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align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.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/18-20.htm" title="Judges 18:20">◄</a> Judges 18:21 <a href="/judges/18-22.htm" title="Judges 18:22">►</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"><b>Verse</b><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"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/judges/18.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Putting their little children, their livestock and their possessions in front of them, they turned away and left.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/judges/18.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />They turned and started on their way again, placing their children, livestock, and possessions in front of them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/judges/18.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />So they turned and departed, putting the little ones and the livestock and the goods in front of them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/judges/18.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Putting their small children, their livestock, and their possessions in front of them, they turned and departed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/judges/18.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />So they turned and departed, and put the little ones and the cattle and the carriage before them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/judges/18.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then they turned and departed, and put the little ones, the livestock, and the goods in front of them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/judges/18.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then they turned and left, and put the children, the livestock, and the valuables in front of them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/judges/18.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then they turned and departed, and put the little ones and the livestock and the valuables in front of them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/judges/18.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Then they turned and departed, and put the little ones and the livestock and the valuables in front of them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/judges/18.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then they turned and went <i>away</i> and put the little ones and the livestock and the valuables in front of them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/judges/18.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />So they turned and left, and they put the children, the livestock, and the valuables <i>and</i> supplies in front of them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/judges/18.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />They prepared to leave, putting their dependents, livestock, and possessions in front of them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/judges/18.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />They prepared to leave, putting their small children, livestock, and possessions in front of them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/judges/18.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />So they turned and departed, and put the little ones and the cattle and the goods before them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/judges/18.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />from the tribe of Dan. Then they turned and left, after putting their children, their cattle, and the rest of their other possessions in front. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/judges/18.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />So they turned and departed, and put the little ones and the cattle and the goods before them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/judges/18.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />When they left, they put their children, livestock, and property in front of them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/judges/18.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />They turned around and started off, with their children, their livestock, and their belongings going ahead. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/judges/18.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Then they turned around and left, sending their little ones, their livestock, and their valuables on ahead. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/judges/18.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Putting their small children, their livestock, and their possessions in front of them, they turned and departed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/judges/18.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />They turned and went on their way, but they walked behind the children, the cattle, and their possessions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/judges/18.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />So they turned and departed, and put the little ones and the livestock and the goods before them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/judges/18.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />So they turned and departed, and put the little ones, and the cattle, and the furniture before them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/judges/18.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />So they turned and departed, and put the little ones, the livestock, and the goods before them. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/judges/18.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and they turn and go, and put the infants, and the livestock, and the baggage, before them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/judges/18.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and they turn and go, and put the infants, and the cattle, and the baggage, before them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/judges/18.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And they will turn and go and put the little ones and the cattle and the wealth before them.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/judges/18.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And when they were going forward, and had put before them the children and the cattle and all that was valuable, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/judges/18.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And while traveling, they had also sent the children, and the cattle, and all that was valuable to go ahead of them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/judges/18.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />As they turned to depart, they placed their little ones, their livestock, and their goods at the head of the column.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/judges/18.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />So they resumed their journey, putting the little ones, the livestock, and the goods in front of them.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/judges/18.