Old Testament

Judges 18:5

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

At a Glance

In Judges 18:5, a group of people seeks divine guidance before embarking on a significant journey.

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

CBTClear Bible Translation

They said to him, "Please ask God whether our mission will be successful."

KJVKing James Version

And they said unto him, Ask counsel, we pray thee, of God, that we may know whether our way which we go shall be prosperous.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In Judges 18:5, a group of people seeks divine guidance before embarking on a significant journey. They approach a priest and request him to inquire of God about the success of their mission. This reflects a common practice in ancient Israel where individuals sought God's counsel through priests or prophets to ensure they were making the right decisions. The verse highlights the importance of seeking spiritual direction and wisdom before taking action, especially in matters of great significance. It shows their desire to align their plans with God's will, indicating a recognition of His authority and the belief that success depends on divine favor. This moment underscores the relationship between faith and action, emphasizing that while one may have a plan, it is crucial to seek God's approval and guidance to ensure that the path taken is blessed and fruitful. This principle remains relevant today, encouraging individuals to seek God's wisdom in their decisions and to trust in His guidance for their lives.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply Judges 18:5 to your life

Before making important decisions, take time to pray and seek God's guidance. This can involve reading scripture, consulting wise mentors, or simply spending quiet time in reflection. Trusting in God's direction can lead to more fruitful outcomes in your endeavors.

Curated for this public verse page. Judges Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Judges 18:5 teach about seeking God's guidance?

Judges 18:5 emphasizes the importance of seeking God's guidance before making significant decisions. The individuals in this verse approach a priest to inquire of God about their mission's success, reflecting a practice in ancient Israel where divine counsel was sought for important undertakings. This teaches us that aligning our plans with God's will is crucial for achieving fruitful outcomes.

How can I apply the lesson from Judges 18:5 in my life?

To apply the lesson from Judges 18:5, take time to pray and seek God's guidance before making important decisions. This can include reading scripture, consulting trusted mentors, or spending quiet time in reflection. By actively seeking God's direction, you can ensure that your choices align with His will, leading to more successful and fulfilling outcomes.

Why is it important to ask God for counsel according to Judges 18:5?

Asking God for counsel, as shown in Judges 18:5, is important because it acknowledges His authority and wisdom in our lives. It reflects a recognition that our plans may not succeed without His blessing. Seeking divine guidance helps us make informed decisions that align with God's purpose, ultimately leading to better outcomes and a deeper relationship with Him.

How does Judges 18:5 relate to modern decision-making?

Judges 18:5 relates to modern decision-making by highlighting the timeless principle of seeking divine guidance. Just as the individuals in the verse sought God's counsel before their journey, we too can benefit from prayer and reflection when faced with important choices. This practice helps ensure that our decisions are aligned with God's will, fostering a sense of peace and direction in our lives.

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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