Judges 18:9

KJV

And they said, Arise, that we may go up against them: for we have seen the land, and, behold, it [is] very good: and [are] ye still? be not slothful to go, [and] to enter to possess the land.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they said {H559}, Arise {H6965}, that we may go up {H5927} against them: for we have seen {H7200} the land {H776}, and, behold, it is very {H3966} good {H2896}: and are ye still {H2814}? be not slothful {H6101} to go {H3212}, and to enter {H935} to possess {H3423} the land {H776}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They said, "Let's go up and attack them. We've seen the land, and it's excellent. Don't delay; start moving! Go in, and take the land!

Berean Standard Bible

They answered, “Come on, let us go up against them, for we have seen the land, and it is very good. Why would you fail to act? Do not hesitate to go there and take possession of the land!

American Standard Version

And they said, Arise, and let us go up against them; for we have seen the land, and, behold, it is very good: and are ye still? be not slothful to go and to enter in to possess the land.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 18:9 captures a pivotal moment for the migrating Danites, as their reconnaissance team delivers an urgent and compelling report to their brethren. Having thoroughly surveyed the northern city of Laish, the scouts present an overwhelmingly positive assessment of the land's fertility and the inhabitants' vulnerability, issuing a direct and forceful summons to immediate, decisive action. The verse serves as a powerful exhortation against complacency and a call to seize a divinely presented opportunity for establishing their tribal inheritance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 18:9 is situated within a significant narrative block (Judges 17-18) that deviates from the typical "cycle of apostasy, oppression, deliverance" found elsewhere in the book. This section illustrates the moral and spiritual decay of Israel during the period when "there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes" [Judges 17:6](/judges/17-6 "Judges 17:6 - Everyone Did What Was Right in His Own Eyes"). Specifically, chapters 17 and 18 detail the establishment of idolatry by Micah and the subsequent migration of the tribe of Dan. The Danites, failing to secure their original inheritance in the south against the Philistines [Judges 1:34](/judges/1-34 "Judges 1:34 - Dan's Failure to Dispossess"), send five spies northward to find new territory. Verse 9 represents the climax of their scouting mission, as the spies return to their 600 armed men, presenting their findings and urging immediate conquest of the unsuspecting city of Laish. This episode highlights the decentralization and lawlessness characteristic of the Judges period, where a tribe takes matters into its own hands, establishing its own territory and even its own religious practices.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Judges (c. 13th-11th centuries BC) was a transitional era for Israel, marked by loose tribal confederation rather than a unified monarchy. The tribes were meant to fully dispossess the Canaanites from the land God had promised them, but many failed to do so, leading to ongoing conflict and cultural assimilation. The tribe of Dan, originally allotted a challenging coastal plain territory [Joshua 19:40-46](/joshua/19-40 "Joshua 19:40-46 - Dan's Inheritance"), found themselves pressured by powerful neighbors like the Philistines. Their decision to seek new land in the far north reflects this inability to secure their initial inheritance. Laish (later renamed Dan) was a Sidonian city, geographically isolated and culturally distinct, living "secure, quiet, and unsuspecting" [Judges 18:7](/judges/18-7 "Judges 18:7 - Laish's Isolation and Security"). This isolation, coupled with a lack of alliances, made them an easy target for the well-organized Danite force. The Danites' actions, while fulfilling a need for territory, also reflect a pragmatic, self-serving approach characteristic of the period, rather than a direct divine command for this specific conquest.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several themes central to the Book of Judges and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Seizing Opportunity**. The spies' report that the land is "very good" and its inhabitants vulnerable presents a clear, almost irresistible, opportunity for the Danites to establish themselves. This echoes the divine provision of the promised land to Israel, which they were commanded to possess. Secondly, it highlights the **Call to Decisive Action**. The repeated exhortations ("Arise," "go up," "be not slothful") are direct commands for immediate, bold movement, emphasizing that hesitation could lead to the loss of this prime chance. This theme of prompt obedience to a perceived call is recurrent throughout scripture. Thirdly, the verse includes a strong **Warning Against Slothfulness or Inaction**. The rhetorical question, "and are ye still?" coupled with the explicit command "be not slothful," serves as a rebuke against spiritual lethargy or procrastination in the face of a clear path forward. This aligns with biblical wisdom literature that warns against idleness and encourages diligence, as seen in [Proverbs 6:6-11](/proverbs/6-6 "Proverbs 6:6-11 - The Ant and the Sluggard"). Finally, at its core, the verse speaks to the broader biblical mandate of **Possessing the Land**. For the Danites, this meant actively taking hold of their new inheritance, a physical manifestation of God's promise to Israel to dwell securely in the land He had given them, as commanded in [Deuteronomy 1:8](/deuteronomy/1-8 "Deuteronomy 1:8 - Command to Possess the Land").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Good (Hebrew, _ṭôḇ_):** The Hebrew word טוֹב (*ṭôḇ*) is a fundamental descriptor of quality, beauty, and suitability. When combined with מְאֹד (*məʾōḏ*), "very," as in "very good" (טוֹב מְאֹד, *ṭôḇ məʾōḏ*), it signifies superlative excellence. This exact phrase is famously used in [Genesis 1:31](/genesis/1-31 "Genesis 1:31 - God's Assessment of Creation") to describe God's completed creation, implying that the land of Laish was exceptionally fertile, spacious, and desirable—a truly prime location. The spies' use of this phrase would have evoked a sense of divine blessing and optimal conditions for settlement.
