Judges 18:1

In those days there was no king in Israel, and the tribe of the Danites was looking for territory to occupy. For up to that time they had not come into an inheritance among the tribes of Israel.

Study Bible

In those days there was no king in Israel
This phrase sets the historical context for the events in Judges 18. The absence of a king indicates a period of decentralized leadership, where Israel was governed by judges. This lack of centralized authority often led to moral and social chaos, as seen throughout the Book of Judges. The repeated mention of "no king" in Judges (17:6, 18:1, 19:1, 21:25) underscores the need for righteous leadership, foreshadowing Israel's eventual demand for a monarchy. This period is marked by a cycle of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance, highlighting the Israelites' struggle to remain faithful to God without strong leadership.

and the tribe of the Danites was looking for territory to occupy
The Danites' search for territory reflects their failure to fully conquer the land allotted to them in Joshua 19:40-48. This failure is attributed to their inability to drive out the Amorites (Judges 1:34-35), demonstrating a lack of faith and obedience to God's command to possess the land. The Danites' quest for new territory illustrates the broader theme of incomplete conquest and disobedience among the tribes of Israel. This search also foreshadows their eventual migration northward, where they would establish a new settlement in Laish, later renamed Dan (Judges 18:27-29).

For up to that time they had not come into an inheritance among the tribes of Israel
This phrase highlights the Danites' unique situation among the tribes. While each tribe was allotted a specific inheritance in the Promised Land, the Danites struggled to secure theirs. This lack of inheritance is both a literal and spiritual issue, as it reflects their failure to trust in God's promises and fulfill their covenant responsibilities. The concept of inheritance is significant in biblical theology, symbolizing God's provision and the fulfillment of His promises to Abraham and his descendants (Genesis 12:7, 15:18-21). The Danites' situation serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of disobedience and the importance of faith in God's promises.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Danites
A tribe of Israel, descendants of Dan, one of the twelve sons of Jacob. They were seeking a territory to settle in because they had not yet secured their inheritance in the Promised Land.

2. Israel
The nation chosen by God, consisting of twelve tribes. At this time, Israel was a confederation of tribes without a centralized monarchy.

3. Inheritance
Refers to the land allotted to each tribe of Israel as their permanent possession, as promised by God to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Godly Leadership
The absence of a king in Israel during this time led to moral and spiritual chaos. This highlights the need for godly leadership to guide and unify God's people.

Trusting in God's Promises
The Danites' struggle to secure their inheritance reminds us of the importance of trusting in God's promises and timing, even when circumstances seem challenging.

The Consequences of Disobedience
The Danites' failure to fully possess their land as initially allotted can be seen as a consequence of incomplete obedience to God's commands, serving as a warning to us today.

Seeking God's Guidance
In times of uncertainty, like the Danites faced, it is crucial to seek God's guidance rather than relying solely on human wisdom and strength.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the phrase "there was no king in Israel" suggest about the spiritual and moral state of the nation during this time?

2. How does the struggle of the Danites to secure their inheritance reflect our own challenges in trusting God's promises?

3. In what ways can the absence of godly leadership affect a community or nation today, and how can we apply this understanding in our own lives?

4. How can we ensure that we are fully obedient to God's commands, and what steps can we take to avoid the pitfalls of partial obedience?

5. Reflect on a time when you faced uncertainty. How did seeking God's guidance help you, and how can you apply this experience to future challenges?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Joshua 19:40-48
This passage details the original allotment of land to the tribe of Dan, which they struggled to fully possess due to the presence of strong Canaanite inhabitants.

Judges 17:6
This verse highlights the recurring theme in Judges that "In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes," setting the stage for the events in chapter 18.

Genesis 49:16-17
Jacob's blessing to Dan, which includes a prophecy about Dan's future role among the tribes of Israel, providing context for their actions in seeking an inheritance.