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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Judges 18:30 The Danites set up idols for themselves, and Jonathan son of Gershom, the son of Moses, and his sons were priests for the tribe of Dan until the day of the captivity of the land.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/judges/18-30.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/5/07_Jdg_18_30.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Judges 18:30 - The Danites Take Micah's Idols" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="The Danites set up idols for themselves, and Jonathan son of Gershom, the son of Moses, and his sons were priests for the tribe of Dan until the day of the captivity of the land." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/judges/18-30.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/judges/18-30.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/judges/">Judges</a> > <a href="/judges/18.htm">Chapter 18</a> > Verse 30</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad10.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/judges/18-29.htm" title="Judges 18:29">◄</a> Judges 18:30 <a href="/judges/18-31.htm" title="Judges 18:31">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/judges/18.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/judges/18.htm">New International Version</a> There the Danites set up for themselves the idol, and Jonathan son of Gershom, the son of Moses, and his sons were priests for the tribe of Dan until the time of the captivity of the land. <a href="/nlt/judges/18.htm">New Living Translation</a> Then they set up the carved image, and they appointed Jonathan son of Gershom, son of Moses, as their priest. This family continued as priests for the tribe of Dan until the Exile. <a href="/esv/judges/18.htm">English Standard Version</a> And the people of Dan set up the carved image for themselves, and Jonathan the son of Gershom, son of Moses, and his sons were priests to the tribe of the Danites until the day of the captivity of the land. <a href="/bsb/judges/18.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> The Danites set up idols for themselves, and Jonathan son of Gershom, the son of Moses, and his sons were priests for the tribe of Dan until the day of the captivity of the land. <a href="/kjv/judges/18.htm">King James Bible</a> And the children of Dan set up the graven image: and Jonathan, the son of Gershom, the son of Manasseh, he and his sons were priests to the tribe of Dan until the day of the captivity of the land. <a href="/nkjv/judges/18.htm">New King James Version</a> Then the children of Dan set up for themselves the carved image; and Jonathan the son of Gershom, the son of Manasseh, and his sons were priests to the tribe of Dan until the day of the captivity of the land. <a href="/nasb_/judges/18.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> The sons of Dan set up for themselves the carved image; and Jonathan, the son of Gershom, the son of Manasseh, he and his sons were priests to the tribe of the Danites until the day of the captivity of the land. <a href="/nasb/judges/18.htm">NASB 1995</a> The sons of Dan set up for themselves the graven image; and Jonathan, the son of Gershom, the son of Manasseh, he and his sons were priests to the tribe of the Danites until the day of the captivity of the land. <a href="/nasb77/judges/18.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And the sons of Dan set up for themselves the graven image; and Jonathan, the son of Gershom, the son of Manasseh, he and his sons were priests to the tribe of the Danites until the day of the captivity of the land. <a href="/lsb/judges/18.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Then the sons of Dan set up for themselves the graven image; and Jonathan, the son of Gershom, the son of Moses, he and his sons were priests to the tribe of the Danites until the day of the exile of the land. <a href="/amp/judges/18.htm">Amplified Bible</a> The [tribe of] the sons of Dan set up the image [of silver-plated wood] for themselves; and Jonathan the son of Gershom, the son of Moses, and his sons were priests to the tribe of the Danites until the day of the captivity and exile from the land. <a href="/csb/judges/18.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> The Danites set up the carved image for themselves. Jonathan son of Gershom, son of Moses, and his sons were priests for the Danite tribe until the time of the exile from the land. <a href="/hcsb/judges/18.