Bible Commentary

Judges 18

Judges 18 — Overview

Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible · Matthew Henry (1662–1714) · Public Domain

How idolatry crept into the family of Micah we read in the preceding chapter, how it was translated thence into the tribe of Dan we have an account in this chapter, and how it gained a settlement in a city of note; for how great a matter does a little fire kindle! The tribe of Dan had their lot assigned them last of all the tribes, and, it happening to be too strait for them, a considerable city in the utmost corner of Canaan northward was added to it. "Let them get it, and take it;" it was called Laish or Leshem, Josh. xix. 47. Now here we are told, I. How they sent spies to bring them an account of the place, who, by the way, got acquainted with Micah's priest, ver. 1-6. II. What an encouraging report these spies brought back, ver. 7-10. III. What forces were sent to conquer Laish, ver. 11-13. IV. How they, by the way, plundered Micah of his gods, ver. 14-26. V. How easily they conquered Laish (ver. 27-29), and, when they had it, set up the graven image in it, ver. 30, 31.

The Expedition of the Danites. (b. c. 1406.)

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Judges 18 — OverviewJudges 18 · Treasury of Scripture KnowledgeJudges 18:1, The Danites send five men to seek out an inheritance; Judges 18:3, At the house of Micah they consult with Jonathan, and are encouraged on their way; Judges 18:7, They search Laish, and bring back news of…Judges 18 — OverviewJudges 18 · John Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleThis chapter relates how the Danites, being overcrowed in their inheritance, sent out spies to search the land, and see if they could find any proper place to add unto it, and enlarge it, Jud 18:1 who returned and…Judges 18:1-6Judges 18:1-6 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleHere is, 1. The eye which these Danites had upon Laish, not the whole tribe of Dan, but one family of them, to whose lot, in the subdivision of Canaan, that city fell. Hitherto this family had sojourned with…Judges 18:1-31Judges 18:1-31 · The Pulpit CommentaryEXPOSITION 18:1 In those days, etc. See 17:6. The tribe of the Danites sought them an inheritance, etc. This does not mean that the whole tribe of Dan were still seeking their inheritance. The bulk of the tribe, as we…Judges 18:1-31Judges 18:1-31 · The Pulpit CommentaryII. THE NATURAL SIDE OF MICAH'S DISTRESS. There is much in it which speaks well for Micah. Micah is a religious man. To him the loss of what he believes to be the source of religious blessings is a great trouble. Are…Judges 18:1Judges 18:1 · Treasury of Scripture Knowledgeno king: The word mailech:, which generally means a king, is sometimes taken for a supreme ruler, governor, or judge (see note on Genesis 36:31, and see note on Deuteronomy 33:5); and it is probable it should be so…