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />So they turned and departed, and put the sheep and the goods and the cattle in front of them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/judges/18.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And they turned and they departed and they went, and the ewe lambs and the goods and the animals went before them<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/judges/18.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />So they turned and departed, and put the little ones and the cattle and the goods before them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/judges/18.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />So they turned and departed, and put their children and their property and their baggage before them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/judges/18-21.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AjzBiIYY2Dc?start=5459" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/judges/18.htm">The Danites Take Micah's Idols</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">20</span>So the priest was glad and took the ephod, the household idols, and the graven image, and went with the people. <span class="reftext">21</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/7760.htm" title="7760: way·yā·śî·mū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To put, place, set. Or siym; a primitive root; to put.">Putting</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/2945.htm" title="2945: haṭ·ṭap̄ (Art:: N-ms) -- Children. From taphaph; a family.">their small children,</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: wə·’eṯ- (Conj-w:: DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4735.htm" title="4735: ham·miq·neh (Art:: N-ms) -- Cattle. From qanah; something bought, i.e. Property, but only livestock; abstractly, acquisition.">their livestock,</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: wə·’eṯ- (Conj-w:: DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3520.htm" title="3520: hak·kə·ḇū·dāh (Art:: N-fs) -- Abundance, riches. Irreg. Feminine passive participle of kabad; weightiness, i.e. Magnificence, wealth.">and their possessions</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: lip̄·nê·hem (Prep-l:: N-mpc:: 3mp) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">in front of them,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6437.htm" title="6437: way·yip̄·nū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To turn. A primitive root; to turn; by implication, to face, i.e. Appear, look, etc.">they turned</a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: way·yê·lê·ḵū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">and departed.</a> </span><span class="reftext">22</span>After they were some distance from Micah’s house, the men in the houses near Micah’s house mobilized and overtook the Danites.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/6-17.htm">Joshua 6:17-19</a></span><br />Now the city and everything in it must be devoted to the LORD for destruction. Only Rahab the prostitute and all those with her in her house will live, because she hid the spies we sent. / But keep away from the things devoted to destruction, lest you yourself be set apart for destruction. If you take any of these, you will set apart the camp of Israel for destruction and bring disaster upon it. / For all the silver and gold and all the articles of bronze and iron are holy to the LORD; they must go into His treasury.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/15-19.htm">1 Samuel 15:19-23</a></span><br />So why did you not obey the LORD? Why did you rush upon the plunder and do evil in the sight of the LORD?” / “But I did obey the LORD,” Saul replied. “I went on the mission that the LORD gave me. I brought back Agag king of Amalek and devoted the Amalekites to destruction. / The troops took sheep and cattle from the plunder, the best of the things devoted to destruction, in order to sacrifice them to the LORD your God at Gilgal.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/17-9.htm">2 Kings 17:9-12</a></span><br />The Israelites secretly did things against the LORD their God that were not right. From watchtower to fortified city, they built high places in all their cities. / They set up for themselves sacred pillars and Asherah poles on every high hill and under every green tree. / They burned incense on all the high places like the nations that the LORD had driven out before them. They did wicked things, provoking the LORD to anger. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/44-9.htm">Isaiah 44:9-20</a></span><br />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. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/10-1.htm">Jeremiah 10:1-5</a></span><br />Hear the word that the LORD speaks to you, O house of Israel. / This is what the LORD says: “Do not learn the ways of the nations or be terrified by the signs in the heavens, though the nations themselves are terrified by them. / 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. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/4-12.htm">Hosea 4:12-13</a></span><br />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. / They sacrifice on the mountaintops and burn offerings on the hills, under oak, poplar, and terebinth, because their shade is pleasant. And so your daughters turn to prostitution and your daughters-in-law to adultery.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/micah/1-7.htm">Micah 1:7</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/115-4.htm">Psalm 115:4-8</a></span><br />Their idols are silver and gold, made by the hands of men. / They have mouths, but cannot speak; they have eyes, but cannot see; / they have ears, but cannot hear; they have noses, but cannot smell; ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/135-15.htm">Psalm 135:15-18</a></span><br />The idols of the nations are silver and gold, made by the hands of men. / They have mouths, but cannot speak; they have eyes, but cannot see; / they have ears, but cannot hear; nor is there breath in their mouths. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/12-2.htm">Deuteronomy 12:2-4</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/20-4.htm">Exodus 20:4-5</a></span><br />You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in the heavens above, on the earth below, or in the waters beneath. / You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on their children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/10-19.htm">1 Corinthians 10:19-21</a></span><br />Am I suggesting, then, that food sacrificed to an idol is anything, or that an idol is anything? / No, but the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God. And I do not want you to be participants with demons. / You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot partake in the table of the Lord and the table of demons too.