Judges 18:7

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then the five {H2568} men {H582} departed {H3212}, and came {H935} to Laish {H3919}, and saw {H7200} the people {H5971} that were therein {H7130}, how they dwelt {H3427} careless {H983}, after the manner {H4941} of the Zidonians {H6722}, quiet {H8252} and secure {H982}; and there was no magistrate {H3423}{H6114} in the land {H776}, that might put them to shame {H3637} in any thing {H1697}; and they were far {H7350} from the Zidonians {H6722}, and had no business {H1697} with any man {H120}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The five men left, came to Layish and saw the people there living securely according to the customs of the Tzidonim, quietly and securely; since no one in the land was exercising authority that might shame them in any respect; moreover, they were far away from the Tzidonim and had no dealings with other peoples.

Berean Standard Bible

So the five men departed and came to Laish, where they saw that the people were living securely, like the Sidonians, tranquil and unsuspecting. There was nothing lacking in the land and no oppressive ruler. And they were far away from the Sidonians and had no alliance with anyone.

American Standard Version

Then the five men departed, and came to Laish, and saw the people that were therein, how they dwelt in security, after the manner of the Sidonians, quiet and secure; for there was none in the land, possessing authority, that might put them to shame in anything, and they were far from the Sidonians, and had no dealings with any man.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 18:7 vividly portrays the city of Laish as an appealing target for the migrating Danites due to its inhabitants' profound complacency and isolation. The verse describes a people living in a state of unguarded peace, lacking effective leadership or external alliances, which ultimately rendered them highly vulnerable to the impending invasion, setting the stage for one of the most tragic episodes of tribal conquest in the book of Judges.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment within the narrative of [Judges 18](/judges/18 "Judges 18 - The Migration of Dan"), which details the tribe of Dan's search for new territory. Chapters 17 and 18 form a distinct appendix to the main cycle of Judges, illustrating the moral and spiritual decline of Israel during this period. The Danites, having failed to fully dispossess the Amorites from their allotted inheritance in [Judges 1:34](/judges/1-34 "Judges 1:34 - The Danites' Failure to Dispossess"), send five spies to find a suitable new land. Judges 18:7 provides the spies' crucial report on Laish, painting a picture of a city ripe for conquest, thus justifying the Danites' subsequent actions and foreshadowing the ease of their victory. It highlights the pervasive theme of "everyone did what was right in their own eyes" ([Judges 17:6](/judges/17-6 "Judges 17:6 - Everyone Did What Was Right in Their Own Eyes")), as a tribe of Israel acts outside divine instruction for their inheritance.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Judges (roughly 1200-1000 BC) was characterized by a lack of central authority, tribal disunity, and frequent cycles of apostasy, oppression, and deliverance. The phrase "there was no king in Israel" ([Judges 17:6](/judges/17-6 "No King in Israel")) encapsulates the political and spiritual anarchy. Laish, located in the far north, was geographically isolated from the main Israelite settlements and likely from other significant city-states. Its description as dwelling "after the manner of the Zidonians" suggests a people engaged in peaceful commerce rather than military preparedness, typical of the Phoenician coastal cities. The absence of a "magistrate" points to a severe lack of governance, judicial order, and defensive capability, a dangerous vacuum in a volatile region where tribal raids and conquests were common.