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> The Danites set up the carved image for themselves. Jonathan son of Gershom, son of Moses, and his sons were priests for the Danite tribe until the time of the exile from the land. <a href="/asv/judges/18.htm">American Standard Version</a> And the children of Dan set up for themselves the graven image: and Jonathan, the son of Gershom, the son of Moses, he and his sons were priests to the tribe of the Danites until the day of the captivity of the land. <a href="/erv/judges/18.htm">English Revised Version</a> And the children of Dan set up for themselves the graven image: and Jonathan, the son of Gershom, the son of Moses, he and his sons were priests to the tribe of the Danites until the day of the captivity of the land. <a href="/gwt/judges/18.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> The people of Dan set up the carved idol for themselves. Jonathan (son of Gershom and grandson of Moses) and his descendants were priests for Dan's tribe until the people living in that land were taken captive. <a href="/gnt/judges/18.htm">Good News Translation</a> The Danites set up the idol to be worshiped, and Jonathan, the son of Gershom and grandson of Moses, served as a priest for the Danites, and his descendants served as their priests until the people were taken away into exile. <a href="/isv/judges/18.htm">International Standard Version</a> The descendants of Dan set up the carved image, and Gershom's son Jonathan, a descendant of Manasseh, served along with his descendants as priests to the tribe of Dan until the land was taken captive. <a href="/msb/judges/18.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> The Danites set up idols for themselves, and Jonathan son of Gershom, the son of Moses, and his sons were priests for the tribe of Dan until the day of the captivity of the land. <a href="/net/judges/18.htm">NET Bible</a> The Danites worshiped the carved image. Jonathan, descendant of Gershom, son of Moses, and his descendants served as priests for the tribe of Dan until the time of the exile. <a href="/nheb/judges/18.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> The people of Dan set up for themselves the engraved image. And Jonathan, the son of Gershom, the son of Moses, and his sons were priests to the tribe of the Danites until the day of the exile from the land. <a href="/wbt/judges/18.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And the children of Dan set up the graven image: and Jonathan, the son of Gershom, the son of Manasseh, he and his sons were priests to the tribe of Dan until the day of the captivity of the land. <a href="/web/judges/18.htm">World English Bible</a> The children of Dan set up for themselves the engraved image; and Jonathan, the son of Gershom, the son of Moses, and his sons were priests to the tribe of the Danites until the day of the captivity of the land. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/judges/18.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And the sons of Dan raise up the carved image for themselves, and Jonathan son of Gershom, son of Manasseh, he and his sons have been priests for the tribe of the Danite, until the day of the expulsion of [the people] of the land. <a href="/ylt/judges/18.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And the sons of Dan raise up for themselves the graven image, and Jonathan son of Gershom, son of Manasseh, he and his sons have been priests to the tribe of the Danite, till the day of the removal of the people of the land. <a href="/slt/judges/18.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And the sons of Dan will raise up to them the carved thing: and Jonathan, son of Gershom, son of Manasseh, he and his sons were priests to the tribe of Danites even to the day of the captivity of the land.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/judges/18.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And they set up to themselves the graven idol, and Jonathan the son of Gersam the son of Moses, he and his sons were priests in the tribe of Dan, until the day of their captivity. <a href="/cpdv/judges/18.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And they established for themselves the graven image. And Jonathan, the son of Gershom, the son of Moses, with his sons, were priests in the tribe of Dan, even until the day of their captivity. <a href="/nabre/judges/18.htm">New American Bible</a> The Danites set up the idol for themselves, and Jonathan, son of Gershom, son of Moses, and his descendants were priests for the tribe of the Danites until the time the land went into captivity. <a href="/nrsvce/judges/18.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Then the Danites set up the idol for themselves. Jonathan son of Gershom, son of Moses, and his sons were priests to the tribe of the Danites until the time the land went into captivity.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/judges/18.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And the Danites set up the graven image; and Jonathan, the son of Gershon, the son of Manasseh, he and his sons were priests to the tribe of Dan until the day of the captivity of the land. <a href="/hpbt/judges/18.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And the sons of Dan set up for themselves the image, and Yonathan, son of Gershun, son of Manasheh, he and his children were Priests of the tribe of Dan unto the day when the land was captured<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/judges/18.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And the children of Dan set up for themselves the graven image; and Jonathan, the son of Gershom, the son of Manasseh, he and his sons were priests to the tribe of the Danites until the day of the captivity of the land. <a href="/sep/judges/18.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And the children of Dan set up the graven image for themselves; and Jonathan son of Gerson son of Manasse, he and his sons were priests to the tribe of Dan till the time of the carrying away of the nation. <a href="/parallel/judges/18-30.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AjzBiIYY2Dc?start=5552" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/judges/18.htm">The Danites Take Micah's Idols</a> …29They named it Dan, after their forefather Dan, who was born to Israel—though the city was formerly named Laish. 30<a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: bə·nê- (N-mpc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">The Danites</a> <a href="/hebrew/1835.htm" title="1835: ḏān (N-proper-ms) -- Judge, a son of Jacob, also his desc. and their territory, also a place in N. Isr. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6965.htm" title="6965: way·yā·qî·mū (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To arise, stand up, stand. A primitive root; to rise.">set up</a> <a href="/hebrew/6459.htm" title="6459: hap·pā·sel (Art:: N-ms) -- An idol, image. From pacal; an idol.">idols</a> <a href="/hebrew/lā·hem (Prep:: 3mp) -- ">for themselves,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3083.htm" title="3083: wî·hō·w·nā·ṯān (Conj-w:: N-proper-ms) -- From Yhovah and nathan; Jehovah-given; Jehonathan, the name of four Israelites.">and Jonathan</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ben- (N-msc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">son of</a> <a href="/hebrew/1647.htm" title="1647: gê·rə·šōm (N-proper-ms) -- Three Isr. For Gershown; Gereshom, the name of four Israelites.">Gershom,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ben- (N-msc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">the son</a> <a href="/hebrew/4519.htm" title="4519: mə·naš·šɛh (N-proper-ms) -- From nashah; causing to forget; Menashsheh, a grandson of Jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory.">of Moses,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: hū (Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ū·ḇā·nāw (Conj-w:: N-mpc:: 3ms) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">and his sons</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: hā·yū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">were</a> <a href="/hebrew/3548.htm" title="3548: ḵō·hă·nîm (N-mp) -- Priest. Active participle of kahan; literally, one officiating, a priest; also an acting priest.">priests</a> <a href="/hebrew/7626.htm" title="7626: lə·šê·ḇeṭ (Prep-l:: N-msc) -- Rod, staff, club, scepter, tribe. From an unused root probably meaning to branch off; a scion, i.e. a stick Or a clan.">for the tribe</a> <a href="/hebrew/1839.htm" title="1839: had·dā·nî (Art:: N-proper-ms) -- Desc. of Dan. Patronymically from Dan; a Danite or descendants of Dan.">of Dan</a> <a href="/hebrew/5704.htm" title="5704: ‘aḏ- (Prep) -- As far as, even to, up to, until, while. Properly, the same as ad; as far as, whether of space or time or degree.">until</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: yō·wm (N-ms) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">the day</a> <a href="/hebrew/1540.htm" title="1540: gə·lō·wṯ (V-Qal-Inf) -- To uncover, remove. A primitive root; to denude; by implication, to exile; figuratively, to reveal.">of the captivity</a> <a href="/hebrew/776.htm" title="776: hā·’ā·reṣ (Art:: N-fs) -- Earth, land. From an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth.">of the land.</a> 31So they set up for themselves Micah’s graven image, and it was there the whole time the house of God was in Shiloh.