Judges 18:7

So the five men departed and came to Laish, where they saw that the people were living securely, like the Sidonians, tranquil and unsuspecting. There was nothing lacking in the land and no oppressive ruler. And they were far away from the Sidonians and had no alliance with anyone.

Study Bible

So the five men departed and came to Laish
The phrase "So the five men departed" indicates a continuation of the narrative from the previous verses, where the tribe of Dan sent out five men to spy out the land. This action reflects the exploratory missions common in ancient Israelite history, reminiscent of the twelve spies sent by Moses in Numbers 13. The Hebrew root for "departed" (יָלַךְ, yalak) often implies a purposeful journey, suggesting that these men were on a divinely sanctioned mission, albeit one that would lead to questionable moral decisions. "Laish" was a city located in the northern part of Canaan, known for its isolation and vulnerability, which made it an attractive target for the Danites seeking a new homeland.

and saw the people who were there, how they lived in safety
The phrase "and saw the people who were there" emphasizes the reconnaissance aspect of the mission. The Hebrew verb רָאָה (ra'ah) means "to see" or "to perceive," indicating not just physical sight but an understanding of the situation. The people of Laish "lived in safety," which in Hebrew is בֶּטַח (betach), meaning security or confidence. This suggests a peaceful, unsuspecting community, living without fear of attack, which is further elaborated in the text. Historically, this reflects the period of the Judges, where city-states often existed independently, without strong alliances or military defenses.

in the manner of the Sidonians, tranquil and unsuspecting
The "manner of the Sidonians" refers to the cultural and economic practices of the Phoenician city of Sidon, known for its wealth and trade. The Sidonians were a maritime people, often living in prosperity and peace due to their strategic coastal location. The Hebrew word for "tranquil" is שַׁקֵּט (shaket), meaning quiet or at ease, and "unsuspecting" is בֹּטֵחַ (boteach), meaning trusting or secure. This description paints a picture of a community that is prosperous and complacent, unaware of the impending threat. Theologically, this can be seen as a warning against spiritual complacency and the dangers of false security.

There was no ruler to shame them in anything
This phrase highlights the lack of a centralized authority or king in Laish, which is significant in the context of the Book of Judges, where "everyone did what was right in his own eyes" (Judges 21:25). The absence of a "ruler" (קָצִין, qatsin) implies a lack of governance or military leadership, making the city vulnerable. The word "shame" (כָּלַם, kalam) can mean to humiliate or to correct, suggesting that there was no one to hold the people accountable or to guide them in times of crisis. This absence of leadership is a recurring theme in Judges, illustrating the need for godly leadership and the consequences of its absence.

They were far from the Sidonians and had no alliance with anyone
The geographical isolation of Laish, "far from the Sidonians," underscores their vulnerability. The Hebrew word for "far" is רָחוֹק (rachok), indicating a significant distance, both physically and relationally. The lack of "alliance" (דָּבָר, dabar, meaning word or agreement) with other nations or cities left Laish without allies or support in times of conflict. This isolation is a critical factor in their downfall, serving as a cautionary tale about the importance of community and alliances, both physically and spiritually. In a broader biblical context, it reflects the dangers of isolation from the community of faith and the protection it offers.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Five Men
These are the scouts sent by the tribe of Dan to explore the land for potential settlement. Their mission was to find a place where the tribe could relocate due to their inability to secure their allotted inheritance.

2. Laish
A city inhabited by a people living in peace and security, without any immediate threats or alliances. The city was isolated, making it vulnerable to external threats.

3. Sidonians
The people of Sidon, a prominent Phoenician city. The inhabitants of Laish were geographically and politically distant from the Sidonians, which contributed to their isolation.

4. Danites
The tribe of Dan, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, seeking a new territory due to their failure to conquer their original inheritance.

5. Land without a Ruler
The absence of a ruler in Laish signifies a lack of centralized authority, which contributed to the city's vulnerability.

Teaching Points

The Danger of Isolation
Just as Laish was vulnerable due to its isolation, Christians are reminded of the importance of community and accountability within the body of Christ.

The Importance of Leadership
The absence of a ruler in Laish highlights the need for godly leadership and governance, both in personal life and within the church.

Vigilance in Peace
The people of Laish lived in peace but were unsuspecting of danger. Believers are called to be vigilant and spiritually alert, even in times of peace.

Seeking God's Guidance
The Danites' quest for a new home underscores the importance of seeking God's guidance and direction in our decisions and endeavors.

Consequences of Disobedience
The Danites' failure to secure their original inheritance serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the importance of faithfulness to God's commands.

Bible Study Questions

1. What lessons can we learn from the vulnerability of Laish about the importance of community and accountability in our own lives?

2. How does the absence of a ruler in Laish relate to the need for godly leadership in our families, churches, and communities?

3. In what ways can we remain spiritually vigilant and prepared, even when our lives seem peaceful and secure?

4. How can the Danites' search for a new home inspire us to seek God's guidance in our own decisions and life changes?

5. Reflect on a time when disobedience led to unintended consequences in your life. How can this passage encourage you to remain faithful to God's commands?

Connections to Other Scriptures

The situation in Laish can be compared to the vulnerability of cities without walls or defenses, as seen in Proverbs, which speaks of the importance of self-control and protection.

The isolation of Laish is reminiscent of the warnings in Proverbs about the dangers of being disconnected from wise counsel and community.

The Danites' search for a new home echoes the broader account of Israel's struggle to fully possess the Promised Land, as seen throughout the book of Joshua.