* **Key Themes:** Judges 18:7 powerfully contributes to several key themes within the book. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **false security and complacency**. The inhabitants of Laish, though seemingly "quiet and secure," are dangerously unguarded, illustrating that perceived peace without vigilance can lead to ruin. This contrasts sharply with the biblical call for alertness and spiritual preparedness, as seen in passages like [1 Peter 5:8](/1_peter/5-8 "1 Peter 5:8 - Be Alert and Sober Minded"). Secondly, the verse highlights the critical importance of **righteous leadership and governance**. The absence of a "magistrate" signifies a breakdown of societal order and defense, a recurring problem in Judges where the lack of effective leadership often precipitates chaos and vulnerability. Lastly, the theme of **isolation and vulnerability** is prominent. Being "far from the Zidonians" and having "no business with any man" meant Laish lacked allies, trade networks, or any external support system, making them an easy target. This serves as a cautionary tale against self-imposed or circumstantial isolation, emphasizing the value of community and mutual support, a principle echoed in [Ecclesiastes 4:12](/ecclesiastes/4-12 "Ecclesiastes 4:12 - A Cord of Three Strands").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Careless (Hebrew, בֶּטַח _betach_):** This word denotes a state of security, confidence, or trust. While it can be used positively (e.g., trusting in God), in this context, it carries a strong negative connotation of overconfidence, recklessness, or being unguarded. It implies a false sense of security that blinds the inhabitants to potential dangers, leading to a lack of preparedness and vigilance. Their "carelessness" is not a sign of true peace, but of dangerous naivety.
* **No magistrate (Hebrew, מַכְלִים דָּבָר _makhlim davar_):** Literally, "one shaming a word" or "one putting to shame in anything." This phrase signifies the complete absence of any authority figure—judicial, military, or civic—who could enforce laws, maintain order, or defend the city's honor and territory. It points to a society without accountability, justice, or any form of deterrent against internal wrongdoing or external aggression, leaving them utterly exposed.
* **Far from the Zidonians (Hebrew, רְחוֹקִים מִצִּידוֹן _rechoqim mi-Tzidon_):** This phrase emphasizes geographical and relational isolation. While the "manner of the Zidonians" suggests a peaceful, commercial lifestyle, being "far from" them means Laish lacked the protection or alliance that proximity to a powerful city-state like Sidon might offer. This isolation underscores their lack of external support, making them an easy, undefended target for any aggressor.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then the five men departed, and came to Laish":** This clause marks the successful completion of the spies' journey to the northern city of Laish, indicating they have found a potential new home for the Danites. It sets the scene for their detailed observation.
* **"and saw the people that [were] therein, how they dwelt careless, after the manner of the Zidonians, quiet and secure":** This is the spies' crucial assessment of Laish's inhabitants. "Careless, quiet and secure" paints a picture of profound complacency and a lack of vigilance. The comparison to "the manner of the Zidonians" suggests a people focused on trade and peaceful living, rather than military strength or defense, reinforcing their unguarded state.
* **"and [there was] no magistrate in the land, that might put [them] to shame in [any] thing":** This critical observation reveals the internal weakness of Laish. The absence of an authority figure ("magistrate") means there was no one to enforce justice, maintain order, or defend the city's honor or territory. This implies a lack of internal discipline and external defense, making them vulnerable to exploitation and conquest.
* **"and they [were] far from the Zidonians, and had no business with [any] man":** This final clause highlights Laish's extreme isolation. Being geographically distant from their cultural kin (the Sidonians) and having no alliances or trade relations ("no business with any man") meant they were entirely without external support or warning. This compounded their internal weaknesses, making them an ideal, undefended target.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 18:7 is rich in **Descriptive Language**, painting a vivid picture of Laish's vulnerability through phrases like "dwelt careless, quiet and secure" and "no magistrate in the land." The verse employs **Irony**, as the very "security" and "peace" of Laish are precisely what make it an easy target for destruction, turning their perceived strength into their ultimate weakness. This description serves as powerful **Foreshadowing**, directly predicting the swift and brutal conquest by the Danites in the subsequent verses. Furthermore, there is a subtle **Contrast** between the seemingly idyllic, peaceful existence of Laish and the violent, land-hungry intentions of the Danite spies, highlighting the impending clash of these two very different states of being.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 18:7 offers profound theological insights into the dangers of complacency and the necessity of vigilance, both individually and corporately. The false security of Laish serves as a stark warning against trusting in one's own arrangements or circumstances rather than in God. True peace and security do not come from a lack of external threats or from a state of isolation, but from active dependence on divine protection and the presence of righteous leadership. The absence of a "magistrate" also points to the broader biblical theme of the importance of godly governance and accountability within a community. When spiritual and civic leadership is lacking or compromised, a people become vulnerable to internal decay and external aggression. This narrative implicitly calls believers to be alert, to seek wise counsel, and to rely on God as their ultimate refuge, rather than succumbing to the spiritual apathy that often precedes downfall.

* [Proverbs 1:32](/proverbs/1-32 "Proverbs 1:32 - The Complacency of Fools")
* [Proverbs 11:14](/proverbs/11-14 "Proverbs 11:14 - Where There Is No Counsel, the People Fall")
* [Psalm 127:1](/psalms/127-1 "Psalm 127:1 - Unless the Lord Builds the House")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The description of Laish in Judges 18:7 is a timeless parable for spiritual vigilance. For individuals, it warns against the spiritual apathy that can creep in when life feels "quiet and secure." We can become "careless" in our walk with God, neglecting prayer, Bible study, and fellowship, assuming our spiritual state is robust simply because we face no immediate crisis. This false sense of security makes us vulnerable to the subtle attacks of the enemy or the erosion of our faith. For communities, including churches, the verse underscores the vital role of strong, godly leadership and mutual accountability. A community without "magistrates" – those who uphold truth, challenge sin, and provide spiritual oversight – risks becoming complacent, fragmented, and susceptible to internal corruption or external pressures. True security, both spiritual and physical, is found not in isolation or the absence of threats, but in active dependence on God, diligent spiritual disciplines, and robust, accountable community.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How might a sense of "careless security" manifest in our spiritual lives today, and what steps can we take to cultivate vigilance?**
* **What role does godly leadership play in ensuring the "security" and well-being of a community or church, and how can we support it?**
* **In what ways can isolation, whether personal or communal, make us vulnerable to spiritual attack or compromise, and how can we foster healthy connection?**

### FAQ
**What does "after the manner of the Zidonians" imply about the people of Laish?**

Answer: The phrase "after the manner of the Zidonians" implies that the people of Laish lived a lifestyle characteristic of the Phoenician city-state of Sidon. Sidon was a prominent maritime trading power, known for its wealth, commerce, and generally peaceful existence, rather than military prowess or expansionism. This comparison suggests that the inhabitants of Laish were focused on their commercial endeavors and lacked a strong military or defensive posture. Their "careless, quiet and secure" state, therefore, reflects a complacency born from a commercial, rather than a martial, culture, making them an easy target for the aggressive Danites.

**Why were the Danites looking for new land in the first place?**

Answer: The tribe of Dan was seeking new territory because they had failed to fully conquer and settle the land originally allotted to them in the tribal inheritance. According to [Judges 1:34](/judges/1-34 "Judges 1:34 - The Amorites Pressed the Danites"), the Amorites had "pressed the children of Dan into the mountain: for they would not suffer them to come down to the valley." This indicates that the Danites were confined to a smaller, less desirable area and were unable to dispossess the existing inhabitants. Rather than continuing to fight for their inheritance or trusting God to deliver it, they chose to seek an easier, undefended conquest elsewhere, leading them to Laish.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The tragic complacency of Laish, living in a false sense of security without a true "magistrate" or external allies, serves as a powerful Old Testament shadow of humanity's condition apart from Christ. Humanity, in its fallen state, often dwells "careless" in sin, believing itself "secure" and "having no business with any man" in its self-sufficiency, yet utterly vulnerable to spiritual enemies. Jesus Christ, however, is the ultimate and true "Magistrate" and King, the one who brings genuine peace and security. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offering a security that is not based on human arrangements or isolation, but on His finished work. In Him, believers are made complete ([Colossians 2:10](/colossians/2-10 "Colossians 2:10 - You Have Been Made Complete in Christ")) and are given an eternal security that no enemy can breach, for He declares, "No one will snatch them out of my hand" ([John 10:28](/john/10-28 "John 10:28 - No One Can Snatch Them")). He is our peace, breaking down the dividing walls of hostility ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Is Our Peace")), uniting us in a community that finds its strength and vigilance in Him, our unchanging Lord ([Hebrews 13:8](/hebrews/13-8 "Hebrews 13:8 - Jesus Christ Is the Same Yesterday, Today, and Forever")).

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 18:27

¶ 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.

Judges 18:28

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.

Revelation 18:7

How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow.

1 Samuel 3:13

For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever for the iniquity which he knoweth; because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not.

1 Kings 1:6

And his father had not displeased him at any time in saying, Why hast thou done so? and he also [was a] very goodly [man]; and [his mother] bare him after Absalom.

Romans 13:3

For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: