Judges 18:1

In those days there was no king in Israel, and the tribe of the Danites was looking for territory to occupy. For up to that time they had not come into an inheritance among the tribes of Israel.

Study Bible

In those days
This phrase sets the historical context for the events that follow. It refers to the period of the Judges, a time characterized by a cyclical pattern of Israel's disobedience, oppression by enemies, cries for deliverance, and God raising up judges to save them. The Hebrew root for "days" (יָמִים, yamim) often signifies not just a literal day but an era or period, emphasizing the chaotic and leaderless nature of this time in Israel's history.

there was no king in Israel
This statement underscores the lack of centralized leadership and governance in Israel during the time of the Judges. The absence of a king is significant, as it highlights the anarchy and moral relativism that prevailed. The Hebrew word for "king" (מֶלֶךְ, melek) implies not just a political leader but one who is supposed to uphold God's law and justice. This phrase is a recurring theme in Judges, pointing to the need for righteous leadership.

And in those days
The repetition of this phrase emphasizes the continuity of the situation described. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing instability and the need for divine intervention. The use of "and" (וְ, ve) in Hebrew often connects thoughts and events, suggesting that what follows is a direct consequence of the preceding conditions.

the tribe of the Danites
The Danites were one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Dan, the son of Jacob and Bilhah. Historically, the tribe of Dan struggled to secure their allotted inheritance in the Promised Land, as described in Joshua 19. The mention of the Danites here sets the stage for their quest for territory, reflecting their dissatisfaction and restlessness.

was seeking a territory
This phrase indicates the Danites' active pursuit of land to settle. The Hebrew root for "seeking" (בָּקַשׁ, baqash) conveys a sense of searching or striving, often with determination. The Danites' search for territory highlights their failure to fully trust in God's provision and their willingness to take matters into their own hands.

for themselves to inhabit
The focus on "for themselves" suggests a self-centered motivation, contrasting with the communal and covenantal identity that God intended for Israel. The Hebrew word for "inhabit" (לָשֶׁבֶת, lashevet) implies settling or dwelling, which in the biblical context often carries the connotation of establishing a permanent home in accordance with God's promises.

because they had not yet come into an inheritance
This phrase explains the reason for the Danites' quest. The concept of "inheritance" (נַחֲלָה, nachalah) in Hebrew is deeply tied to the covenant promises of God to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It signifies not just land but a divine gift and a place within God's plan. The Danites' lack of inheritance reflects both their incomplete obedience and the broader theme of Israel's struggle to fully realize God's promises.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Danites
A tribe of Israel, descendants of Dan, one of the twelve sons of Jacob. They were seeking a territory to settle in because they had not yet secured their inheritance in the Promised Land.

2. Israel
The nation chosen by God, consisting of twelve tribes. At this time, Israel was a confederation of tribes without a centralized monarchy.

3. Inheritance
Refers to the land allotted to each tribe of Israel as their permanent possession, as promised by God to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Godly Leadership
The absence of a king in Israel during this time led to moral and spiritual chaos. This highlights the need for godly leadership to guide and unify God's people.

Trusting in God's Promises
The Danites' struggle to secure their inheritance reminds us of the importance of trusting in God's promises and timing, even when circumstances seem challenging.

The Consequences of Disobedience
The Danites' failure to fully possess their land as initially allotted can be seen as a consequence of incomplete obedience to God's commands, serving as a warning to us today.

Seeking God's Guidance
In times of uncertainty, like the Danites faced, it is crucial to seek God's guidance rather than relying solely on human wisdom and strength.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the phrase "there was no king in Israel" suggest about the spiritual and moral state of the nation during this time?

2. How does the struggle of the Danites to secure their inheritance reflect our own challenges in trusting God's promises?

3. In what ways can the absence of godly leadership affect a community or nation today, and how can we apply this understanding in our own lives?

4. How can we ensure that we are fully obedient to God's commands, and what steps can we take to avoid the pitfalls of partial obedience?

5. Reflect on a time when you faced uncertainty. How did seeking God's guidance help you, and how can you apply this experience to future challenges?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Joshua 19:40-48
This passage details the original allotment of land to the tribe of Dan, which they struggled to fully possess due to the presence of strong Canaanite inhabitants.

Judges 17:6
This verse highlights the recurring theme in Judges that "In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes," setting the stage for the events in chapter 18.

Genesis 49:16-17
Jacob's blessing to Dan, which includes a prophecy about Dan's future role among the tribes of Israel, providing context for their actions in seeking an inheritance.