Judges 18 11

Judges 18:11 kjv

And there went from thence of the family of the Danites, out of Zorah and out of Eshtaol, six hundred men appointed with weapons of war.

Judges 18:11 nkjv

And six hundred men of the family of the Danites went from there, from Zorah and Eshtaol, armed with weapons of war.

Judges 18:11 niv

Then six hundred men of the Danites, armed for battle, set out from Zorah and Eshtaol.

Judges 18:11 esv

So 600 men of the tribe of Dan, armed with weapons of war, set out from Zorah and Eshtaol,

Judges 18:11 nlt

So 600 men from the tribe of Dan, armed with weapons of war, set out from Zorah and Eshtaol.

Judges 18 verses

Judges 18 11 Meaning

Judges 18:11 describes the departure of a contingent of six hundred armed men from the tribe of Dan. These men, hailing from their original settlements of Zorah and Eshtaol, set out on a military expedition to find a new territory for their tribe, demonstrating a prepared and determined intent for conquest. This act signals the initiation of their unsanctioned search for land, fueled by self-interest and leading to subsequent moral and religious transgressions.

Judges 18 11 Context

Judges chapter 18 unfolds during a period in Israel's history characterized by significant moral and spiritual decay, encapsulated by the recurring phrase "in those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes" (Judg 17:6, 21:25). The chapter is a continuation of the narrative from Judges 17, which introduces Micah's unauthorized private shrine and his hired Levite priest. The specific context for chapter 18 details the plight of the tribe of Dan. Despite being allotted a territory in the Promise Land (Josh 19:40-48), they struggled to secure it, being pressured by the Amorites (Judg 1:34). Faced with this territorial insecurity, the Danites resolve to find a new homeland for themselves. Chapter 18:1 recounts their decision to send five spies, who, having journeyed north, discovered the unsuspecting and vulnerable city of Laish (later renamed Dan). Verse 11 marks the organized military expedition by a specific detachment from Dan, following the spies' return with positive news. Their journey takes them into a spiritually corrupt environment already established in the previous chapter, leading to their acquisition of Micah's idol and Levite, culminating in a violent conquest and the establishment of a rival, idolatrous worship center.

Judges 18 11 Word analysis

• So there went: This marks the active initiation of the Danites' plan. It is a purposeful, directed movement, not a passive occurrence. The Hebrew verb implies setting out on a journey.
• from there: Refers to the location where the spies had reported their findings to the larger Danite community, implicitly Zorah and Eshtaol (the cities mentioned next), from where the military contingent departed.
• of the family of the Danites: The Hebrew "mishpaḥat ha-Dani" denotes a clan or division, emphasizing that this was a representative group from the tribe, not the entire tribe. This group acts on behalf of the larger tribe.
• out of Zorah and Eshtaol: These were ancestral towns within the original allotment of Dan, strategically located at the border with Judah. They are well-known as the birthplace and region associated with Samson, another Danite, highlighting the tribe's geographic connection to these places despite their struggles.
• six hundred men: A specific, substantial number indicating a military-sized force. It represents a significant commitment of tribal strength to this endeavor. The specificity emphasizes the organized, albeit unsanctioned, nature of their operation.
• armed with weapons of war: The Hebrew "ḥăgûrê kĕlê milḥāmâ" means "girded with implements of war." This is more than merely carrying weapons; it implies being fully equipped and ready for active combat. The phrase signifies a deliberate intention for aggression and conquest, setting the tone for their actions against Laish.

Judges 18 11 Bonus section

• The Danite migration and conquest of Laish is often seen as a significant indicator of the "anarchy" of the Judges period, illustrating how tribal self-interest superseded any sense of national or covenant unity.
• The re-establishment of an idolatrous worship center by the Danites at their new settlement of "Dan" (Judg 18:30-31) forms the theological precursor to the later golden calves set up by Jeroboam in the northern kingdom (1 Kgs 12:29-30), symbolically marking the northernmost point of Israel's idolatry, often referenced as "from Dan to Beersheba."
• This military movement of a specific "family" or clan reflects a common ancient Near Eastern practice of internal tribal expansion or migration in response to external pressures or resource limitations, but critically, in this Biblical account, it lacks divine sanction and ultimately leads to unrighteousness.

Judges 18 11 Commentary

Judges 18:11 highlights the practical execution of a human-devised solution to the Danites' territorial challenges. Rather than seeking the Lord's guidance or demonstrating faith in His provision, this segment of Dan's tribe took matters into their own hands. The emphasis on "six hundred men armed with weapons of war" portrays a well-organized and determined military force, ready to achieve their objectives through carnal means. This verse encapsulates a critical point of descent for the tribe of Dan, moving from a position of territorial struggle to active aggression and eventual religious apostasy by establishing an alternative worship center. Their journey, motivated by self-preservation and convenience rather than covenant fidelity, sets the stage for a tragic example of how "everyone did what was right in his own eyes," ultimately contributing to the deep spiritual corruption prevalent in Israel during the Judges era.