* **Still (Hebrew, _ḥāšâ_):** The word מַחְשִׁים (*maḥšîm*), translated "still" or "silent," comes from the root חָשָׁה (*ḥāšâ*), meaning "to be silent, to be quiet, to be inactive." In this context, it is a rhetorical question designed to shame the Danites out of their inaction or hesitation. It implies a state of passive complacency or indecision when prompt, vigorous action is clearly required. It challenges their current state of rest or deliberation, urging them to move from contemplation to conquest.
* **Slothful (Hebrew, _ʿāṣēl_):** The term תֵּעָצְלוּ (*tēʿāṣəlû*), translated "slothful," derives from the root עָצֵל (*ʿāṣēl*), meaning "to be sluggish, lazy, idle." This is a direct and strong admonition against procrastination or spiritual apathy. It warns that idleness or a lack of zeal could cause them to miss the opportune moment to secure their future. The spies are not merely suggesting action but actively rebuking any potential for delay born of laziness or fear.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they said, Arise, that we may go up against them":** This opening clause immediately establishes the urgent and confrontational nature of the spies' message. "Arise" (קוּמוּ, *qûmû*) is an imperative, a call to immediate physical and mental readiness for action. The phrase "go up against them" (וְנַעֲלֶה עֲלֵיהֶם, *wənaʿăleh ʿălêhem*) clearly states the aggressive intent—a military campaign to conquer the inhabitants of Laish.
* **"for we have seen the land, and, behold, it [is] very good":** This provides the justification for the proposed action. The spies' eyewitness account ("we have seen the land") lends credibility and authority to their report. The emphatic declaration "behold, it [is] very good" (וְהִנֵּה הִיא טוֹבָה מְאֹד, *wəhinnēh hî ṭôḇâ məʾōḏ*) highlights the exceptional quality and suitability of the territory. This positive assessment is designed to motivate and assure their brethren of the value of the prize.
* **"and [are] ye still? be not slothful to go, [and] to enter to possess the land.":** This final, powerful segment contains a rhetorical question and a direct command, serving as a forceful rebuke and an urgent exhortation. "Are ye still?" (וְאַתֶּם מַחְשִׁים, *wə'attem maḥšîm*) challenges their present inaction, implying that any delay is unacceptable given the favorable conditions. The command "be not slothful" (אַל־תֵּעָצְלוּ, *ʾal-tēʿāṣəlû*) directly condemns any tendency towards laziness or hesitation. The ultimate goal is clearly stated: "to go, and to enter to possess the land" (לָלֶכֶת לָבוֹא לָרֶשֶׁת אֶת־הָאָרֶץ, *lālêḵeṯ lāḇô lārešeṯ ʾeṯ-hāʾāreṣ*), emphasizing the full and decisive act of taking control and establishing their inheritance.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 18:9 employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey its urgent message. The most prominent is **Exhortation**, as the spies deliver a fervent call to action, using imperative verbs like "Arise" and direct commands like "be not slothful." This creates a sense of immediacy and underscores the critical nature of the moment. A **Rhetorical Question** ("and are ye still?") is strategically placed to challenge the Danites' potential complacency or hesitation, designed to provoke a sense of shame and spur them into action rather than elicit a verbal answer. The phrase "very good" is an instance of **Hyperbole** (or a strong affirmation), echoing the divine assessment of creation in Genesis, which serves to emphasize the exceptional quality of the land and intensify the motivation for conquest. Finally, there is a strong element of **Contrast** between the ideal, fertile land and the potential for the Danites' own inaction or "slothfulness," highlighting the missed opportunity if they fail to act decisively.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 18:9, while set in a specific historical context, resonates with profound theological and thematic truths applicable across the biblical narrative. It speaks to the interplay between divine provision and human responsibility. God had promised Israel the land, but its possession required active, courageous engagement. The "very good" land of Laish, though found by human reconnaissance, represents a type of opportunity or blessing that God often places before His people. The spies' urgent call against "slothfulness" underscores a recurring biblical theme: that God's promises and provisions often require diligence, faith, and decisive action on the part of His people. Spiritual lethargy or fear can hinder the realization of divine purposes. This principle is seen in the Israelites' initial failure to fully dispossess the Canaanites due to fear and lack of faith, and conversely, in the successes achieved through bold obedience. The verse serves as a microcosm of the larger challenge for God's people to actively "possess" or walk in the inheritance and blessings that have been divinely granted, whether physical land or spiritual realities.