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/exodus/32-4.htm">Exodus 32:4-5</a> He took the gold from their hands, and with an engraving tool he fashioned it into a molten calf. And they said, “These, O Israel, are your gods, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!” / When Aaron saw this, he built an altar before the calf and proclaimed: “Tomorrow shall be a feast to the LORD.” <a href="/1_kings/12-28.htm">1 Kings 12:28-30</a> After seeking advice, the king made two golden calves and said to the people, “Going up to Jerusalem is too much for you. Here, O Israel, are your gods, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt.” / One calf he set up in Bethel, and the other in Dan. / And this thing became a sin; the people walked as far as Dan to worship before one of the calves. <a href="/2_kings/17-16.htm">2 Kings 17:16-18</a> They abandoned all the commandments of the LORD their God and made for themselves two cast idols of calves and an Asherah pole. They bowed down to all the host of heaven and served Baal. / They sacrificed their sons and daughters in the fire and practiced divination and soothsaying. They devoted themselves to doing evil in the sight of the LORD, provoking Him to anger. / So the LORD was very angry with Israel, and He removed them from His presence. Only the tribe of Judah remained, <a href="/hosea/8-4.htm">Hosea 8:4-6</a> They set up kings, but not by Me. They make princes, but without My approval. With their silver and gold they make themselves idols, to their own destruction. / He has rejected your calf, O Samaria. My anger burns against them. How long will they be incapable of innocence? / For this thing is from Israel—a craftsman made it, and it is not God. It will be broken to pieces, that calf of Samaria. <a href="/deuteronomy/12-2.htm">Deuteronomy 12:2-4</a> Destroy completely all the places where the nations you are dispossessing have served their gods—atop the high mountains, on the hills, and under every green tree. / Tear down their altars, smash their sacred pillars, burn up their Asherah poles, cut down the idols of their gods, and wipe out their names from every place. / You shall not worship the LORD your God in this way. <a href="/2_chronicles/11-15.htm">2 Chronicles 11:15</a> And Jeroboam appointed his own priests for the high places and for the goat demons and calf idols he had made. <a href="/psalms/106-19.htm">Psalm 106:19-21</a> At Horeb they made a calf and worshiped a molten image. / They exchanged their Glory for the image of a grass-eating ox. / They forgot God their Savior, who did great things in Egypt, <a href="/isaiah/44-9.htm">Isaiah 44:9-20</a> All makers of idols are nothing, and the things they treasure are worthless. Their witnesses fail to see or comprehend, so they are put to shame. / Who fashions a god or casts an idol which profits him nothing? / Behold, all his companions will be put to shame, for the craftsmen themselves are only human. Let them all assemble and take their stand; they will all be brought to terror and shame. ... <a href="/jeremiah/10-3.htm">Jeremiah 10:3-5</a> For the customs of the peoples are worthless; they cut down a tree from the forest; it is shaped with a chisel by the hands of a craftsman. / They adorn it with silver and gold and fasten it with hammer and nails, so that it will not totter. / Like scarecrows in a cucumber patch, their idols cannot speak. They must be carried because they cannot walk. Do not fear them, for they can do no harm, and neither can they do any good.” <a href="/amos/5-25.htm">Amos 5:25-27</a> Did you bring Me sacrifices and offerings forty years in the wilderness, O house of Israel? / You have taken along Sakkuth your king and Kaiwan your star god, the idols you made for yourselves. / Therefore I will send you into exile beyond Damascus,” says the LORD, whose name is the God of Hosts. <a href="/acts/7-41.htm">Acts 7:41-43</a> At that time they made a calf and offered a sacrifice to the idol, rejoicing in the works of their hands. / But God turned away from them and gave them over to the worship of the host of heaven, as it is written in the book of the prophets: ‘Did you bring Me sacrifices and offerings forty years in the wilderness, O house of Israel? / You have taken along the tabernacle of Molech and the star of your god Rephan, the idols you made to worship. Therefore I will send you into exile beyond Babylon.’ <a href="/romans/1-21.htm">Romans 1:21-23</a> For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking and darkened in their foolish hearts. / Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools, / and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images of mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles. <a href="/1_corinthians/10-7.htm">1 Corinthians 10:7</a> Do not be idolaters, as some of them were. As it is written: “The people sat down to eat and drink and got up to indulge in revelry.” <a href="/galatians/4-8.htm">Galatians 4:8</a> Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods. <a href="/revelation/2-14.htm">Revelation 2:14</a> But I have a few things against you, because some of you hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to place a stumbling block before the Israelites so they would eat food sacrificed to idols and commit sexual immorality.