Old Testament

Judges 18:14

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In Judges 18:14, five men who had explored the area of Laish reported back to their group about the religious artifacts they found in the city.

Author: Traditionally attributed to Samuel
Written: Around 1050-1000 BC
Genre: Historical narrative
Original Audience: The Israelites living under the judges

CBTClear Bible Translation

The 5 men who had scouted the territory of Laish spoke up and told their fellow warriors, "Did you know that inside these buildings there's an ephod, household idols, a carved image, and a metal idol? Think about what we should do."

KJVKing James Version

Then answered the five men that went to spy out the country of Laish, and said unto their brethren, Do ye know that there is in these houses an ephod, and teraphim, and a graven image, and a molten image? now therefore consider what ye have to do.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In Judges 18:14, five men who had explored the area of Laish reported back to their group about the religious artifacts they found in the city. They mentioned an ephod, which was a priestly garment, along with household idols and images made of metal. This discovery was significant because it indicated that the people of Laish practiced idolatry, which was contrary to the worship of Yahweh. The men urged their fellow warriors to consider their next steps, suggesting that the presence of these idols could be an opportunity for them to take action. This moment highlights the tension between the Israelites' faith and the surrounding cultures that worshipped false gods. It also sets the stage for the decisions the Israelites would make regarding their conquest and the influence of idolatry on their community.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply Judges 18:14 to your life

This verse reminds us to be aware of the influences around us, especially those that may lead us away from our values. Just as the scouts reported their findings, we should evaluate our surroundings and make choices that align with our beliefs and principles.

Curated for this public verse page. Judges Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Judges 18:14 mean?

Judges 18:14 describes five men who reported to their group about finding religious artifacts in Laish, including an ephod and idols. This discovery highlighted the idolatry of the Laishites, prompting the Israelites to consider their response to this influence.

What is the significance of the ephod in Judges 18:14?

The ephod mentioned in Judges 18:14 was a priestly garment used in worship, indicating the religious practices of the people in Laish. Its presence, alongside idols, signified a departure from the worship of Yahweh and raised concerns for the Israelites.

What does the term 'teraphim' mean in Judges 18:14?

In Judges 18:14, 'teraphim' refers to household idols or images used in worship, often associated with divination or protection. Their presence in Laish indicated the people's idolatrous practices.

How does Judges 18:14 relate to decision-making?

Judges 18:14 illustrates the importance of evaluating one's surroundings and the influences present. The scouts' report prompted their group to consider their next actions in light of the idolatry they discovered.

Book Summary

The Book of Judges

Judges 1–2: Incomplete Conquest and the Cycle of Sin

After the death of Joshua, the tribes of Israel inquire of the Lord who should first go up to fight the remaining Canaanites. Judah is chosen and, with the help of the tribe of Simeon, achieves several victories, but fails to drive out the inhabitants of the coastal plain because they have iron chariots. The book then details the failures of the other tribes—Benjamin, Manasseh, Ephraim, Zebulun, Asher, and Naphtali—to completely dispossess the Canaanites from their allotted territories. Instead of driving them out, the Israelites put them to forced labor, allowing pagan influences to remain in the land. An angel of the Lord appears at Bochim and rebukes the people for breaking their covenant with God by making treaties with the inhabitants of the land. The people weep and offer sacrifices, but the pattern of disobedience is set.

A new generation arises that does not know the Lord or the works He has done for Israel. This generation forsakes the God of their fathers, turning to worship the Baals and Ashtaroth of the surrounding peoples. This apostasy provokes the Lord's anger, and He hands them over to their enemies, who oppress them. When the Israelites cry out to the Lord in their misery, He raises up judges—deliverers who save them from their oppressors. However, as soon as a judge dies, the people relapse into even greater corruption, returning to their idolatrous ways. This establishes the book's central, recurring cycle: sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance, followed by a period of rest, and then a return to sin. Judges 3: Othniel, Ehud, and Shamgar The first cycle of judgment begins as the Israelites do evil in the sight of the Lord and worship idols. God's anger burns against them, and He sells them into the hands of Cushan-Rishathaim, king of Mesopotamia, whom they serve for eight years. When the people cry out to the Lord, He raises up Othniel, the younger brother of Caleb, as their deliverer. The Spirit of the Lord comes upon him, and he leads Israel to victory, defeating the Mesopotamian king. The land has peace for forty years until Othniel's death. After Othniel dies, the Israelites again do evil, and God strengthens Eglon, the king of Moab, against them. Eglon, allied with the Ammonites and Amalekites, defeats Israel and captures the city of palms, Jericho. The Israelites are subject to Moab for eighteen years. When they cry out for help, God raises up Ehud, a left-handed man from the tribe of Benjamin. While delivering Israel's tribute, Ehud uses his left-handedness to his advantage, concealing a dagger on his right thigh. In a private audience with the obese King Eglon, he claims to have a secret message from God and stabs the king in the belly. Ehud escapes, rallies the Israelite forces, and leads them to a decisive victory over the Moabites, killing about 10,000 of their soldiers. The land enjoys peace for eighty years. After Ehud, Shamgar son of Anath is mentioned, who strikes down 600 Philistines with an oxgoad, also saving Israel.

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