* [Deuteronomy 1:21](/deuteronomy/1-21 "Deuteronomy 1:21 - Do Not Fear or Be Dismayed")
* [Proverbs 6:9-11](/proverbs/6-9 "Proverbs 6:9-11 - How Long Will You Slumber, O Sluggard?")
* [Hebrews 4:11](/hebrews/4-11 "Hebrews 4:11 - Strive to Enter God's Rest")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 18:9 offers timeless principles for believers today, transcending its historical context to speak to our spiritual lives. Just as the Danite spies saw a clear, desirable path to their inheritance, Christians are called to be vigilant for opportunities to advance God's kingdom, to grow in their faith, and to walk in the spiritual inheritance Christ has provided. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that while God provides the "good land"—His grace, His calling, His open doors—we are often required to "arise" and "go up" with diligence and intentionality. Spiritual slothfulness, procrastination, or fear can cause us to miss divine appointments and hinder us from fully experiencing the abundant life and purpose God has for us. It encourages us to cultivate a spirit of readiness, discerning God's leading, and acting decisively in faith, trusting that He has prepared the way for us to "possess" the good works He has called us to.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "good land" or divine opportunities might God be placing before me today, whether in my personal life, relationships, or ministry?**
* **In what areas of my spiritual life might I be "still" or "slothful," hesitating to act on God's clear leading or to pursue spiritual growth?**
* **What fears or comforts might be preventing me from "going up" and "possessing" the spiritual inheritance or calling God has for me?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater sense of urgency and decisive action in responding to God's invitations and commands?**

