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What are you doing in this place? Why are you here?&#8221 <a href="/nlt/judges/18.htm">New Living Translation</a> While at Micah’s house, they recognized the young Levite’s accent, so they went over and asked him, “Who brought you here, and what are you doing in this place? Why are you here?” <a href="/esv/judges/18.htm">English Standard Version</a> When they were by the house of Micah, they recognized the voice of the young Levite. And they turned aside and said to him, “Who brought you here? What are you doing in this place? What is your business here?” <a href="/bsb/judges/18.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> And while they were near Micah’s house, they recognized the voice of the young Levite; so they went over and asked him, “Who brought you here? What are you doing in this place? Why are you here?” <a href="/kjv/judges/18.htm">King James Bible</a> When they were by the house of Micah, they knew the voice of the young man the Levite: and they turned in thither, and said unto him, Who brought thee hither? and what makest thou in this place? and what hast thou here? <a href="/nkjv/judges/18.htm">New King James Version</a> While they were at the house of Micah, they recognized the voice of the young Levite. They turned aside and said to him, “Who brought you here? What are you doing in this place? What do you have here?” <a href="/nasb_/judges/18.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> When they were near the house of Micah, they recognized the voice of the young man, the Levite; and they turned aside there and said to him, “Who brought you here? And what are you doing in this place? And what do you have here?” <a href="/nasb/judges/18.htm">NASB 1995</a> When they were near the house of Micah, they recognized the voice of the young man, the Levite; and they turned aside there and said to him, &#8220Who brought you here? And what are you doing in this place? And what do you have here?&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/judges/18.htm">NASB 1977 </a> When they were near the house of Micah, they recognized the voice of the young man, the Levite; and they turned aside there, and said to him, “Who brought you here? And what are you doing in this place? And what do you have here?” <a href="/lsb/judges/18.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> They were near the house of Micah, and they recognized the voice of the young man, the Levite. So they turned aside there and said to him, “Who brought you here? And what are you doing in this place? And what do you have here?” <a href="/amp/judges/18.htm">Amplified Bible</a> When they passed near Micah’s house, they recognized the voice of the young man, the Levite, and they turned aside there and said to him, “Who brought you here? And what are you doing in this place? And what do you have here?” <a href="/csb/judges/18.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> While they were near Micah’s home, they recognized the accent of the young Levite. So they went over to him and asked, “Who brought you here? What are you doing in this place? What is keeping you here? ” <a href="/hcsb/judges/18.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> While they were near Micah&#8217s home, they recognized the speech of the young Levite. So they went over to him and asked, &#8220Who brought you here? What are you doing in this place? What is keeping you here?&#8221 <a href="/asv/judges/18.htm">American Standard Version</a> When they were by the house of Micah, they knew the voice of the young man the Levite; and they turned aside thither, and said unto him, Who brought thee hither? and what doest thou in this place? and what hast thou here? <a href="/cev/judges/18.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> because they heard the young Levite talking, and they knew from his accent that he was from the south. They asked him, "What are you doing here? Who brought you here?" <a href="/erv/judges/18.htm">English Revised Version</a> When they were by the house of Micah, they knew the voice of the young man the Levite: and they turned aside thither, and said unto him, Who brought thee hither? and what doest thou in this place? and what hast thou here? <a href="/gwt/judges/18.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> While they were at Micah's house, they recognized the young Levite's voice. So they stopped to ask him, "Who brought you here? What are you doing here? Why are you here?" <a href="/gnt/judges/18.htm">Good News Translation</a> While they were there, they recognized the accent of the young Levite, so they went up to him and asked, "What are you doing here? Who brought you here?" <a href="/isv/judges/18.htm">International Standard Version</a> As they approached Micah's home, they recognized the voice of the young male descendant of Levi. They turned aside from there and spoke to him, asking him, "Who brought you here? What work are you doing here? And what's your business here?" <a href="/net/judges/18.htm">NET Bible</a> As they approached Micah's house, they recognized the accent of the young Levite. So they stopped there and said to him, "Who brought you here? What are you doing in this place? What is your business here?" <a href="/nheb/judges/18.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> When they were by the house of Micah, they knew the voice of the young man the Levite; and they turned in that direction, and said to him, "Who brought you here? What are you doing in this place? And what is your business here?" <a href="/wbt/judges/18.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> When they were by the house of Micah, they knew the voice of the young man the Levite: and they turned in thither, and said to him, Who brought thee hither? and what makest thou in this place? and what hast thou here?<div class="vheading2">Majority Text Translations</div><a href="/msb/judges/18.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> And while they were near Micah’s house, they recognized the voice of the young Levite; so they went over and asked him, “Who brought you here? What are you doing in this place? Why are you here?” <a href="/web/judges/18.htm">World English Bible</a> When they were by the house of Micah, they knew the voice of the young man the Levite; so they went over there and said to him, “Who brought you here? What do you do in this place? What do you have here?” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/judges/18.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> They [are] with the household of Micah, and they have discerned the voice of the young man, the Levite, and turn aside there, and say to him, “Who has brought you here? And what are you doing in this [place]? And why are you here?” <a href="/ylt/judges/18.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> They are with the household of Micah, and they have discerned the voice of the young man, the Levite, and turn aside there, and say to him, 'Who hath brought thee hither? and what art thou doing in this place? and what to thee here?' <a href="/slt/judges/18.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And they with the house of Micah, and they knew the voice of the youth, the Levite: and they will turn aside there and say to him, Who brought thee hither? and what didst thou in here? and what to thee here?<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/judges/18.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And knowing the voice of the young man the Levite, and lodging with him, they said to him: Who brought thee hither? what dost thou here? why wouldst thou come hither? <a href="/cpdv/judges/18.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And they recognized the speech of the youth who was a Levite. And while making use of an inn with him, they said to him: “Who brought you here? What are you doing here? For what reason did you want to come here?” <a href="/nabre/judges/18.htm">New American Bible</a> While they were near the house of Micah, they recognized the voice of the young Levite, so they turned aside. They asked him, “Who brought you here? What are you doing here? What is your interest here?” <a href="/nrsvce/judges/18.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> While they were at Micah’s house, they recognized the voice of the young Levite; so they went over and asked him, “Who brought you here? What are you doing in this place? What is your business here?”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/judges/18.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> When they were at the house of Micah, they recognized the voice of the young man, the Levite, and they turned aside there and said to him, Why did you come here? And what are you doing here? <a href="/hpbt/judges/18.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> Those were in the house of Mikah and recognized the voice of the young man, Levi, and they turned aside to him there, and they said to him: “Why have you come here and what are you doing here?”<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/judges/18.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> When they were by the house of Micah, they knew the voice of the young man the Levite; and they turned aside thither, and said unto him: 'Who brought thee hither? and what doest thou in this place? and what hast thou here?' <a href="/sep/judges/18.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> in the house of Michaias, and they recognised the voice of the young man the Levite, and turned in thither; and said to him, Who brought thee in hither? and what doest thou in this place? and what hast thou here? <a href="/parallel/judges/18-3.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=5272" 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 Settle in Laish</a> …2So the Danites sent out five men from their clans, men of valor from Zorah and Eshtaol, to spy out the land and explore it. “Go and explore the land,” they told them. The men entered the hill country of Ephraim and came to the house of Micah, where they spent the night. 