Old Testament
Judges 18:27
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, the Danites, a tribe of Israel, take the idols and priest that belonged to Micah, a man who had set up a personal shrine.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Samuel
- Written
- Around 1050-1000 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites living under the judges
So the Danites carried off what Micah had made, along with his priest, and marched on to Laish — a peaceful, unsuspecting people. They struck them down with the sword and burned the city to the ground.
And they took the things which Micah had made, and the priest which he had, and came unto Laish, unto a people that were at quiet and secure: and they smote them with the edge of the sword, and burnt the city with fire.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the Danites, a tribe of Israel, take the idols and priest that belonged to Micah, a man who had set up a personal shrine. They then travel to Laish, a city that is peaceful and unsuspecting. The Danites attack the city, killing its inhabitants and burning it down. This act reflects their desire for land and security, but it also shows a disregard for the lives of others. The verse highlights themes of betrayal, violence, and the consequences of idolatry, as the Danites abandon their covenant with God in pursuit of their own desires. The destruction of Laish serves as a warning about the dangers of unchecked ambition and the moral decline of the Israelites during this period, where they acted according to their own understanding rather than following God's commands.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Judges 18:27 to your life
This verse reminds us to be cautious of our ambitions and desires, ensuring they align with our values and ethics. It encourages us to consider the impact of our actions on others and to seek guidance from God rather than pursuing selfish goals that may harm others.
Curated for this public verse page. Judges Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Judges 18:27 mean?
Judges 18:27 describes how the Danites took Micah's idols and priest to attack the peaceful city of Laish. This act of violence highlights their ambition for land and security, disregarding the lives of the innocent.
What is the significance of the Danites in Judges 18:27?
The Danites represent a tribe of Israel that chose to pursue their desires through violence and betrayal. Their actions reflect a moral decline and a departure from God's commands during this period.
What does the phrase 'quiet and secure' mean in Judges 18:27?
The phrase 'quiet and secure' refers to the peaceful and unsuspecting nature of the people in Laish, who were unaware of the impending attack by the Danites.
What themes are present in Judges 18:27?
Judges 18:27 encompasses themes of idolatry, betrayal, violence, ambition, moral decline, and injustice, illustrating the consequences of pursuing selfish goals without regard for others.
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.
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