Judges 18:11

So six hundred Danites departed from Zorah and Eshtaol, armed with weapons of war.

Study Bible

And six hundred men
The phrase "six hundred men" indicates a significant military force, especially in the context of ancient Israelite tribes. The number six hundred is often associated with completeness or a substantial group in biblical terms. This group of Danites represents a determined and organized effort to secure a new territory, reflecting the tribal dynamics and the need for expansion during the period of the Judges.

of the Danites
The Danites were one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Dan, the fifth son of Jacob and Bilhah. Historically, the tribe of Dan struggled to secure its allotted inheritance in the Promised Land, as described in Joshua 19:40-48. This struggle led them to seek new territory, as seen in this passage. The Danites' actions in Judges 18 reflect their ongoing quest for a secure homeland, highlighting the challenges faced by the tribes during the settlement period.

armed with weapons of war
This phrase underscores the preparedness and intent of the Danites. The Hebrew root for "armed" (חָלוּץ, chalutz) conveys the idea of being equipped and ready for battle. The mention of "weapons of war" emphasizes the seriousness of their mission and the potential for conflict. In the ancient Near East, such preparations were essential for survival and success in territorial expansion.

set out from Zorah and Eshtaol
Zorah and Eshtaol were towns located in the territory originally allotted to the tribe of Dan, near the border of Philistine territory. These locations are significant as they mark the starting point of the Danites' journey to find a new homeland. Archaeological evidence suggests these areas were part of the Shephelah, a region of low hills, which was strategically important and often contested. The departure from these towns signifies a pivotal moment in the Danites' history, as they leave their traditional lands in search of a more secure future.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Danites
A tribe of Israel, descendants of Dan, one of the twelve sons of Jacob. In this context, they are seeking a new territory to inhabit.

2. Zorah and Eshtaol
These are towns in the territory originally allotted to the tribe of Dan. They serve as the starting point for the Danites' expedition.

3. Six Hundred Men
This group represents a military force from the tribe of Dan, indicating a significant mobilization for the purpose of conquest.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Disobedience
The Danites' need to find new land is a direct result of their failure to fully trust and obey God in conquering their original inheritance. This serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience to God's commands.

Seeking God's Guidance
The Danites' decision to move without seeking God's direction highlights the necessity of seeking divine guidance in our decisions. We should prioritize prayer and discernment in our own lives.

The Dangers of Self-Reliance
The reliance on military strength rather than God's provision is evident in the Danites' actions. This teaches us the importance of relying on God rather than our own abilities or resources.

Community and Leadership
The mobilization of six hundred men indicates a collective decision and action. This underscores the importance of community and leadership in pursuing God's purposes.

Bible Study Questions

1. What can we learn from the Danites' failure to possess their original inheritance, and how does this apply to our spiritual inheritance in Christ?

2. How does the account of the Danites challenge us to seek God's guidance in our own decision-making processes?

3. In what ways do we sometimes rely on our own strength rather than God's provision, and how can we shift our focus to trust in Him?

4. How does the concept of community and leadership in the account of the Danites inform our understanding of the church's role today?

5. Reflecting on the Danites' journey, what steps can we take to ensure we are living in obedience to God's will in our personal and communal lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Joshua 19:40-48
This passage details the original allotment of land to the tribe of Dan, providing context for their need to seek new territory.

Judges 1:34
This verse explains the initial failure of the Danites to fully possess their allotted land due to the resistance of the Amorites, setting the stage for their migration.

Genesis 49:16-17
Jacob's blessing over Dan, which includes a prophecy about Dan's future role among the tribes of Israel, can be seen as a backdrop to their actions in Judges 18.