Judges, