dwell in; for unto that day [all their] inheritance had not fallen unto them among the tribes of Israel.

Psalms 50:22

Now consider this, ye that forget God, lest I tear [you] in pieces, and [there be] none to deliver.

Daniel 3:15

Now if ye be ready that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the image which I have made; [well]: but if ye worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace; and who [is] that God that shall deliver you out of my hands?