3<a href="/hebrew/1992.htm" title="1992: hêm·māh (Pro-3mp) -- They. Or hemmah; masculine plural from halak; they.">And while they</a> <a href="/hebrew/5973.htm" title="5973: ‘im- (Prep) -- From amam; adverb or preposition, with, in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix.">were near</a> <a href="/hebrew/4318.htm" title="4318: mî·ḵāh (N-proper-ms) -- The name of several Isr. An abbrev. Of Miykayah; Micah, the name of seven Israelites.">Micah’s</a> <a href="/hebrew/1004.htm" title="1004: bêṯ (N-msc) -- A house. Probably from banah abbreviated; a house.">house,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1992.htm" title="1992: wə·hêm·māh (Conj-w:: Pro-3mp) -- They. Or hemmah; masculine plural from halak; they.">they</a> <a href="/hebrew/5234.htm" title="5234: hik·kî·rū (V-Hifil-Perf-3cp) -- To regard, recognize. ">recognized</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/6963.htm" title="6963: qō·wl (N-msc) -- Sound, voice. Or qol; from an unused root meaning to call aloud; a voice or sound.">the voice</a> <a href="/hebrew/5288.htm" title="5288: han·na·‘ar (Art:: N-ms) -- A boy, lad, youth, retainer. From na'ar; a boy, from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also, a girl.">of the young</a> <a href="/hebrew/3881.htm" title="3881: hal·lê·wî (Art:: N-proper-ms) -- Desc. of Levi. Or Leviy; patronymically from Leviy; a Levite or descendant of Levi.">Levite;</a> <a href="/hebrew/5493.htm" title="5493: way·yā·sū·rū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To turn aside. Or suwr; a primitive root; to turn off.">so they went over</a> <a href="/hebrew/8033.htm" title="8033: šām (Adv) -- There, thither. A primitive particle; there then; often thither, or thence."></a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mə·rū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">and asked</a> <a href="/hebrew/lōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- ">him,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4310.htm" title="4310: mî- (Interrog) -- An interrogative pronoun of persons, as mah is of things, who?; also whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix.">“Who</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: hĕ·ḇî·’ă·ḵā (V-Hifil-Perf-3ms:: 2ms) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">brought</a> <a href="/hebrew/1988.htm" title="1988: hă·lōm (Adv) -- Hith-er. From the article; hither.">you here?</a> <a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: ū·māh- (Conj-w:: Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">What</a> <a href="/hebrew/859.htm" title="859: ’at·tāh (Pro-2ms) -- You (masc. sing.). ">are you</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ‘ō·śeh (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">doing</a> <a href="/hebrew/2088.htm" title="2088: bā·zeh (Prep-b:: Pro-ms) -- This, here. A primitive word; the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that.">in this place?</a> <a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: ū·mah- (Conj-w:: Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">Why</a> <a href="/hebrew/lə·ḵā (Prep:: 2ms) -- ">are you</a> <a href="/hebrew/6311.htm" title="6311: p̄ōh (Adv) -- Here, hither. Or po; or pow; probably from a primitive inseparable particle p and huw'; this place, i.e. Here or hence.">here?”</a> 4“Micah has done this and that for me,” he replied, “and he has hired me to be his priest.”…<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="/judges/17-5.htm">Judges 17:5</a> 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. <a href="/judges/17-10.htm">Judges 17:10</a> “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 <a href="/1_samuel/9-9.htm">1 Samuel 9:9</a> (Formerly in Israel, a man on his way to inquire of God would say, “Come, let us go to the seer.” For the prophet of today was formerly called the seer.) <a href="/1_kings/13-18.htm">1 Kings 13:18</a> Then the prophet replied, “I too am a prophet like you, and an angel spoke to me by the word of the LORD, saying, ‘Bring him back with you to your house, so that he may eat bread and drink water.’” The old prophet was lying to him, <a href="/2_kings/17-29.htm">2 Kings 17:29-33</a> Nevertheless, the people of each nation continued to make their own gods in the cities where they had settled, and they set them up in the shrines that the people of Samaria had made on the high places. / The men of Babylon made Succoth-benoth, the men of Cuth made Nergal, the men of Hamath made Ashima, / the Avvites made Nibhaz and Tartak, and the Sepharvites burned their children in the fire to Adrammelech and Anammelech the gods of Sepharvaim. ... <a href="/isaiah/44-13.htm">Isaiah 44:13-20</a> The woodworker extends a measuring line; he marks it out with a stylus; he shapes it with chisels and outlines it with a compass. He fashions it in the likeness of man, like man in all his glory, that it may dwell in a shrine. / He cuts down cedars or retrieves a cypress or oak. He lets it grow strong among the trees of the forest. He plants a laurel, and the rain makes it grow. / It serves as fuel for man. He takes some of it to warm himself, and he kindles a fire and bakes his bread. He also fashions it into a god and worships it; he makes an idol and bows down to it. ... <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="/hosea/4-12.htm">Hosea 4:12</a> My people consult their wooden idols, and their divining rods inform them. For a spirit of prostitution leads them astray and they have played the harlot against their God. <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="/micah/1-7.htm">Micah 1:7</a> All her carved images will be smashed to pieces; all her wages will be burned in the fire, and I will destroy all her idols. Since she collected the wages of a prostitute, they will be used again on a prostitute. <a href="/matthew/7-15.htm">Matthew 7:15</a> Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. <a href="/matthew/24-11.htm">Matthew 24:11</a> and many false prophets will arise and deceive many. <a href="/mark/13-22.htm">Mark 13:22</a> For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and wonders to deceive even the elect, if that were possible. <a href="/acts/13-6.htm">Acts 13:6</a> They traveled through the whole island as far as Paphos, where they found a Jewish sorcerer and false prophet named Bar-Jesus, <a href="/acts/16-16.htm">Acts 16:16-18</a> One day as we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl with a spirit of divination, who earned a large income for her masters by fortune-telling. / This girl followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who are proclaiming to you the way of salvation!” / She continued this for many days. Eventually Paul grew so aggravated that he turned and said to the spirit, “In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!” And the spirit left her at that very moment.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>When they were by the house of Micah, they knew the voice of the young man the Levite: and they turned in thither, and said to him, Who brought you here? and what make you in this place? and what have you here?they knew.<a href="/judges/12-6.htm">Judges 12:6</a> Then said they unto him, Say now Shibboleth: and he said Sibboleth: for he could not frame to pronounce it right. Then they took him, and slew him at the passages of Jordan: and there fell at that time of the Ephraimites forty and two thousand.<a href="/genesis/27-22.htm">Genesis 27:22</a> And Jacob went near unto Isaac his father; and he felt him, and said, The voice is Jacob's voice, but the hands are the hands of Esau.<a href="/matthew/26-73.htm">Matthew 26:73</a> And after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech bewrayeth thee.and what hast<a href="/isaiah/22-16.htm">Isaiah 22:16</a> What hast thou here? and whom hast thou here, that thou hast hewed thee out a sepulchre here, as he that heweth him out a sepulchre on high, and that graveth an habitation for himself in a rock?<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/joshua/14-11.htm">Business</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/33-9.htm">Discerned</a> <a href="/judges/17-2.htm">Hearing</a> <a href="/genesis/31-11.htm">Here</a> <a href="/judges/16-2.htm">Hither</a> <a href="/judges/18-2.htm">House</a> <a href="/judges/17-5.htm">Household</a> <a href="/judges/17-13.htm">Levite</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/16-21.htm">Makest</a> <a href="/judges/18-2.htm">Micah</a> <a href="/judges/17-8.htm">Micah's</a> <a href="/genesis/42-8.htm">Recognized</a> <a href="/judges/14-8.htm">Road</a> <a href="/judges/13-19.htm">Strange</a> <a href="/judges/16-27.htm">Thither</a> <a href="/judges/14-17.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/judges/16-20.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/judges/13-9.htm">Voice</a> <a href="/judges/17-12.htm">Young</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/judges/18-7.htm">Business</a> <a href="/1_samuel/3-8.htm">Discerned</a> <a href="/1_samuel/2-23.htm">Hearing</a> <a href="/judges/20-7.htm">Here</a> <a href="/judges/19-12.htm">Hither</a> <a href="/judges/18-13.htm">House</a> <a href="/judges/18-14.htm">Household</a> <a href="/judges/18-15.htm">Levite</a> <a href="/job/4-3.htm">Makest</a> <a href="/judges/18-4.htm">Micah</a> <a href="/judges/18-13.htm">Micah's</a> <a href="/ruth/3-14.htm">Recognized</a> <a href="/judges/18-15.htm">Road</a> <a href="/judges/19-12.htm">Strange</a> <a href="/judges/18-15.htm">Thither</a> <a href="/judges/18-15.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/judges/18-15.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/judges/18-25.htm">Voice</a> <a href="/judges/18-15.htm">Young</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>And while they were near Micah’s house This phrase sets the scene geographically and contextually. Micah's house is located in the hill country of Ephraim, a central region in Israel. This area is significant in Israelite history, often associated with religious and political activity. The mention of Micah's house connects to the broader narrative of Judges, where individual households often become centers of idolatry and religious syncretism, reflecting the spiritual decline during this period.they recognized the voice of the young Levite The Levite's presence is crucial, as Levites were members of the tribe set apart for religious duties. His recognition by the Danites suggests prior acquaintance, possibly from his travels or his previous service. This highlights the mobility and sometimes instability of Levites during this era, as they sought positions in a decentralized religious system. The Levite's role in Micah's household, serving as a priest despite not being from the Aaronic line, underscores the religious confusion and deviation from Mosaic Law prevalent at the time.so they went over and asked him The Danites' approach to the Levite indicates their interest in his role and possibly his influence. This action reflects the tribal dynamics and the search for religious legitimacy or guidance, which was often sought from those perceived to have spiritual authority. The interaction also foreshadows the Danites' later actions, as they seek to establish their own religious center.“Who brought you here? This question addresses the Levite's presence and authority in Micah's household. It implies a curiosity or skepticism about his legitimacy and the circumstances that led him to serve in this capacity. The inquiry reflects the broader theme of leadership and authority in Judges, where individuals often act independently of divine or communal guidance.What are you doing in this place? The question probes the Levite's activities and purpose, highlighting the unusual nature of his service in a private household rather than a central sanctuary. This reflects the period's religious fragmentation, where personal shrines and unauthorized priesthoods were common. The Levite's role in Micah's idolatrous practices contrasts with the intended Levitical duties outlined in the Torah.Why are you here?” This final question seeks to understand the Levite's motivations and circumstances. It underscores the theme of identity and purpose, both for the individual and the community. The Levite's presence in Micah's house, serving in a compromised religious setting, illustrates the moral and spiritual ambiguity of the time. This situation foreshadows the eventual establishment of a rival religious center by the Danites, further deviating from the prescribed worship of Yahweh.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/m/micah.htm">Micah</a> A man from the hill country of Ephraim who had set up a shrine with idols and appointed his own priest. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_young_levite.htm">The Young Levite</a> A Levite from Bethlehem in Judah who became a priest for Micah, despite the irregularity of his appointment. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_danites.htm">The Danites</a> Members of the tribe of Dan who were seeking territory to settle in, as they had not yet secured their inheritance. 4. <a href="/topical/m/micah's_house.htm">Micah’s House</a> The location where the Levite was serving as a priest, and where the Danites recognized his voice. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_hill_country_of_ephraim.htm">The Hill Country of Ephraim</a> The region where Micah lived and where the events took place.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_compromise.htm">The Danger of Compromise</a> The Levite’s acceptance of a position outside God’s ordained structure for worship illustrates the danger of compromising biblical principles for personal gain or convenience. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_god-ordained_leadership.htm">The Importance of God-Ordained Leadership</a> The account highlights the need for leaders to be appointed according to God’s standards, not personal or societal preferences. <a href="/topical/r/recognizing_god's_voice.htm">Recognizing God’s Voice</a> The Danites recognized the Levite’s voice, prompting reflection on how we discern and recognize God’s voice in our lives today. <a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_idolatry.htm">The Consequences of Idolatry</a> Micah’s idolatry serves as a warning against placing anything above God, reminding us of the first commandment’s call to exclusive worship. <a href="/topical/s/seeking_god's_guidance.htm">Seeking God’s Guidance</a> The Danites’ quest for territory underscores the importance of seeking God’s guidance in our pursuits and decisions.<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/what_lessons_do_moses_and_aaron_teach.htm">Where is Mount Ephraim mentioned in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/how_did_early_israelites_offer_firstfruits.htm">How did early Israelites fulfill the centralized requirement of bringing firstfruits (Deuteronomy 26) before a formal temple or priesthood was consistently established?</a> <a href="/q/compare_samuel's_leadership_with_ot_priestly_roles..htm">How does Samuel's leadership in 1 Samuel 7 compare with conflicting narratives about priestly authority in other Old Testament books?</a> <a href="/q/why_is_a_carved_image_allowed_in_judges_18_31.htm">How do we reconcile the setting up of a carved image in Judges 18:31 with the strict prohibition against idolatry found elsewhere in the Old Testament?</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>(3) By the house of Micah.--Literally, with--i.e., lodging in it, as in <a href="/genesis/27-43.htm" title="Now therefore, my son, obey my voice; arise, flee you to Laban my brother to Haran;">Genesis 27:43</a>.They knew the voice of the young man the Levite.--Again the narrative is too much compressed to enable us to fill up its details with any certainty. The youthful Jonathan had lived in Bethlehem. The grandson of Moses could not be wholly unknown. and at this time there was close intercourse between the tribes of Dan and Judah. Possibly, therefore they were personally acquainted with him; nor do they ask (as Micah had done), "Whence cometh thou? They recognised his voice, possibly by some dialectic peculiarity, but more probably by hearing him performing in the upper room his service before the pesel. Cassel renders "voice" by "sound," and refers it to the bells on the priestly dress, as in <a href="/exodus/28-35.htm" title="And it shall be on Aaron to minister: and his sound shall be heard when he goes in to the holy place before the LORD, and when he comes out, that he die not.">Exodus 28:35</a>. We notice that Micah had been reticent about the ephod, &c., perhaps out of suspicion as to their intentions.Turned in thither.--Not necessarily into the house, but into the room--the oratory (aedicula), or Beth-Elohim (<a href="/judges/17-5.htm" title="And the man Micah had an house of gods, and made an ephod, and teraphim, and consecrated one of his sons, who became his priest.">Judges 17:5</a>). It seems to have been a kind of spurious Shiloh.What makest thou in this place?