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/6-16.htm">2 Corinthians 6:16-18</a></span><br />What agreement can exist between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be My people.” / “Therefore come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.” / And: “I will be a Father to you, and you will be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/5-19.htm">Galatians 5:19-21</a></span><br />The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; / idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, and rage; rivalries, divisions, factions, / and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/5-5.htm">Ephesians 5:5-7</a></span><br />For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure, or greedy person (that is, an idolater) has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. / Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things the wrath of God is coming on the sons of disobedience. / Therefore do not be partakers with them.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">So they turned and departed, and put the little ones and the cattle and the carriage before them.</p><p class="hdg">and put.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/judges/5-28.htm">Carriage</a> <a href="/judges/6-5.htm">Cattle</a> <a href="/judges/18-16.htm">Children</a> <a href="/judges/18-7.htm">Departed</a> <a href="/joshua/8-35.htm">Infants</a> <a href="/judges/4-19.htm">Little</a> <a href="/judges/16-11.htm">Ones</a> <a href="/judges/6-5.htm">Oxen</a> <a href="/joshua/14-4.htm">Possessions</a> <a href="/judges/16-29.htm">Putting</a> <a href="/judges/18-15.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/judges/18-15.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/ezra/1-6.htm">Valuables</a> <a href="/judges/18-12.htm">Way</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/17-22.htm">Carriage</a> <a href="/1_samuel/8-16.htm">Cattle</a> <a href="/judges/18-22.htm">Children</a> <a href="/judges/18-26.htm">Departed</a> <a href="/1_samuel/15-3.htm">Infants</a> <a href="/judges/21-10.htm">Little</a> <a href="/judges/21-10.htm">Ones</a> <a href="/1_samuel/8-16.htm">Oxen</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-2.htm">Possessions</a> <a href="/judges/20-36.htm">Putting</a> <a href="/judges/18-23.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/judges/18-23.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/32-27.htm">Valuables</a> <a href="/judges/18-22.htm">Way</a><div class="vheading2">Judges 18</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/18-1.htm">The Danites send five men to seek out an inheritance</a></span><br><span class="reftext">3. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/18-3.htm">At the house of Micah they consult with Jonathan, and are encouraged</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/18-7.htm">They search Laish, and bring back news of good hope</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/18-11.htm">Six hundred men are sent to surprise it</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/18-16.htm">In their way they rob Micah of his priest and his consecrated things</a></span><br><span class="reftext">27. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/18-27.htm">They win Laish, and call it Dan</a></span><br><span class="reftext">30. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/18-30.htm">They set up idolatry, wherein Jonathan inherits the priesthood.</a></span><br></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><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </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><b>Putting their small children, their livestock, and their possessions in front of them</b><br>This phrase indicates a strategic decision by the Danites to protect their most vulnerable and valuable assets. In ancient Near Eastern culture, children and livestock were considered vital for the continuation of family lineage and economic stability. By placing them at the front, the Danites ensured their safety from potential attacks from behind, demonstrating a tactical retreat. This action reflects the importance of family and property in Israelite society, as seen in other biblical narratives where protection of family and assets is prioritized (e.g., <a href="/genesis/33.htm">Genesis 33:1-3</a>, where Jacob arranges his family to meet Esau).<p><b>they turned and departed</b><br>The departure signifies the Danites' final decision to leave their previous territory and move towards Laish, which they later rename Dan. This movement is part of the larger narrative of the tribe of Dan seeking a permanent inheritance, as their allotted territory was insufficient or difficult to secure (<a href="/judges/1-34.htm">Judges 1:34</a>). Historically, this reflects the period of the Judges, characterized by tribal movements and conflicts over land. Theologically, it underscores the theme of seeking God's promise and the challenges of faithfulness to God's covenant, as the Danites' actions are later criticized for idolatry (<a href="/judges/18-30.htm">Judges 18:30-31</a>). This departure can also be seen as a metaphor for spiritual journeys, where believers must sometimes leave behind familiar but unfaithful practices to pursue God's promises.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_danites.htm">The Danites</a></b><br>A tribe of Israel seeking a new territory to inhabit. They are central to the events of <a href="/bsb/judges/18.htm">Judges 18</a>, as they are in the process of relocating and conquering new land.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/m/micah.htm">Micah</a></b><br>An Ephraimite whose idols and priest were taken by the Danites. His account is intertwined with the events of <a href="/bsb/judges/18.htm">Judges 18</a>, highlighting issues of idolatry and personal religion.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/l/laish.htm">Laish</a></b><br>The city that the Danites are moving towards to conquer. It represents a place of opportunity and new beginnings for the tribe.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_priest.htm">The Priest</a></b><br>Originally serving Micah, he is taken by the Danites to serve as their priest, illustrating the fluidity and corruption of religious practices during this period.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_journey.htm">The Journey</a></b><br>The movement of the Danites, including their strategic placement of children, livestock, and possessions, signifies their determination and the seriousness of their mission.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/p/prioritizing_god's_guidance.htm">Prioritizing God's Guidance</a></b><br>The Danites' journey without seeking God's direction serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of prioritizing divine guidance over human plans.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_dangers_of_idolatry.htm">The Dangers of Idolatry</a></b><br>The ease with which the Danites adopt Micah's idols highlights the persistent danger of idolatry and the need for vigilance in maintaining pure worship.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/family_and_community_responsibility.htm">Family and Community Responsibility</a></b><br>The strategic placement of children and possessions underscores the importance of protecting and prioritizing family and community in our spiritual journeys.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/consequences_of_self-reliance.htm">Consequences of Self-Reliance</a></b><br>The Danites' actions demonstrate the potential negative consequences of relying solely on human wisdom and strength rather than seeking God's will.