Judges 18:6

And the priest told them, "Go in peace. The LORD is watching over your journey."

Study Bible

And the priest told them
The role of the priest in ancient Israel was significant, serving as a mediator between God and the people. In this context, the priest is providing guidance to the Danite spies. The Hebrew word for "priest" is "kohen," which denotes someone who performs sacred duties. This highlights the importance of seeking divine counsel through established religious channels. Historically, priests were seen as authoritative figures who could discern God's will, emphasizing the need for spiritual leadership in decision-making.

Go in peace
The phrase "Go in peace" is a common biblical expression of blessing and assurance. The Hebrew word for peace is "shalom," which encompasses not just the absence of conflict but a sense of completeness and well-being. This blessing implies that the journey is under divine favor and protection. In the broader biblical narrative, peace is often associated with God's presence and approval, suggesting that the Danites' mission is sanctioned by God.

The LORD is watching over your journey
The assurance that "The LORD is watching over your journey" conveys a profound sense of divine providence and protection. The Hebrew name for God used here is "Yahweh," the covenant name of God, indicating a personal and relational aspect of God's care. The concept of God watching over His people is a recurring theme in Scripture, reflecting His omniscience and omnipresence. This assurance would have been particularly comforting in the uncertain and often dangerous context of ancient travel, reinforcing the belief that God is actively involved in the lives of His people.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Priest
A Levite who was serving as a priest for Micah, a man from the hill country of Ephraim. This priest was not serving in an official capacity as prescribed by the Mosaic Law, highlighting the spiritual confusion of the time.

2. The Danites
Members of the tribe of Dan who were seeking a territory to settle in, as they had not yet secured their inheritance in the Promised Land.

3. Micah
An Ephraimite who had set up a shrine with idols and appointed his own priest, reflecting the religious syncretism and idolatry prevalent in Israel during the period of the Judges.

4. The Journey
The Danites were on a journey to find a new land to inhabit, as they were unable to conquer the territory originally allotted to them.

5. The LORD's Watching
The priest's assurance that the LORD was overseeing their journey, which raises questions about the legitimacy of his spiritual authority and the Danites' actions.

Teaching Points

Discernment in Spiritual Guidance
Not all who claim to speak for God are truly His messengers. Believers must discern the source and alignment of spiritual guidance with Scripture.

The Danger of Syncretism
Mixing true worship with idolatry leads to spiritual confusion and disobedience. Christians are called to worship God in spirit and truth.

The Illusion of Peace
Superficial assurances of peace can be misleading. True peace comes from obedience to God's will, not merely from human pronouncements.

The Role of Legitimate Authority
Spiritual authority should be rooted in God's Word and His established order. The Danites' reliance on an unauthorized priest serves as a warning against self-appointed spiritual leaders.

God's Sovereignty and Human Responsibility
While God is sovereign, humans are responsible for their actions. The Danites' journey was under God's watch, but their choices were their own.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of the priest in Judges 18:6 compare to the biblical qualifications for spiritual leaders found in the New Testament?

2. In what ways can believers today ensure that the spiritual guidance they receive aligns with Scripture?

3. What are some modern examples of syncretism in worship, and how can Christians guard against them?

4. How can we discern between true peace from God and false assurances that may lead us astray?

5. Reflect on a time when you sought God's guidance. How did you ensure that the direction you received was in line with His Word?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Numbers 6:24-26
The priest's blessing echoes the Aaronic blessing, suggesting a desire for divine favor, though the context in Judges reveals a misuse of religious language.

Proverbs 3:5-6
The idea of God directing one's path is central, yet the Danites' reliance on a questionable priest contrasts with the call to trust in the LORD wholeheartedly.

1 Samuel 15:22
The importance of obedience over ritualistic assurances is highlighted, as the Danites' actions were not in line with God's commands.