Old Testament
Judges 18:17
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The 5 scouts went inside and took the carved image, the ephod, the household idols, and the metal idol, while the priest stood at the gate entrance with the 600 armed men.
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And the five men that went to spy out the land went up, and came in thither, and took the graven image, and the ephod, and the teraphim, and the molten image: and the priest stood in the entering of the gate with the six hundred men that were appointed with weapons of war.
What Judges 18:17 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Judges 18:17, five scouts from the tribe of Dan enter a place where they find a priest and various religious items, including a carved image and an ephod. The priest is stationed at the entrance with 600 armed men, indicating a show of force. The items they take are significant in the context of Israel's worship practices, as they reflect a blend of true worship and idolatry. The presence of the priest suggests that these items were being used in a religious capacity, but their theft highlights the moral decline of the Israelites during this period. The actions of the scouts demonstrate a disregard for proper worship and the commandments of God, as they prioritize their own desires over faithfulness to Yahweh. This scene sets the stage for further conflict and illustrates the chaotic spiritual state of Israel at the time, where personal ambition often overshadowed divine instruction.
How to apply Judges 18:17 to your life
This verse reminds us to examine our own practices and beliefs. Are we prioritizing our desires over true worship? It encourages us to seek genuine faithfulness to God rather than being swayed by cultural influences or personal ambitions.
Curated for this public verse page. Judges Summary
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Related Bible verses
At a Glance — the Book of Judges
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Samuel
- Written
- Around 1050-1000 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites living under the judges
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Judges 18:17 mean?
Judges 18:17 describes five scouts from the tribe of Dan who steal religious items from a priest while he stands guard with armed men. This act highlights the moral decline and idolatry present in Israel during this time.
What is the significance of the ephod in Judges 18:17?
The ephod is a priestly garment used in worship and divination, indicating the religious practices of the Israelites. Its presence in this context suggests a blend of true worship and idolatry, reflecting the spiritual confusion of the time.
What does the term 'graven image' refer to in Judges 18:17?
A 'graven image' refers to a carved idol or statue that is worshipped, representing the idolatrous practices that were common among the Israelites. This highlights the conflict between true worship of God and the temptation to engage in idolatry.
How does Judges 18:17 relate to idolatry?
Judges 18:17 illustrates idolatry by showing the Israelites taking religious items that represent false worship. This act signifies a departure from true faithfulness to God and highlights the moral ambiguity of the period.
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