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And the children of Dan set up the graven image: and Jonathan, the son of Gershom, the son of Manasseh, he and his sons were priests to the tribe of Dan until the day of the captivity of the land.set up<a href="/exodus/20-4.htm">Exodus 20:4</a> Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth:<a href="/leviticus/26-1.htm">Leviticus 26:1</a> Ye shall make you no idols nor graven image, neither rear you up a standing image, neither shall ye set up any image of stone in your land, to bow down unto it: for I am the LORD your God.<a href="/deuteronomy/17-2.htm">Deuteronomy 17:2-7</a> If there be found among you, within any of thy gates which the LORD thy God giveth thee, man or woman, that hath wrought wickedness in the sight of the LORD thy God, in transgressing his covenant, … <a href="/psalms/105-44.htm">Psalm 105:44,45</a> And gave them the lands of the heathen: and they inherited the labour of the people; … <a href="/judges/13-1.htm">Judges 13:1</a> And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the LORD; and the LORD delivered them into the hand of the Philistines forty years.<a href="/1_samuel/4-2.htm">1 Samuel 4:2,3,10,11</a> And the Philistines put themselves in array against Israel: and when they joined battle, Israel was smitten before the Philistines: and they slew of the army in the field about four thousand men… <a href="/psalms/78-60.htm">Psalm 78:60-62</a> So that he forsook the tabernacle of Shiloh, the tent which he placed among men; … the land.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/joshua/8-33.htm">Ark</a> <a href="/judges/5-12.htm">Captivity</a> <a href="/judges/18-26.htm">Children</a> <a href="/judges/18-29.htm">Dan</a> <a href="/judges/18-11.htm">Danite</a> <a href="/judges/18-28.htm">Danites</a> <a href="/judges/18-20.htm">Engraved</a> <a href="/judges/18-20.htm">Idols</a> <a href="/judges/18-20.htm">Image</a> <a href="/jeremiah/40-8.htm">Jonathan</a> <a href="/judges/12-4.htm">Manasseh</a> <a href="/judges/4-11.htm">Moses</a> <a href="/joshua/21-19.htm">Priests</a> <a href="/judges/15-10.htm">Prisoner</a> <a href="/numbers/19-9.htm">Removal</a> <a href="/judges/18-1.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/judges/18-19.htm">Tribe</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/judges/20-27.htm">Ark</a> <a href="/2_kings/24-15.htm">Captivity</a> <a href="/judges/19-12.htm">Children</a> <a href="/judges/20-1.htm">Dan</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/12-35.htm">Danite</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/12-35.htm">Danites</a> <a href="/judges/18-31.htm">Engraved</a> <a href="/judges/18-31.htm">Idols</a> <a href="/judges/18-31.htm">Image</a> <a href="/1_samuel/13-2.htm">Jonathan</a> <a href="/1_kings/4-13.htm">Manasseh</a> <a href="/1_samuel/12-6.htm">Moses</a> <a href="/1_samuel/1-3.htm">Priests</a> <a href="/1_samuel/15-8.htm">Prisoner</a> <a href="/2_kings/24-15.htm">Removal</a> <a href="/judges/18-31.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/judges/20-12.htm">Tribe</a><div class="vheading2">Judges 18</div>1. <a href="/judges/18-1.htm">The Danites send five men to seek out an inheritance</a> 3. <a href="/judges/18-3.htm">At the house of Micah they consult with Jonathan, and are encouraged</a> 7. <a href="/judges/18-7.htm">They search Laish, and bring back news of good hope</a> 11. <a href="/judges/18-11.htm">Six hundred men are sent to surprise it</a> 16. <a href="/judges/18-16.htm">In their way they rob Micah of his priest and his consecrated things</a> 27. <a href="/judges/18-27.htm">They win Laish, and call it Dan</a> 30. <a href="/judges/18-30.htm">They set up idolatry, wherein Jonathan inherits the priesthood.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/judges/18.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/judges/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/judges/18.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>The Danites set up idols for themselves This phrase highlights the spiritual decline of the tribe of Dan, which is consistent with the recurring theme of idolatry in the Book of Judges. The Danites' actions reflect a departure from the worship of Yahweh, violating the first two commandments (<a href="/exodus/20-3.htm">Exodus 20:3-4</a>). This idolatry is a symptom of the broader moral and spiritual decay during the period of the Judges, where "everyone did what was right in his own eyes" (<a href="/judges/21-25.htm">Judges 21:25</a>). The setting up of idols indicates a syncretism with Canaanite religious practices, which were prevalent in the region and often led the Israelites astray.and Jonathan son of Gershom, the son of Moses This phrase introduces Jonathan, a Levite, who is identified as a descendant of Moses. The mention of Moses' lineage is significant, as it contrasts the faithfulness of Moses with the unfaithfulness of his descendants. This connection underscores the theme of generational decline in spiritual fidelity. The use of "Moses" instead of "Manasseh" (as some manuscripts suggest) emphasizes the gravity of the situation, as it involves a direct descendant of Israel's greatest prophet and lawgiver participating in idolatry.and his sons were priests for the tribe of Dan This phrase indicates that Jonathan and his sons served as priests, despite the fact that the legitimate priesthood was to be from the line of Aaron (<a href="/exodus/28.htm">Exodus 28:1</a>). This unauthorized priesthood reflects the disorder and lack of adherence to God's law during this period. The tribe of Dan's establishment of their own priesthood further illustrates their separation from the central worship in Shiloh, where the tabernacle was located. This act of setting up their own religious system is a precursor to the later division of the kingdom and the establishment of rival worship centers in the northern kingdom of Israel (<a href="/1_kings/12-28.htm">1 Kings 12:28-30</a>).until the day of the captivity of the land This phrase likely refers to the Assyrian captivity of the northern kingdom of Israel in 722 BC, which included the territory of Dan. The mention of captivity serves as a prophetic warning of the consequences of idolatry and disobedience to God. It highlights the eventual judgment that comes upon the people for their persistent unfaithfulness. This captivity is a fulfillment of the warnings given in the Mosaic Covenant, where God promised blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience (Deuteronomy 28). The captivity serves as a historical marker of the end of this period of idolatry and the beginning of a new phase in Israel's history.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/d/danites.htm">Danites</a> A tribe of Israel that settled in the northern part of the land. They are known for their idolatry and departure from true worship. 2. <a href="/topical/j/jonathan.htm">Jonathan</a> Identified as the son of Gershom and grandson of Moses, he served as a priest for the Danites, indicating a departure from the Levitical priesthood established by God. 3. <a href="/topical/g/gershom.htm">Gershom</a> The son of Moses, highlighting the tragic shift from the faithfulness of Moses to the idolatry of his descendants. 4. <a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a> The great leader and prophet of Israel, whose legacy is marred by the actions of his descendants in this passage. 5. <a href="/topical/c/captivity_of_the_land.htm">Captivity of the Land</a> Refers to a period when the Israelites were taken into captivity, often seen as a consequence of their disobedience and idolatry.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_idolatry.htm">The Danger of Idolatry</a> Idolatry leads to spiritual and physical captivity. We must guard our hearts against anything that takes the place of God. <a href="/topical/l/legacy_and_faithfulness.htm">Legacy and Faithfulness</a> The faithfulness of one generation does not guarantee the faithfulness of the next. We must diligently teach and model God's truth to future generations. <a href="/topical/u/unauthorized_worship.htm">Unauthorized Worship</a> Worship must align with God's instructions. Personal preferences or cultural practices should not dictate how we worship God. <a href="/topical/c/consequences_of_disobedience.htm">Consequences of Disobedience</a> Disobedience to God's commands can lead to severe consequences, both individually and collectively. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_true_leadership.htm">The Importance of True Leadership</a> Spiritual leaders must adhere to God's standards. Compromise in leadership can lead to widespread unfaithfulness.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_judges_18.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Judges 18</a> <a href="/q/is_jonathan's_lineage_in_judges_18_30_accurate.htm">Is Jonathan’s lineage in Judges 18:30 (identified as Moses’ descendant in some translations) consistent with known genealogies, or does it present contradictions? </a> <a href="/q/what_does_'wicked_heart'_mean_in_jer_17_9.htm">Did Moses father any children?</a> <a href="/q/why_do_1_kings_and_2_chronicles_differ_on_hiram's_ancestry.htm">Why does 1 Kings 7:13–14 attribute Hiram’s skill to Tyrian ancestry while 2 Chronicles provides slightly different details about his background? </a> <a href="/q/did_moses_father_any_children.htm">Did Moses father any children?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/judges/18.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(30) Set up the graven image.