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_leadership.htm">The Role of Leadership</a></b><br>The priest's willingness to serve the Danites for personal gain reflects the need for godly leadership that prioritizes faithfulness over personal ambition.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_judges_18.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Judges 18</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_didn't_tribes_fully_possess_land.htm">If the land division was divinely ordained, why do other biblical accounts (e.g., Judges 1) describe tribes failing to fully possess these assigned territories?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/evidence_of_israel's_gathering_at_shiloh.htm">Joshua 18:1 - Is there historical or archaeological evidence confirming that 'all the congregation of the children of Israel' actually gathered at Shiloh?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_god_delay_judging_child_sacrifice.htm">Jeremiah 19:4-5 -- If God commands against child sacrifice elsewhere, why would He allow His own people to practice it for so long without immediate judgment?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_did_hannah's_faith_lead_to_samuel.htm">How did Hannah's faith lead to Samuel's birth?</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>(21) <span class= "bld">The little ones and the cattle.</span>--It is only in this incidental way that the fact of this being a regular migration is brought out. (Comp. <a href="/exodus/12-37.htm" title="And the children of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand on foot that were men, beside children.">Exodus 12:37</a>.) The women are, of course, included, though not mentioned (<a href="/genesis/34-29.htm" title="And all their wealth, and all their little ones, and their wives took they captive, and spoiled even all that was in the house.">Genesis 34:29</a>; <a href="/2_chronicles/20-13.htm" title="And all Judah stood before the LORD, with their little ones, their wives, and their children.">2Chronicles 20:13</a>).<p><span class= "bld">And the carriage</span>--i.e., "the baggage." (Comp. <a href="/acts/21-15.htm" title="And after those days we took up our carriages, and went up to Jerusalem.">Acts 21:15</a>.) The word is <span class= "ital">hakkebodah, </span>which the LXX. (Cod. A) render "their glorious possession," and the Vulg. "everything which was precious," <span class= "ital">i.e., </span>the valuables. But as <span class= "ital">cabid </span>means "to be heavy," the rendering of the Vatican MS. of the LXX.--"the weight," i.e., "the heavy baggage" (<span class= "ital">impedimenta</span>)--may be right. The word has no connection with that similarly rendered in <a href="/1_samuel/17-22.htm" title="And David left his carriage in the hand of the keeper of the carriage, and ran into the army, and came and saluted his brothers.">1Samuel 17:22</a>. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/judges/18.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 21.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">They turned</span>, <span class="accented">i.e.</span> turned their backs upon Beth-Micah, and went on their way to the north. <span class="cmt_word">The little ones</span>. The term necessarily includes the women of the emigrant party. Compare Jacob's care for his wives and children (<a href="/genesis/33-1.htm">Genesis 33:1-5</a>); only Jacob expected an attack from Esau in front, the Danites an attack from Micah from behind. <span class="cmt_word">The carriage</span>. It is the same word as is translated in <a href="/genesis/31-1.htm">Genesis 31:1</a> <span class="accented">glory</span>; it might be rendered <span class="accented">valuables.</span> It would no doubt include the precious images and ephod which they had just stolen. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/judges/18-21.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Putting</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיָּשִׂ֨ימוּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yā·śî·mū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7760.htm">Strong's 7760: </a> </span><span class="str2">Put -- to put, place, set</span><br /><br /><span class="word">their small children,</span><br /><span class="heb">הַטַּ֧ף</span> <span class="translit">(haṭ·ṭap̄)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2945.htm">Strong's 2945: </a> </span><span class="str2">A family</span><br /><br /><span class="word">their livestock,</span><br /><span class="heb">הַמִּקְנֶ֛ה</span> <span class="translit">(ham·miq·neh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4735.htm">Strong's 4735: </a> </span><span class="str2">Something bought, property, livestock, acquisition</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and their possessions</span><br /><span class="heb">הַכְּבוּדָּ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(hak·kə·ḇū·dāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3520.htm">Strong's 3520: </a> </span><span class="str2">Weightiness, magnificence, wealth</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in front of them,</span><br /><span class="heb">לִפְנֵיהֶֽם׃</span> <span class="translit">(lip̄·nê·hem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> </span><span class="str2">The face</span><br /><br /><span class="word">they turned</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּפְנ֖וּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yip̄·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6437.htm">Strong's 6437: </a> </span><span class="str2">To turn, to face, appear, look</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and departed.</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֵּלֵ֑כוּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yê·lê·ḵū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> </span><span class="str2">To go, come, walk</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/judges/18-21.htm">Judges 18:21 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/judges/18-21.htm">Judges 18:21 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/judges/18-21.htm">Judges 18:21 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/judges/18-21.htm">Judges 18:21 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/judges/18-21.htm">Judges 18:21 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/judges/18-21.htm">Judges 18:21 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/judges/18-21.htm">Judges 18:21 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/judges/18-21.htm">Judges 18:21 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/judges/18-21.htm">Judges 18:21 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/judges/18-21.htm">Judges 18:21 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/judges/18-21.htm">OT History: Judges 18:21 So they turned and departed and put (Jd Judg. Jdg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/judges/18-20.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Judges 18:20"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Judges 18:20" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/judges/18-22.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Judges 18:22"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Judges 18:22" /></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>