Judges 18:23
New International Version
As they shouted after them, the Danites turned and said to Micah, “What’s the matter with you that you called out your men to fight?”

New Living Translation
They were shouting as they caught up with them. The men of Dan turned around and said to Micah, “What’s the matter? Why have you called these men together and chased after us like this?”

English Standard Version
And they shouted to the people of Dan, who turned around and said to Micah, “What is the matter with you, that you come with such a company?”

Berean Standard Bible
When they called out after them, the Danites turned to face them and said to Micah, “What is the matter with you that you have called out such a company?”

Berean Literal Bible
And they called out to the sons of Dan, and they turned around and said to Micah, “What ails you that you have gathered such a company?”

King James Bible
And they cried unto the children of Dan. And they turned their faces, and said unto Micah, What aileth thee, that thou comest with such a company?

New King James Version
And they called out to the children of Dan. So they turned around and said to Micah, “What ails you, that you have gathered such a company?”

New American Standard Bible
Then they called out to the sons of Dan, who turned around and said to Micah, “What is the matter with you, that you have assembled together?”

NASB 1995
They cried to the sons of Dan, who turned around and said to Micah, “What is the matter with you, that you have assembled together?”

NASB 1977
And they cried to the sons of Dan, who turned around and said to Micah, “What is the matter with you, that you have assembled together?”

Legacy Standard Bible
And they called out to the sons of Dan, who turned around and said to Micah, “What is the matter with you, that you were summoned together?”

Amplified Bible
They shouted to the Danites, who turned and said to Micah, “What is your reason for assembling [against us]?”

Berean Annotated Bible
When they called out after them, the Danites (He has judged) turned to face them and said to Micah (who is like God), “What is the matter with you that you have called out such a company?

Christian Standard Bible
They called to the Danites, who turned to face them, and said to Micah, “What’s the matter with you that you mustered the men? ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
They called to the Danites, who turned to face them, and said to Micah, “What’s the matter with you that you mobilized the men?”

American Standard Version
And they cried unto the children of Dan. And they turned their faces, and said unto Micah, What aileth thee, that thou comest with such a company?

Contemporary English Version
and shouted for them to stop. They turned to face him and asked, "What's wrong? Why did you bring all these men?"

English Revised Version
And they cried unto the children of Dan. And they turned their faces, and said unto Micah, What aileth thee, that thou comest with such a company?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
They shouted at them. But the people of Dan turned around and said to Micah, "What's your problem? Why did you call your neighbors together to attack us?"

Good News Translation
and shouted at them. The Danites turned around and asked Micah, "What's the matter? Why all this mob?"

International Standard Version
They yelled at the descendants of Dan, who turned around to face Micah and asked, "What's wrong with you? You've assembled together…?"

NET Bible
When they called out to the Danites, the Danites turned around and said to Micah, "Why have you gathered together?"

New Heart English Bible
They cried to the people of Dan. They turned their faces, and said to Micah, "What's wrong with you, that you come with such a company?"

Webster's Bible Translation
And they cried to the children of Dan. And they turned their faces, and said to Micah, What aileth thee, that thou comest with such a company?
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
When they called out after them, the Danites turned to face them and said to Micah, “What is the matter with you that you have called out such a company?”

World English Bible
As they called to the children of Dan, they turned their faces, and said to Micah, “What ails you, that you come with such a company?”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and call to the sons of Dan, and they turn their faces around, and say to Micah, “What [is this] to you that you have been called together?”

Berean Literal Bible
And they called out to the sons of Dan, and they turned around and said to Micah, “What ails you that you have gathered such a company?”

Young's Literal Translation
and call unto the sons of Dan, and they turn round their faces, and say to Micah, 'What -- to thee that thou hast been called together?'

Smith's Literal Translation
And they will call to the sons of Dan, and they will turn their faces and say to Micah, What to thee that thou criedst out?
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And began to shout out after them. They looked back, and said to Michas: What aileth thee? Why dost thou cry?

Catholic Public Domain Version
And they began to shout behind their backs. And when they had looked back, they said to Micah: “What do you want? Why are you crying out?”

New American Bible
They called to the Danites, who turned and said to Micah, “What do you want that you have called this muster?”