--If this pesel was in the form of a calf, the tradition of this cult may have given greater facility to the daring innovation of Jeroboam (<a href="/1_kings/12-30.htm" title="And this thing became a sin: for the people went to worship before the one, even to Dan.">1Kings 12:30</a>). In any case, it would make the inhabitants more ready to accept a cherubic symbol of Jehovah; for we may fairly assume that the "image" was not dissociated from the worship of God, whether as Elohim or Jehovah. Jonathan and the Danites both acknowledged Him under the name Elohim (<a href="/judges/18-5.htm" title="And they said to him, Ask counsel, we pray you, of God, that we may know whether our way which we go shall be prosperous.">Judges 18:5</a>; <a href="/judges/18-10.htm" title="When you go, you shall come to a people secure, and to a large land: for God has given it into your hands; a place where there is no want of any thing that is in the earth.">Judges 18:10</a>), and Micah, in spite of his images, acknowledged God as Jehovah (<a href="/judges/17-2.htm" title="And he said to his mother, The eleven hundred shekels of silver that were taken from you, about which you cursed, and spoke of also in my ears, behold, the silver is with me; I took it. And his mother said, Blessed be you of the LORD, my son.">Judges 17:2</a>; <a href="/judges/17-13.htm" title="Then said Micah, Now know I that the LORD will do me good, seeing I have a Levite to my priest.">Judges 17:13</a>; <a href="/judges/18-6.htm" title="And the priest said to them, Go in peace: before the LORD is your way wherein you go.">Judges 18:6</a>), to whom, indeed, the very name of Jonathan ("gift of Jehovah") bore witness. Whether this, or rather the smallness of Dan, is the reason for its exclusion from <a href="/revelation/7-4.htm" title="And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.">Revelation 7:4</a> must remain uncertain. The Fathers thought, for this reason, that Antichrist would spring from the tribe of Dan. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/judges/18.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 30, 31. - And the children of Dan, etc. It was probably the long existence of this semi-idolatrous worship of the graven image at Dan that induced King Jeroboam to set up one of his golden calves at Dan, as we read <a href="/1_kings/12-28.htm">1 Kings 12:28-30</a>. And Jonathan, the son of Gershom, the son of Manasseh. The Hebrew text really has the son of Moses. But a little n is written above the line between the M and the S of Moses (Mosheh), so as to be read Manasseh, as thus: MSH; so that they avoided the pain of reading aloud that the grandson or descendant of Moses was an idolatrous priest, without actually altering the written text. It is indeed most sad that it should have been so, though like examples are not wanting, as, e.g., the sons of Eli and of Samuel. For Gershom the son of Moses see <a href="/exodus/2-22.htm">Exodus 2:22</a>; <a href="/exodus/18-3.htm">Exodus 18:3</a>; <a href="/1_chronicles/23-14.htm">1 Chronicles 23:14-16</a>. It does not follow that Jonathan, the priest of the Danites, was literally the son of Gershom. It may merely mean that he was of the family of which Gershom was the head. Until the day of the captivity of the land. There is great diversity of opinion as to the meaning of this phrase. Many understand it, as is the obvious meaning of the words, of the Assyrian captivity (<a href="/2_kings/15-29.htm">2 Kings 15:29</a>; <a href="/2_kings/17-6.htm">2 Kings 17:6</a>). But some of the best commentators, as Kimchi among the Jews, and many moderns, think it refers to the taking captive of the ark by the Philistines in the days of Eli, because this is the time indicated in the next verse by the mention of the house of God in Shiloh. The ark of God never returned to Shiloh after it was taken thence (<a href="/1_samuel/4-3.htm">1 Samuel 4:3, 4</a>) and captured by the Philistines (ibid. ver. 11). It is also noticed that the expression, The ark of God is gone into captivity (is taken, A.V.), occurs in <a href="/1_samuel/4-21.htm">1 Samuel 4:21, 22</a>. It certainly would be strange that one verse (30) should speak of the worship of the graven image lasting till the Assyrian conquest of the land, and the next verse (31) limit it to the time that the house of God was in Shiloh, some 300 years earlier. At the same time it should be noticed that ver. 30 speaks of the time that Jonathan's sons were priests to the tribe of Dan, and ver. 31 of the worship of Micah's image. It is quite possible that the descendants of Jonathan may have been appointed priests at Dan to Jeroboam's golden-calf worship, though the original graven image of Micah may have been destroyed by Saul or David; and in the interval between such destruction of Micah's image and the setting up of Jeroboam's calves they may have been the priests of an irregular worship on a high place at Tell-el-Kady. And this would enable us to give what is certainly its natural meaning to the words, "the captivity of the land." But no certainty can be arrived at without more actual knowledge. Many commentators adopt Houbigant's conjecture to read ark for land at the end of ver. 30 (aron