Lexical Summary Layish: Layish Original Word: לַיִשׁ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Laish The same as layish; Laish, the name of two places in Palestine -- Laish. Compare Luwsh. see HEBREW layish see HEBREW Luwsh Brown-Driver-Briggs II. לַ֫יִשׁ proper name, of a location (on meaning lion, compare RSSemitic i. 156 (om. 2nd ed.)); — former name of Dan, in extreme north of Canaan, Judges 18:7,14,27,29 (see דָּן b); ᵐ5 Λαισα; = לֶשֶׁם q. v.; compare BuhlGeogr. § 124. III. לַ֫יִשׁ proper name, masculine father of Michal's second husband, 1 Samuel 25:44 + 2 Samuel 3:15 Qr (Kt לושׁ), ᵐ5 A Λμεις, Σελλης, ᵐ5L Ιωας, Σελλειμ. לַ֫יְשָׁה proper name, of a location North of Jerusalem Isaiah 10:30 (perhaps akin to III. לַיִשׁ, see Di); site unknown; see KasterenZPV xiii. 101 conjecture `Isawiye, village two miles northeast from Jerusalem (PEFMap; Mem. iii. 27 RobBR i. 437 compare BuhlGeogr. 175), ᵐ5 ἐν Σα, Λαισα. Topical Lexicon Biblical ReferencesThese seven occurrences speak of three related yet distinct entities: (1) a northern Canaanite city later renamed Dan, (2) the father of Palti—Saul’s substitute husband for Michal, and (3) a town (rendered “Laishah” in some English texts) mentioned by Isaiah in a prophecy against Assyrian invasion. The Northern City of Laish 1. Geographic setting Situated at the northernmost edge of Israel’s later territories, Laish lay near the headwaters of the Jordan, isolated “far from the Sidonians” (Judges 18:7). Its valley was “lush and spacious,” offering agricultural plenty and strategic control of trade routes between Phoenicia and the inland. 2. Character of its inhabitants Scripture twice describes the Laishites as “peaceful and secure… lacking nothing and possessing great wealth” (Judges 18:7, 27). Their prosperity bred complacency; they had no protective alliance and maintained no standing army. This moral lesson recurs throughout the Old Testament: material affluence without covenantal anchorage leaves a people exposed. 3. Conquest by the tribe of Dan a. The scouting party (Judges 18:7, 14) Five Danite spies identified Laish’s vulnerabilities. Meeting no resistance, they returned to rally six hundred armed men. b. The overthrow (Judges 18:27) “They struck Laish with the sword and burned the city”. The sudden capture highlights the disparity between worldly security and true divine protection. c. Renaming and re-centering (Judges 18:29) Dan renamed the city after their progenitor, cementing an alternate northern cultic center through the graven image taken from Micah’s house. The site later became infamous in Israel’s religious history, contributing to Jeroboam’s golden-calf worship (1 Kings 12:29). Laish reminds readers that territorial expansion apart from wholehearted obedience can foster long-term spiritual decline. Laish, Father of Palti Saul gave Michal to “Palti son of Laish of Gallim” after David fled (1 Samuel 25:44). The name resurfaces when David demanded her return: “David sent messengers… ‘Give me my wife Michal’… So Ish-bosheth took her from her husband Paltiel son of Laish” (2 Samuel 3:14-15). 1. Family dynamics Saul’s action severed David’s lawful marriage, weaponizing family relationships for political gain. Laish’s household lost Michal when the kingdom shifted to David, demonstrating that the LORD safeguards His anointed and overrules human intrigues. Laishah in Isaiah’s Oracle “Listen, Laishah! O poor Anathoth!” (Isaiah 10:30). Here the prophet paints a tableau of towns trembling before the Assyrian advance. Laishah’s outcry underscores the comprehensive reach of God’s judgment—no settlement, large or small, escapes accountability. The mention preserves the memory of a minor Benjaminite hamlet and warns succeeding generations that security lies only in repentance and trust in the LORD. Theological and Ministry Significance 1. False security versus true refuge Laish represents prosperity without covenant. The Danite conquest and later Assyrian invasion illustrate how quickly earthly defenses crumble. Ministry must therefore confront self-sufficiency and direct people to Christ, “our refuge and strength” (Psalm 46:1). 2. Compromise in leadership Dan’s syncretistic shrine at former Laish shows how leadership decisions shape worship for centuries. Faithful shepherds today guard doctrine lest convenience eclipse obedience. 3. Restoration of rightful relationships The return of Michal from Palti’s house exhibits the LORD’s vindication of covenant order. Marital fidelity, rightful succession, and respect for divine appointments remain priorities for God’s people. 4. Judgment and hope in prophecy Isaiah’s Laishah, surrounded by impending doom, invites reflection on the certainty of judgment and the availability of deliverance for those who heed the prophetic call. Key Lessons • Material blessing is a gift, not a fortress; seek the Giver, not the gift. Forms and Transliterations לַ֖יְשָׁה לַ֖יִשׁ לַ֗יִשׁ לַ֥יִשׁ לַיִשׁ֒ לָ֑יְשָׁה לָֽיִשׁ׃ ליש ליש׃ לישה lā·yə·šāh la·yiš lā·yiš lay·šāh lāyəšāh Layeshah layiš lāyiš laYish layšāh LayshahLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Judges 18:7 HEB: הָאֲנָשִׁ֔ים וַיָּבֹ֖אוּ לָ֑יְשָׁה וַיִּרְא֣וּ אֶת־ NAS: and came to Laish and saw KJV: and came to Laish, and saw INT: men and came to Laish and saw the people Judges 18:14 Judges 18:27 Judges 18:29 1 Samuel 25:44 2 Samuel 3:15 Isaiah 10:30 7 Occurrences |
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