New Revised Standard Version
They shouted to the Danites, who turned around and said to Micah, “What is the matter that you come with such a company?”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And he shouted to the Danites, and they turned and said to Micah, What ails you, that you shout?

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And he called to the sons of Dan and they turned and they said to Mikah: “What is with you, that you shout?”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And they cried unto the children of Dan. And they turned their faces, and said unto Micah: 'What aileth thee, that thou comest with such a company?'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the children of Dan turned their face, and said to Michaias, What is the matter with thee that thou hast cried out?

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Danites Take Micah's Idols
22After they were some distance from Micah’s house, the men in the houses near Micah’s house mobilized and overtook the Danites. 23When they called out after them, the Danites turned to face them and said to Micah, “What is the matter with you that you have called out such a company?” 24He replied, “You took the gods I had made, and my priest, and went away. What else do I have? How can you say to me, ‘What is the matter with you?’ ”…

Cross References
When they called out after them,

Genesis 31:25-27
Now Jacob had pitched his tent in the hill country of Gilead when Laban overtook him, and Laban and his relatives camped there as well. / Then Laban said to Jacob, “What have you done? You have deceived me and carried off my daughters like captives of war! / Why did you run away secretly and deceive me, without even telling me? I would have sent you away with joy and singing, with tambourines and harps.

Genesis 44:4-6
They had not gone far from the city when Joseph told his steward, “Pursue the men at once, and when you overtake them, ask, ‘Why have you repaid good with evil? / Is this not the cup my master drinks from and uses for divination? What you have done is wicked!’” / When the steward overtook them, he relayed these words to them.

2 Kings 2:12-14
As Elisha watched, he cried out, “My father, my father, the chariots and horsemen of Israel!” And he saw Elijah no more. So taking hold of his own clothes, he tore them in two. / Elisha also picked up the cloak that had fallen from Elijah, and he went back and stood on the bank of the Jordan. / Then he took the cloak of Elijah that had fallen from him and struck the waters. “Where now is the LORD, the God of Elijah?” he asked. And when he had struck the waters, they parted to the right and to the left, and Elisha crossed over.
the Danites turned to face them

Joshua 8:20-22
When the men of Ai turned and looked back, the smoke of the city was rising into the sky. They could not escape in any direction, and the troops who had fled to the wilderness now turned against their pursuers. / When Joshua and all Israel saw that the men in ambush had captured the city and that smoke was rising from it, they turned around and struck down the men of Ai. / Meanwhile, those in the ambush came out of the city against them, and the men of Ai were trapped between the Israelite forces on both sides. So Israel struck them down until no survivor or fugitive remained.

2 Chronicles 13:13-15
Now Jeroboam had sent troops around to ambush from the rear, so that while he was in front of Judah, the ambush was behind them. / When Judah turned and discovered that the battle was both before and behind them, they cried out to the LORD. Then the priests blew the trumpets, / and the men of Judah raised the battle cry. And when they raised the cry, God routed Jeroboam and all Israel before Abijah and Judah.

Nehemiah 4:13-18
So I stationed men behind the lowest sections of the wall, at the vulnerable areas. I stationed them by families with their swords, spears, and bows. / After I had made an inspection, I stood up and said to the nobles, the officials, and the rest of the people, “Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes.” / When our enemies heard that we were aware of their scheme and that God had frustrated it, each of us returned to his own work on the wall. …
and said to Micah,

Judges 17:10-13
“Stay with me,” Micah said to him, “and be my father and priest, and I will give you ten shekels of silver per year, a suit of clothes, and your provisions.” So the Levite went in / and agreed to stay with him, and the young man became like a son to Micah. / Micah ordained the Levite, and the young man became his priest and lived in his house. …

Judges 17:5-6
Now this man Micah had a shrine, and he made an ephod and some household idols, and ordained one of his sons as his priest. / In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.

