Online Bible Commentary
Select Language
Select font sizeDark ModeSet to dark mode

Judges 18:5 meaning

During a time of great spiritual decline in Israel, the Danites sought security by sending spies to scout a new land. This venture illustrated their dissatisfaction with their God—assigned territory and their willingness to compromise God's commands for personal gain. Their decision to consult a Levite for guidance—while bypassing the central place of worship—exemplifies a dangerous trend of relying on false forms of spirituality instead of genuine faith in God. Inquiring whether they would prosper in their endeavor underscores not just their ambition but also their spiritual apathy and lack of awareness of divine law.

In Judges 18:5, the Danite spies ask a Levite whether their venture will be successful, revealing their mindset that prosperity can be assured through human means and compromises rather than through faithfulness to God's established order. This act serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive influence of idolatry and the chaos that ensues when people detach themselves from God's directives. Ultimately, the narrative warns against the folly of seeking security through self—made solutions rather than relying on divine guidance which, when abandoned, leads to disobedience and moral decay.

Other Relevant Commentaries:

  • Exodus 19:1-9 meaning. Chapter 19 begins a new section of the book. The LORD has delivered His people Israel from Egypt, and it was time to enter into a covenant with them. Having reached the wilderness next to Mount Sinai, Moses made his way up the mountain to meet the LORD. The LORD spoke to him about the covenant that was about to be made between the LORD and the people of Israel. He told Moses to tell the people to remember His work of deliverance and that as a result they are His people and are to become a kingdom of priests to the nations by following God’s commands. Moses relayed the message to the tribal leaders who then relayed it to the people. The people responded that they would obey the LORD in all things. Thus the agreement was proposed and agreed to. Moses then relayed this message to the LORD, who in turn gave Moses the role of intermediary between Him and the people, and Moses relayed His words to Israel.
  • Zechariah 11:1-3 meaning. Zechariah urges the leaders of Lebanon and Bashan to lament the destruction of their forested land because the LORD will come to them with judgment. 
  • Zechariah 3:1-5 meaning. Zechariah sees an adversary (Satan) desiring to accuse Joshua before the LORD. However, the angel of the LORD rebukes the adversary and cleanses Joshua, allowing him to continue to perform his priestly duties.