Judges 18 - Summary

The Danites, seeking territory because their inheritance among the tribes was too small, send five spies who recognize Micah's Levite priest and inquire of God through him. The spies report finding Laish, a peaceful and unsuspecting people far from Sidon; six hundred armed Danites march north, stopping at Micah's house where they take the carved image, ephod, household gods, and metal image, persuading the priest to come serve a tribe rather than one man's household. When Micah pursues them, the Danites threaten violence and he retreats powerless. The Danites conquer Laish, burn it, rebuild and rename it Dan, and set up the carved image with Jonathan son of Gershom, son of Moses, and his sons serving as priests until the land's captivity.