Albert Barnes Commentary Judges 18
Albert Barnes Commentary
Judges 18
Albert Barnes Commentary
Judges 18
"And the children of Dan sent of their family five men from their whole number, men of valor, from Zorah, and from Eshtaol, to spy out the land, and to search it; and they said unto them, Go, search the land. And they came to the hill-country of Ephraim, unto the house of Micah, and lodged there." — Judges 18:2 (ASV)
This identity of locality with the scene of Samson’s birth and death indicates that both narratives are drawn from the same source, probably the annals of the tribe of Dan.
"When they were by the house of Micah, they knew the voice of the young man the Levite; and they turned aside thither, and said unto him, Who brought thee hither? and what doest thou in this place? and what hast thou here?" — Judges 18:3 (ASV)
It does not follow that they had known him before and recognized his voice, though it may be so. But the Hebrew text equally supports the meaning that they heard the voice of the Levite; and, attracted by it, went into the chapel (Judges 18:18) where Jonathan was. They were probably just starting on their journey but were still within the court or precincts of Micah’s house. Micah had evidently not told them of his house of God and his Levite. Their questions indicate surprise.
"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." — Judges 18:5 (ASV)
The sight of the ephod and teraphim suggested the notion of inquiring of God.
"And the priest said unto them, Go in peace: before Jehovah is your way wherein ye go." — Judges 18:6 (ASV)
Before the Lord ... - that is, He looks favorably upon it. (Compare Ezra 8:21-22.)
"Then the five men departed, and came to Laish, and saw the people that were therein, how they dwelt in security, after the manner of the Sidonians, quiet and secure; for there was none in the land, possessing authority, that might put [them] to shame in anything, and they were far from the Sidonians, and had no dealings with any man." — Judges 18:7 (ASV)
Laish - Afterward called “Dan” (Judges 18:29). The exact site has not been identified, but it was the northern extremity of Israel, near the sources of the Jordan, and about four miles from Panium, or Caesarea-Philippi. It is thought to have stood where the village Tell-el-Kadi now stands.
After the manner of the Zidonians - The genius of the Zidonians being mechanical and commercial, not military, their colonists were apt to neglect fortifications and similar warlike precautions. In Solomon’s time, the Zidonians were especially skillful in hewing timber (1 Kings 5:6; 1 Chronicles 22:4), and it is highly probable, from their proximity to Lebanon, that such was the occupation of the men of Laish.
Quiet and secure ... - This is a very obscure and difficult passage. Translate as follows: “Quiet and secure, and none of them doing any injury in the land, possessing wealth,” or “dominion.”
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