1 Kings 12:31-33
Jeroboam also built shrines on the high places and appointed from every class of people priests who were not Levites. / And Jeroboam ordained a feast on the fifteenth day of the eighth month, like the feast that was in Judah, and he offered sacrifices on the altar; he made this offering in Bethel to sacrifice to the calves he had set up, and he installed priests in Bethel for the high places he had set up. / On the fifteenth day of the eighth month, a month of his own choosing, Jeroboam offered sacrifices on the altar he had set up in Bethel. So he ordained a feast for the Israelites, offered sacrifices on the altar, and burned incense.
“What is the matter with you

2 Kings 6:28-29
Then the king asked her, “What is the matter?” And she answered, “This woman said to me, ‘Give up your son, that we may eat him, and tomorrow we will eat my son.’ / So we boiled my son and ate him, and the next day I said to her, ‘Give up your son, that we may eat him.’ But she had hidden her son.”

1 Samuel 20:1
Then David fled from Naioth in Ramah. He came to Jonathan and asked, “What have I done? What is my iniquity? How have I sinned against your father, that he wants to take my life?”

Genesis 31:36-37
Then Jacob became incensed and challenged Laban. “What is my crime?” he said. “For what sin of mine have you so hotly pursued me? / You have searched all my goods! Have you found anything that belongs to you? Put it here before my brothers and yours, that they may judge between the two of us.
that you have called out such a company?”

1 Samuel 17:26-27
David asked the men who were standing with him, “What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and removes this disgrace from Israel? Just who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?” / The people told him about the offer, saying, “That is what will be done for the man who kills him.”

Numbers 16:2-3
a rebellion against Moses, along with 250 men of Israel renowned as leaders of the congregation and representatives in the assembly. / They came together against Moses and Aaron and told them, “You have taken too much upon yourselves! For everyone in the entire congregation is holy, and the LORD is in their midst. Why then do you exalt yourselves above the assembly of the LORD?”

2 Kings 1:9-12
Then King Ahaziah sent to Elijah a captain with his company of fifty men. So the captain went up to Elijah, who was sitting on top of a hill, and said to him, “Man of God, the king declares, ‘Come down!’” / Elijah answered the captain, “If I am a man of God, may fire come down from heaven and consume you and your fifty men.” And fire came down from heaven and consumed the captain and his fifty men. / So the king sent to Elijah another captain with his fifty men. And the captain said to Elijah, “Man of God, the king declares, ‘Come down at once!’” …
Joshua 19:47
(Later, when the territory of the Danites was lost to them, they went up and fought against Leshem, captured it, and put it to the sword. So they took possession of Leshem, settled there, and renamed it after their father Dan.)


Treasury of Scripture

And they cried to the children of Dan. And they turned their faces, and said to Micah, What ails you, that you come with such a company?

what aileth

Genesis 21:17
And God heard the voice of the lad; and the angel of God called to Hagar out of heaven, and said unto her, What aileth thee, Hagar? fear not; for God hath heard the voice of the lad where he is.

1 Samuel 11:5
And, behold, Saul came after the herd out of the field; and Saul said, What aileth the people that they weep? And they told him the tidings of the men of Jabesh.

2 Samuel 14:5
And the king said unto her, What aileth thee? And she answered, I am indeed a widow woman, and mine husband is dead.

comest.

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Aileth Ails Arms Assembled Children Company Cried Crying Dan Danites Matter Micah Round Shouted Together Trouble Turn Turned Turning What's
Judges 18
1. The Danites send five men to seek out an inheritance
3. At the house of Micah they consult with Jonathan, and are encouraged
7. They search Laish, and bring back news of good hope
11. Six hundred men are sent to surprise it
16. In their way they rob Micah of his priest and his consecrated things
27. They win Laish, and call it Dan
30. They set up idolatry, wherein Jonathan inherits the priesthood.












When they called out after them
This phrase refers to the pursuit by Micah and his neighbors after the Danites, who had taken his idols and priest. The act of calling out indicates a confrontation, a common practice in ancient times when seeking justice or resolution. This reflects the tribal and familial tensions prevalent in the period of the Judges, where personal and communal grievances often led to direct confrontations.

the Danites turned to face them
The Danites, one of the tribes of Israel, were in the process of relocating due to their inability to secure their allotted territory. Their turning to face Micah's group shows a readiness to defend their actions, highlighting the lawlessness and moral ambiguity of the time. This moment underscores the chaotic period of the Judges, where "everyone did what was right in his own eyes" (Judges 21:25).

and said to Micah
Micah, a man from the hill country of Ephraim, had established a shrine with idols and a personal priest. His interaction with the Danites reveals the syncretism and idolatry that plagued Israel during this era. The mention of Micah by name personalizes the narrative, emphasizing the individual stories that contribute to the larger narrative of Israel's spiritual decline.