for aretz). Others think that some deportation of the Danites by the Syrians or other neighbouring people not recorded in history is here spoken cf. All the time the house of God, etc. This must have been written not earlier than the time of Samuel, and possibly much later. The house of God, i.e. the tabernacle, was in Shiloh from the days of Joshua (<a href="/joshua/18-1.htm">Joshua 18:1</a>) till the days of Eli (<a href="/1_samuel/1-3.htm">1 Samuel 1:3</a>), after which we have no account of where the house of God was till the ark was brought up to Jerusalem by King David from the house of Obed-edom the Gittite (<a href="/2_samuel/6-12.htm">2 Samuel 6:12</a>), and placed in the tabernacle that David had pitched for it (<a href="/2_samuel/6-17.htm">2 Samuel 6:17</a>); but whether this was the tabernacle that had been pitched at Shiloh or a new one does not appear. It is not improbable that Samuel may have moved the tabernacle from Shiloh to Ramah (<a href="/1_samuel/7-17.htm">1 Samuel 7:17</a>). The ark had rested in the house of Abinadab at Baaleh or Kirjath-jearim for twenty years (<a href="/1_samuel/7-2.htm">1 Samuel 7:2</a>) previous to its removal by David. <a href="/commentaries/judges/18-30.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>The Danites בְּנֵי־ (bə·nê-) Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son set up וַיָּקִ֧ימוּ (way·yā·qî·mū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6965.htm">Strong's 6965: </a> To arise, stand up, stand idols הַפָּ֑סֶל (hap·pā·sel) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6459.htm">Strong's 6459: </a> An idol, image for themselves, לָהֶ֛ם (lā·hem) Preposition | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> and Jonathan וִ֠יהוֹנָתָן (wî·hō·w·nā·ṯān) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3129.htm">Strong's 3129: </a> Jonathan son of בֶּן־ (ben-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son Gershom, גֵּרְשֹׁ֨ם (gê·rə·šōm) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1647.htm">Strong's 1647: </a> Gershom -- three Israelites the son בֶּן־ (ben-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son of Moses, מְנַ‪‬שֶּׁ֜ה (mə·naš·šeh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4519.htm">Strong's 4519: </a> Manasseh -- 'causing to forget', a son of Joseph, also a king of Judah, also two Israelites and his sons וּבָנָ֗יו (ū·ḇā·nāw) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son were הָי֤וּ (hā·yū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> To fall out, come to pass, become, be priests כֹהֲנִים֙ (ḵō·hă·nîm) Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3548.htm">Strong's 3548: </a> Priest for the tribe לְשֵׁ֣בֶט (lə·šê·ḇeṭ) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7626.htm">Strong's 7626: </a> Rod, staff, club, scepter, tribe of Dan הַדָּנִ֔י (had·dā·nî) Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1839.htm">Strong's 1839: </a> Danites -- descendant of Dan until עַד־ (‘aḏ-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5704.htm">Strong's 5704: </a> As far as, even to, up to, until, while the day י֖וֹם (yō·wm) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> A day of the captivity גְּל֥וֹת (gə·lō·wṯ) Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1540.htm">Strong's 1540: </a> To denude, to exile, to reveal of the land. הָאָֽרֶץ׃ (hā·’ā·reṣ) Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_776.htm">Strong's 776: </a> Earth, land <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/judges/18-30.htm">Judges 18:30 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/judges/18-30.htm">Judges 18:30 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/judges/18-30.htm">Judges 18:30 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/judges/18-30.htm">Judges 18:30 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/judges/18-30.htm">Judges 18:30 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/judges/18-30.htm">Judges 18:30 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/judges/18-30.htm">Judges 18:30 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/judges/18-30.htm">Judges 18:30 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/judges/18-30.htm">Judges 18:30 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/judges/18-30.htm">Judges 18:30 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/judges/18-30.htm">OT History: Judges 18:30 The children of Dan set up (Jd Judg. Jdg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/judges/18-29.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Judges 18:29"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Judges 18:29" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/judges/18-31.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Judges 18:31"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Judges 18:31" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>