Judges 18:5

Then they said to him, "Please inquire of God to determine whether we will have a successful journey."

Study Bible

Then they said to him
This phrase refers to the five men from the tribe of Dan who were sent to explore the land for potential settlement. The context is the period of the Judges, a time characterized by a lack of centralized leadership in Israel, leading to moral and spiritual chaos. The Danites were seeking new territory because they had not yet secured their inheritance (Judges 1:34). This reflects the broader theme of Israel's incomplete conquest of Canaan.

“Please inquire of God
The Danites approach a Levite priest, who is serving in the house of Micah, to seek divine guidance. This reflects the practice of seeking God's will through a priest, which was common in Israelite culture. The use of a Levite, despite his questionable association with Micah's idolatrous shrine, indicates a desire for divine approval, albeit through compromised means. This highlights the syncretism and religious confusion prevalent during the time of the Judges.

to determine whether we will have a successful journey.”
The request for a successful journey underscores the Danites' concern for divine favor in their quest for a new homeland. This reflects the biblical principle that success is ultimately dependent on God's blessing (Proverbs 16:3). The Danites' journey can be seen as a microcosm of Israel's larger journey to secure the Promised Land, drawing parallels to the Israelites' reliance on God's guidance during the Exodus and conquest of Canaan. However, their reliance on a compromised religious system foreshadows the spiritual failures that would lead to their eventual downfall.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Danites
A tribe of Israel seeking a new territory because they had not yet received their inheritance.

2. Micah
An Ephraimite who had set up a shrine with an idol and appointed his own priest.

3. The Levite
A young Levite who became a priest for Micah and was later approached by the Danites.

4. Laish
The city the Danites were scouting to conquer and settle in.

5. The Journey
The Danites' expedition to find a new land for their tribe.

Teaching Points

Seeking God's Guidance
The importance of seeking God's will before making significant decisions is emphasized. The Danites' request for divine direction highlights the need for spiritual discernment in our own lives.

The Role of the Priest
The Levite's role as an intermediary between God and the people reflects the importance of spiritual leadership and accountability in guiding others toward God's will.

The Dangers of Idolatry
Micah's household idols and unauthorized priesthood serve as a warning against creating our own versions of worship that deviate from God's commands.

Trusting in God's Plan
The Danites' journey reminds us to trust in God's provision and timing, even when our current circumstances seem uncertain or challenging.

Community and Collective Decision-Making
The collective decision of the Danites to seek God's guidance underscores the value of communal discernment and unity in pursuing God's purposes.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the Danites' request for guidance in Judges 18:5 reflect the importance of seeking God's will in our own decision-making processes?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our spiritual leaders are guiding us according to God's truth, as seen in the role of the Levite?

3. What are some modern-day "idols" that might distract us from true worship, similar to Micah's household idols?

4. How can we cultivate a deeper trust in God's plan when faced with uncertainty, as the Danites experienced on their journey?

5. What steps can we take to foster a sense of community and collective discernment in our church or small group settings, inspired by the Danites' approach?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Numbers 27:21
This verse discusses the use of the Urim and Thummim for seeking God's guidance, similar to the Danites' request for divine direction.

Proverbs 3:5-6
Encourages trust in the Lord and seeking His guidance, paralleling the Danites' inquiry of God.

1 Samuel 23:2-4
David inquires of the Lord before taking action, showing a pattern of seeking divine guidance in decision-making.