### FAQ

**Was the Danites' conquest of Laish morally justified according to biblical standards?**

Answer: The question of the Danites' justification for conquering Laish is complex and often debated. While the narrative in Judges 18 describes the event without explicit condemnation from the narrator, it also doesn't present it as a divinely commanded conquest like those under Joshua. The Danites were seeking new territory because they had failed to dispossess the inhabitants of their original inheritance [Judges 1:34](/judges/1-34 "Judges 1:34 - Dan's Failure to Dispossess"). Their actions in Judges 18, including the theft of Micah's idol and priest, illustrate the moral and spiritual decline of the period where "everyone did what was right in his own eyes" [Judges 17:6](/judges/17-6 "Judges 17:6 - Everyone Did What Was Right in His Own Eyes"). The conquest of Laish, while pragmatic for the Danites' survival and expansion, was driven by their own initiative and desire for an "easy" land, rather than a direct mandate from God to conquer this specific city. It reflects the chaotic and often morally ambiguous nature of the Judges period, where human expediency often overshadowed divine principles.

**What does the phrase "it is very good" imply about the land of Laish?**

Answer: The phrase "it is very good" (טוֹב מְאֹד, *ṭôḇ məʾōḏ*) is highly significant. It is the same emphatic declaration God uses in [Genesis 1:31](/genesis/1-31 "Genesis 1:31 - God's Assessment of Creation") to describe His completed creation, signifying absolute perfection and suitability. In Judges 18:9, when the spies use this phrase, it implies that the land of Laish was exceptionally fertile, spacious, and desirable for settlement. [Judges 18:10](/judges/18-10 "Judges 18:10 - A Spacious Land") further elaborates, describing it as a "spacious land" where there was "no lack of anything that is on the earth." This suggests abundant natural resources, fertile ground for agriculture, and ample room for the Danite tribe to thrive. The phrase is intended to convey to the Danites that this was an optimal opportunity, a land of great promise and ease of living, making their inaction all the more inexcusable.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Judges 18:9 describes a physical conquest of land, its themes find profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Testament. The "very good" land of Laish, a place of promise and opportunity for the Danites, foreshadows the superior spiritual inheritance that believers receive in Christ. We are no longer called to physically conquer earthly territory, but to "possess" the spiritual blessings and realities of the new covenant. In Christ, we have been given "every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places" [Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Every Spiritual Blessing"), a far greater inheritance than any physical land. The spies' urgent call to "arise" and "not be slothful" resonates deeply with the New Testament's call to spiritual diligence. Believers are exhorted to "walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called" [Ephesians 4:1](/ephesians/4-1 "Ephesians 4:1 - Walk Worthy of Your Calling"), to "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling" [Philippians 2:12](/philippians/2-12 "Philippians 2:12 - Work Out Your Salvation"), and to "strive to enter that rest" [Hebrews 4:11](/hebrews/4-11 "Hebrews 4:11 - Strive to Enter God's Rest"). The "slothfulness" warned against in Judges 18:9 finds its ultimate antidote in the Spirit-empowered zeal of believers who are actively pursuing the Great Commission [Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission") and living out their identity as new creations in Christ [2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ"). Our ultimate "good land" is not a physical place but the Kingdom of God, which we are called to seek first [Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom of God") and whose realities we are to manifest in the world through faith and obedience, anticipating the new heavens and new earth [Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1-4 - New Heaven and New Earth").

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

Numbers 13:30

And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it.

Joshua 2:23

So the two men returned, and descended from the mountain, and passed over, and came to Joshua the son of Nun, and told him all [things] that befell them:

Joshua 2:24

And they said unto Joshua, Truly the LORD hath delivered into our hands all the land; for even all the inhabitants of the country do faint because of us.

Joshua 18:3

And Joshua said unto the children of Israel, How long [are] ye slack to go to possess the land, which the LORD God of your fathers hath given you?

Hebrews 6:11

And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end:

Hebrews 6:12

That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

1 Kings 22:3

And the king of Israel said unto his servants, Know ye that Ramoth in Gilead [is] ours, and we [be] still, [and] take it not out of the hand of the king of Syria?