“What is the matter with you
This question from the Danites can be seen as dismissive, indicating their lack of concern for the wrong they had done to Micah. It reflects the moral relativism of the time, where personal gain often trumped communal or covenantal responsibilities. This attitude is indicative of the broader spiritual and social decay in Israel during the Judges period.

that you have called out such a company?”
The "company" refers to the group of men Micah gathered to pursue the Danites. This phrase highlights the seriousness of Micah's grievance, as assembling a group for pursuit was not a trivial matter. It also underscores the communal nature of justice and retribution in ancient Israel, where personal disputes often involved the wider community. The Danites' question reveals their surprise or disdain at Micah's response, further illustrating the breakdown of social and religious order during this time.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Danites
A tribe of Israel seeking a new territory to settle. They are central to this account as they are in the process of relocating and establishing themselves.

2. Micah
An individual from the hill country of Ephraim who had established a shrine with idols and hired a Levite to be his priest. He is the one confronting the Danites in this verse.

3. Ephraim
The region where Micah lived. It is significant as a place of idolatry in this context.

4. Levite
A young Levite who was hired by Micah to serve as a priest, which was against the traditional Levitical role as prescribed in the Law.

5. Idolatry
The central issue in this account, as Micah's idols and shrine are taken by the Danites, highlighting the spiritual decline in Israel during this period.
Teaching Points
The Danger of Idolatry
Idolatry leads to spiritual blindness and moral confusion. The account of Micah and the Danites serves as a warning against creating and worshiping idols, whether physical or metaphorical.

The Importance of Obedience to God’s Law
The account highlights the consequences of ignoring God's commandments. True worship requires adherence to God's instructions, not personal interpretations or conveniences.

Community and Accountability
The interaction between Micah and the Danites shows the need for accountability within the community of believers. When one part of the community strays, it affects the whole.

The Role of Leadership
The Levite's role in this account underscores the importance of godly leadership. Leaders must adhere to their God-given roles and responsibilities, guiding others in truth.

Seeking God’s Will in Our Lives
The Danites' search for a new home reflects our own search for purpose and direction. It is crucial to seek God's guidance and align our pursuits with His will.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Judges 18:23?

2. How does Judges 18:23 demonstrate the consequences of idolatry in our lives?

3. What can we learn from the Danites' actions in Judges 18:23?

4. How does Judges 18:23 connect to the commandment against stealing in Exodus 20:15?

5. In what ways can we avoid the mistakes seen in Judges 18:23?

6. How should Christians respond when confronted with wrongdoing, as seen in Judges 18:23?

7. What does Judges 18:23 reveal about the moral state of the Israelites during this period?

8. How does Judges 18:23 reflect the theme of idolatry in the Book of Judges?

9. What historical context is necessary to understand the events in Judges 18:23?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Judges 18?

11. What are the family idols mentioned in the Bible?

12. In Judges 18:2, how can the Danites' sudden relocation from the south to the distant north be reconciled with known settlement patterns or historical records?

13. How does the swift, seemingly unopposed conquest of Laish in Judges 18:27-29 align with other biblical accounts or historical records of territorial conflicts?

14. Does archaeological evidence confirm a city like Laish (Judges 18:7) existing so isolated and unfortified, or does the narrative conflict with external data?
What Does Judges 18:23 Mean
When they called out after them

“When they called out after them…” (Judges 18:23a)

•Those doing the calling are Micah and the men from his village who have just discovered that the Danites have taken his carved image, ephod, teraphim, and personal priest (Judges 18:22).

•This cry is not a casual shout but an urgent appeal for justice, much like the men of Ephraim who “called out” Jephthah when they felt wronged (Judges 12:1).

•It pictures a man unwilling to passively accept a spiritual and material loss, an echo of Psalm 34:15 where “the eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and His ears are inclined to their cry.”

