Judges 18:1–13

DAN’S INVASION AND IDOLATRY

18 In those days, there was no king in Israel,i and the Danite tribe was looking for territory to occupy.j Up to that time no territory had been captured by them among the tribes of Israel. 2 So the Danites sent out five brave menk from all their clans, from Zorah and Eshtaol,l to scoutm out the land and explore it. They told them, “Go and explore the land.”

They came to the hill country of Ephraim as far as the home of Micah and spent the night there. 3 While they were near Micah’s home, they recognized the accent of the young Levite. So they went over to him and asked, “Who brought you here? What are you doing in this place? What is keeping you here?”

4 He told them, “This is what Micah has done for me: He has hired me, and I became his priest.”

5 Then they said to him, “Please inquire of Godn for us to determine if we will have a successful journey.”

6 The priest told them, “Go in peace. The Lord is watching over the journey you are going on.”

7 The five men left and came to Laish. They saw that the people who were there were living securely, in the same way as the Sidonians, quiet and unsuspecting. There was nothing lackingB in the land and no oppressive ruler. They were far from the Sidonians, having no alliance with anyone.C

8 When the men went back to their relatives at Zorah and Eshtaol,o their relatives asked them, “What did you find out?”

9 They answered, “Come on, let’s attack them, for we have seen the land, and it is very good. Why wait? Don’t hesitate to go and invade and take possession of the land! 10 When you get there, you will come to an unsuspecting people and a spacious land, for God has handed it over to you. It is a place where nothing on earth is lacking.”a 11 Six hundred Danites departed from Zorah and Eshtaol armed with weapons of war. 12 They went up and camped at Kiriath-jearimb in Judah. This is why the place is still called the Camp of DanD today; it is west of Kiriath-jearim. 13 From there they traveled to the hill country of Ephraim and arrived at Micah’s house.