--The accent of extreme surprise in their queries shows that they knew Jonathan, and did not expect to find a Judaean Levite in Ephraim.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/judges/18.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 3. - When. Rather, while. By the house. Rather, in or at the house. They knew the voice, having, as some think, known him before he left Bethlehem, or perceiving a southern accent. But it may merely mean that they discerned his voice as he was singing or reciting prayers in the house of God. Micah's house seems to have been a collection of houses (vers. 14, 22), approached by one gateway (ver. 16), in one of which the Levite dwelt. They turned in thither. This seems to have been next morning, when they were starting on their journey. Hearing the Levite's voice, they turned aside into his house. What makest thou, etc. Rather, What doest thou in this place? and what is thy business here? <a href="/commentaries/judges/18-3.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>And while they הֵ֚מָּה (hêm·māh) Pronoun - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1992.htm">Strong's 1992: </a> They were near עִם־ (‘im-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5973.htm">Strong's 5973: </a> With, equally with Micah’s מִיכָ֔ה (mî·ḵāh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4318.htm">Strong's 4318: </a> Micah -- the name of several Israelites house, בֵּ֣ית (bêṯ) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1004.htm">Strong's 1004: </a> A house they וְהֵ֣מָּה (wə·hêm·māh) Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1992.htm">Strong's 1992: </a> They recognized הִכִּ֔ירוּ (hik·kî·rū) Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5234.htm">Strong's 5234: </a> To regard, recognize the voice ק֥וֹל (qō·wl) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6963.htm">Strong's 6963: </a> A voice, sound of the young הַנַּ֖עַר (han·na·‘ar) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5288.htm">Strong's 5288: </a> A boy, lad, youth, retainer Levite; הַלֵּוִ֑י (hal·lê·wî) Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3881.htm">Strong's 3881: </a> Levites -- descendant of Levi so they went over וַיָּס֣וּרוּ (way·yā·sū·rū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5493.htm">Strong's 5493: </a> To turn aside and asked וַיֹּ֤אמְרוּ (way·yō·mə·rū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say him, לוֹ֙ (lōw) Preposition | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> “Who מִֽי־ (mî-) Interrogative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4310.htm">Strong's 4310: </a> Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix brought הֱבִיאֲךָ֣ (hĕ·ḇî·’ă·ḵā) Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person masculine singular | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> To come in, come, go in, go you here? הֲלֹ֔ם (hă·lōm) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1988.htm">Strong's 1988: </a> Hith-er What וּמָֽה־ (ū·māh-) Conjunctive waw | Interrogative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> What?, what!, indefinitely what are you אַתָּ֥ה (’at·tāh) Pronoun - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_859.htm">Strong's 859: </a> Thou and thee, ye and you doing עֹשֶׂ֛ה (‘ō·śeh) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> To do, make in this [place]? בָּזֶ֖ה (bā·zeh) Preposition-b | Pronoun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2088.htm">Strong's 2088: </a> This, that Why וּמַה־ (ū·mah-) Conjunctive waw | Interrogative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> What?, what!, indefinitely what are you לְּךָ֥ (lə·ḵā) Preposition | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> here?? פֹֽה׃ (p̄ōh) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6311.htm">Strong's 6311: </a> This place, here <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/judges/18-3.htm">Judges 18:3 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/judges/18-3.htm">Judges 18:3 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/judges/18-3.htm">Judges 18:3 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/judges/18-3.htm">Judges 18:3 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/judges/18-3.htm">Judges 18:3 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/judges/18-3.htm">Judges 18:3 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/judges/18-3.htm">Judges 18:3 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/judges/18-3.htm">Judges 18:3 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/judges/18-3.htm">Judges 18:3 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/judges/18-3.htm">Judges 18:3 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/judges/18-3.htm">OT History: Judges 18:3 When they were by the house (Jd Judg. Jdg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/judges/18-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Judges 18:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Judges 18:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/judges/18-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Judges 18:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Judges 18:4" /></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>