Verses 1-31

CHAPTER 18 The Danite Idolatry

1. The Danites seek an inheritance ( 18:1-12)

2. Their robbery ( 18:13-26)

3. Laish taken and idolatry consummated ( 18:27-31)

The history of this chapter is closely linked with the preceding. The tribe of Dan had failed to take the God-given inheritance (Joshua 19:40-46). “The Amorites forced the children of Dan into the mountain: for they would not suffer them to come down to the valley” ( 1:34). Then in self-will, entirely disregarding the will of God, they sent out spies to seek another inheritance. They meet Micah’s priest, the hireling. Micah’s idolatrous outfit including the hired priest are taken by the invaders. The hireling sees an advantage for himself, his “usefulness” is enlarged for filthy lucre’s sake. Then they killed the people of Laish and set their city on fire. The whole tribe of Dan becomes idolatrous. We have in all a picture of complete apostasy.