Judges 18:14

Then the five men who had gone to spy out the land of Laish said to their brothers, "Did you know that one of these houses has an ephod, household gods, a graven image, and a molten idol? Now think about what you should do."

Study Bible

Then the five men
The phrase "Then the five men" refers to the scouts from the tribe of Dan. Historically, the tribe of Dan was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Jacob's son Dan. These five men were initially sent to explore the land for potential settlement. Their role as scouts is significant, as it reflects the tribal practices of reconnaissance and strategic planning in ancient Israelite society.

who had gone to spy out the land of Laish
The act of spying out the land of Laish indicates a mission of exploration and assessment. Laish, later known as Dan, was a city located in the northern part of Israel. The Hebrew root for "spy" (רגל, ragal) implies a careful and secretive observation, suggesting the importance of this mission. Historically, Laish was a peaceful and isolated city, making it an attractive target for the Danites seeking new territory.

said to their brothers
The term "brothers" here signifies the fellow members of the tribe of Dan. In the context of ancient Israel, tribal identity was crucial, and the term "brothers" underscores the familial and communal bonds within the tribe. This unity was essential for the survival and success of the tribe in their endeavors.

Do you know that in these houses
This phrase introduces the discovery of religious artifacts within the houses. The mention of "houses" suggests a settled, domestic environment, contrasting with the nomadic origins of the Israelites. The presence of these items in private homes indicates the integration of religious practices into daily life.

there are an ephod
An "ephod" was a priestly garment, often associated with oracular functions. In this context, it may also refer to a cultic object used for divination. The Hebrew word "אֵפוֹד" (ephod) is linked to priestly duties, highlighting the religious significance of the object. Its presence in Laish suggests a syncretism of religious practices, blending Israelite and Canaanite elements.

household gods
The term "household gods" refers to small idols or figurines used in domestic worship. Known as "teraphim" in Hebrew, these objects were common in ancient Near Eastern households. Their presence indicates a deviation from strict monotheism, reflecting the cultural and religious influences surrounding the Israelites.

a carved image
A "carved image" denotes an idol or graven image, explicitly prohibited in the Ten Commandments. The Hebrew term "פֶּסֶל" (pesel) emphasizes the physical crafting of an idol, which was seen as a direct violation of God's command against idolatry. This highlights the spiritual decline and syncretism present among the Israelites during the period of the Judges.

and a cast idol
The "cast idol" refers to an image made by pouring molten metal into a mold. The Hebrew word "מַסֵּכָה" (massekah) suggests a deliberate and skilled creation of an idol. This further underscores the extent of idolatry and the departure from true worship of Yahweh, reflecting the moral and spiritual challenges faced by the Israelites.

Now think about what you should do
This phrase is a call to action, urging the Danites to consider their next steps. It implies a moral and strategic decision-making process. The Hebrew root "יָעַץ" (ya'atz) for "think" suggests seeking counsel or advice, indicating the gravity of the situation. This moment of decision reflects the broader theme of the Book of Judges, where the Israelites repeatedly face choices between faithfulness to God and the allure of surrounding cultures.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Five Spies
These were men from the tribe of Dan who were sent to scout the land of Laish. They discovered the religious artifacts in the house of Micah.

2. Laish
A city in the northern part of Israel, which was later conquered by the tribe of Dan and renamed Dan.

3. Micah
An Ephraimite who had set up a shrine with an ephod, household gods, and idols, which the Danites later took.

4. Ephod
A priestly garment, often associated with divination and worship, which was part of the religious artifacts found by the spies.

5. Household Gods and Idols
These were objects of worship that were contrary to the worship of Yahweh, indicating syncretism and idolatry among the Israelites.

Teaching Points

The Danger of Syncretism
Mixing true worship with idolatry leads to spiritual compromise and disobedience to God’s commandments.

The Influence of Leadership
The actions of the five spies influenced the entire tribe of Dan, demonstrating the impact of leadership on community behavior.

The Importance of Obedience
Obedience to God’s commands is crucial, as disobedience leads to spiritual and moral decay.

The Consequences of Idolatry
Idolatry leads to separation from God and invites His judgment, as seen throughout Israel’s history.

Discernment in Decision-Making
The spies’ decision to take the idols reflects a lack of discernment and understanding of God’s will.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the presence of idols in Micah’s house reflect the spiritual state of Israel during the time of the Judges?

2. In what ways can modern Christians guard against the influence of syncretism in their own lives?

3. How does the account of the Danites’ conquest of Laish illustrate the consequences of disobedience to God’s commands?

4. What lessons can we learn from the leadership of the five spies, and how can we apply these lessons to leadership roles in our own communities?

5. How can we develop discernment in our decision-making processes to ensure alignment with God’s will, as opposed to following cultural or societal norms?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 20:3-4
The commandment against idolatry highlights the sin of possessing household gods and idols, as seen in Micah's shrine.

Deuteronomy 12:2-4
This passage instructs the Israelites to destroy all places of idol worship, contrasting with the actions of the Danites who took the idols for themselves.

1 Samuel 15:23
The rebellion and idolatry of Saul are paralleled with the actions of the Danites, showing the consequences of turning away from God.