Today I read Judges 18, in which Micah’s temple items and priest are taken, and the Danites overtake Laish because the people were peaceful, quiet, and secure. Today I considered that we need strong leaders and warriors in place to keep our land secure.
Laish Became Dan
There was no leader or king over Israel, and the children of Dan were looking for inheritance land to live on (Judges 18:1-31). The Danites sent five men to spy and find land for them. The spies came across Micah’s priest the Levite and asked if they would be prosperous, and the Levite said the Lord was before their way. The spies found the quiet people of Laish without a leader and feeling secure in a large area of land. The Danites sent 600 warriors to fight and obtain the land of Laish. Along the way the warriors passed Micah’s house and took his ephod, teraphim, graven image, and molten image and told the Levite to follow them and be priest over a tribe instead of a house. Micah and his men tried to follow and stop them but were not strong enough. The warriors took the land of Laish as their inheritance, named it Dan, set up things taken from Micah, and had priests.
Questions and Thoughts for Today
Peace and Security have a cost. The people of Laish did not worry about making alliances, having a leader, or having warriors and were vulnerable to attack. They lost everything and could not even put up a real fight. God is showing that we need leaders, warriors, and alliances to keep our lands secure.
Who do you consider the leaders and warriors in the area where you live?