•Already we sense the upside-down atmosphere of the period: a fellow Israelite must chase an entire tribe to protest theft—a sign that “everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (Judges 17:6).


the Danites turned to face them

“…the Danites turned to face them…” (Judges 18:23b)

•Instead of repenting, the armed Danite band wheels around, confident in numbers and strength. The posture recalls Abner turning to confront Asahel (2 Samuel 2:19–23), signaling, “We’re ready to do more than talk.”

•The tribe’s readiness for confrontation exposes a heart hardened by sin. Proverbs 28:1 contrasts the righteous and the wicked: “The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.” Here the roles are reversed—Micah is unarmed and pleading, while the wrongdoers stand bold.

•Their turning shows how far they have strayed from the brotherly kindness commanded in Leviticus 19:17–18; they prefer intimidation to reconciliation.


and said to Micah

“…and said to Micah…” (Judges 18:23c)

•The spokesman singles out Micah, ignoring the villagers with him. It mirrors Goliath’s challenge to Israel for a single champion (1 Samuel 17:8–10)—a tactic meant to isolate and discourage.

•Micah, whose name means “Who is like Yahweh,” now hears words that expose how unlike Yahweh his fellow Israelites have become.

•This personal address drives home accountability: Romans 14:12 reminds that “each of us will give an account of himself to God,” yet the Danites think they owe none to Micah.


“What is the matter with you that you have called out such a company?”

“‘What is the matter with you that you have called out such a company?’” (Judges 18:23d)

•The question is dripping with feigned innocence and mockery, similar to Ahab’s taunt, “Is that you, O troubler of Israel?” (1 Kings 18:17).

•It flips reality: the thieves frame the victim as the troublemaker, echoing Isaiah 5:20—calling evil good and good evil.

•The phrase “such a company” belittles Micah’s small band compared with the Danites’ 600 armed men (Judges 18:16–17), leveraging intimidation over righteousness.

•This attitude forecasts the tribe’s future compromise: Dan will become a center of idolatry (1 Kings 12:28–30), proving that unchecked sin grows bolder with time.


summary

Judges 18:23 captures a tense standoff revealing the spiritual decay of Israel in the days of the Judges. Micah’s earnest cry for justice meets a tribe emboldened by might, not by obedience. The Danites’ turning, their personal address, and their mocking question highlight a heart indifferent to God’s law and to brotherly compassion. The verse stands as a living snapshot of a society where moral authority has inverted, foreshadowing the deeper idolatry and conflict that will follow.

(23) What aileth thee?--There is again a certain grim humour in the narrative, with some sense of irony for the total discomfiture and pathetic outcries of Micah. Dan showed himself in this proceeding like "a serpent on the way, an adder in the path" (Genesis 49:17). (Comp. Deuteronomy 33:22.)

Verse 23. - That thou comest, etc. - literally, that thou art gathered together, the same word as in ver. 22. It is the idea of the clan, or family, or tribe which causes the phrase. Just as Israel or Judah designates the whole nation, or the whole tribe, under the name of their patriarch, so here Micah would include all the clan who dwelt in Micah's house; and hence the Danites speak of Micah being gathered together.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
When they called out
וַֽיִּקְרְאוּ֙ (way·yiq·rə·’ū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 7121: To call, proclaim, read

after them,
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

the Danites
בְּנֵי־ (bə·nê-)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

turned
וַיַּסֵּ֖בּוּ (way·yas·sêb·bū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 5437: To turn about, go around, surround

to face them
פְּנֵיהֶ֑ם (pə·nê·hem)
Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 6440: The face

and said
וַיֹּאמְר֣וּ (way·yō·mə·rū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 559: To utter, say

to Micah,
לְמִיכָ֔ה (lə·mî·ḵāh)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4318: Micah -- the name of several Israelites

“What is the matter
מַה־ (mah-)
Interrogative
Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what

with you that
כִּ֥י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

you have called out such a company?”
נִזְעָֽקְתָּ׃ (niz·‘ā·qə·tā)
Verb - Nifal - Perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 2199: To shriek, to announce, convene publicly


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OT History: Judges 18:23 They cried to the children of Dan (Jd Judg. Jdg)
Judges 18:22
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