Judges 18:14 - Then the five men who went to spy out the country of Laish answered, and said to their brothers, “Do you know that there is in these houses an ephod, and teraphim, and a carved image, and a molten image? Now therefore consider what you have to do.”
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What does "Judges 18:14" mean?
This verse from Judges 18:14 is part of a larger narrative where the tribe of Dan is seeking new territory to settle because they were unable to drive out the inhabitants of their allotted land. This verse highlights a specific moment in that quest. Let's break down what it means:
"Then the five men who went to spy out the country of Laish...": These five men were previously sent to scout the land of Laish (also known as Leshem), a city located in a peaceful and unsuspecting region. They were assessing its suitability for the Danites to conquer and inhabit.
"...answered, and said to their brothers...": Upon returning to the main group of Danite warriors, the five spies report their findings.
"Do you know that there is in these houses an ephod, and teraphim, and a carved image, and a molten image?": This is the crucial part of the verse. The spies are specifically pointing out that in the homes of the people of Laish, there are religious objects:
Ephod: This was a priestly garment, often associated with divination or seeking guidance from God.
Teraphim: These were household idols or images, believed to have the power to provide protection or fortune.
Carved image and a molten image: These are generic terms for idols made through different crafting methods. These items were objects of idolatry.
"Now therefore consider what you have to do.": This is the spies' suggestion or implied call to action. They are suggesting that the presence of these religious items presents an opportunity or a challenge:
Opportunity: They might see it as an opportunity to steal these objects and incorporate them into their own religious practices. Remember, this is during a time when "everyone did what was right in their own eyes" (Judges 21:25), and religious syncretism (mixing different religious beliefs) was common.
Strategic advantage: They could think the presence of these idols could indicate that the people of Laish rely on these false gods rather than strength, making them easier to defeat.
In essence, the spies are highlighting the presence of religious items in Laish, implying that they are valuable, easily attainable, and perhaps represent a weakness that the Danites can exploit.
Context is Key:
The importance of this verse is revealed in the subsequent verses, where the Danites do take these religious objects. This demonstrates:
The Danites' embrace of idolatry: This highlights the spiritual decline of Israel during the time of the Judges. Instead of being faithful to God, they are willing to adopt the religious practices of other nations.
The Danites' pragmatism: They are focused on their own interests, even if it means violating God's commands.
The Danites proceed to conquer Laish, take the idols, and establish their own worship center, demonstrating their departure from the true worship of God. This story illustrates a significant part of the book of Judges, which highlights the chaotic state of Israel and their repeated cycles of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance.
Judges 18:14 - Then the five men who went to spy out the country of Laish answered, and said to their brothers, “Do you know that there is in these houses an ephod, and teraphim, and a carved image, and a molten image? Now therefore consider what you have to do.”
What does "Judges 18:14" mean?
This verse from Judges 18:14 is part of a larger narrative where the tribe of Dan is seeking new territory to settle because they were unable to drive out the inhabitants of their allotted land. This verse highlights a specific moment in that quest. Let's break down what it means:
"Then the five men who went to spy out the country of Laish...": These five men were previously sent to scout the land of Laish (also known as Leshem), a city located in a peaceful and unsuspecting region. They were assessing its suitability for the Danites to conquer and inhabit.
"...answered, and said to their brothers...": Upon returning to the main group of Danite warriors, the five spies report their findings.
"Do you know that there is in these houses an ephod, and teraphim, and a carved image, and a molten image?": This is the crucial part of the verse. The spies are specifically pointing out that in the homes of the people of Laish, there are religious objects:
Ephod: This was a priestly garment, often associated with divination or seeking guidance from God.
Teraphim: These were household idols or images, believed to have the power to provide protection or fortune.
Carved image and a molten image: These are generic terms for idols made through different crafting methods. These items were objects of idolatry.
"Now therefore consider what you have to do.": This is the spies' suggestion or implied call to action. They are suggesting that the presence of these religious items presents an opportunity or a challenge:
Opportunity: They might see it as an opportunity to steal these objects and incorporate them into their own religious practices. Remember, this is during a time when "everyone did what was right in their own eyes" (Judges 21:25), and religious syncretism (mixing different religious beliefs) was common.
Strategic advantage: They could think the presence of these idols could indicate that the people of Laish rely on these false gods rather than strength, making them easier to defeat.
In essence, the spies are highlighting the presence of religious items in Laish, implying that they are valuable, easily attainable, and perhaps represent a weakness that the Danites can exploit.
Context is Key:
The importance of this verse is revealed in the subsequent verses, where the Danites do take these religious objects. This demonstrates:
The Danites' embrace of idolatry: This highlights the spiritual decline of Israel during the time of the Judges. Instead of being faithful to God, they are willing to adopt the religious practices of other nations.
The Danites' pragmatism: They are focused on their own interests, even if it means violating God's commands.
The Danites proceed to conquer Laish, take the idols, and establish their own worship center, demonstrating their departure from the true worship of God. This story illustrates a significant part of the book of Judges, which highlights the chaotic state of Israel and their repeated cycles of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance.