The Danites Seize Laish

Judges 18:12–31
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Two definite things have been made evident in these chapters: the foolish behavior of Micah and the retreat to the north by the tribe of Dan. The tribe of Dan was notoriously restless. When the territory had been allotted to the various groups upon Israel’s arrival in Canaan, they had been restricted to the hill country due to the hostile pressure of the Amorites. Now we find them on their way to the far north in search of a new homeland (vv. 11-12). Upon arriving at Mt. Ephraim, they were surprised to find Jonathan (Moses’ grandson) serving as high priest in the house of Micah (v. 13). They invited him to come with them and be their priest, which he gladly did, bringing an ephod, household idols, a carved image and a molded image. (vv. 14-20).

When the men of Dan departed, they took everything Micah had including his idols and priest (v. 21). Micah and some of his friends pursued them and asked why they had done this, but they said, “Don’t let your voice be heard among us” (vv. 22-25). When Micah saw they were too strong for him, he decided to retreat and go back to his house (v. 26). From here the children of Dan went to Laish, to a people quiet and secure, and they struck them with the edge of the sword and burned their city to the ground (v. 27). They rebuilt the city and lived there calling it Dan after the name of their father (vv. 28-29). Now they set up the idols stolen from Micah and probably assumed they were worshiping God through them (vv. 30-31).

Application

My influence will go onto the next generations as it did with Jonathan. What influence am I having on my children and grandchildren? Do they know I desire God to use them more than anything else? Do they see God answer my prayers?  Matt. 6:33 is a good verse to memorize.