Judges 18:1-31

18:1-2 | Having failed to conquer their territory due to laziness and cowardice (1:34; Josh. 19:40-48), the Danites were still looking for a place to settle. Unlike the two previous spy missions (Num. 13-14; Josh. 2:1-24), this mission lacked the Lord’s authorization.

18:4-6 | The priest disobeyed several Levitical laws: he performed priestly duties in a house rather than in the tabernacle; he used idols; he claimed to speak for God when he had not even inquired of God, let alone received a message from Him. This priest knew religious phrases – Go in peace. The presence of the LORD be with you on your way – but he was far from knowing God.

18:18-20 | Because he was in the priesthood for the money and prestige, the young priest’s heart was glad to follow the tribe of Dan when it seemed in his best interests. The NT qualifications for church leaders include being motivated to serve God and his people rather than being motivated by dishonest gain (1 Tim. 3:8; Titus 1:7; 1 Pet. 5:2).

18:27-31 | Rather than destroying the cities within their inheritance that were centers of idolatry (Deut. 13:12-15), the tribe of Dan conquered cities like Laish that were outside their assigned territory (Josh. 19:47). Dan then set up their own idols, unaware that worshiping images of God was not the same as worshiping God Himself.

18:30-31 | Ironically, while false worship continued at Dan throughout the period of the judges, true worship was available to the people of Shiloh (Deut. 12:1-32).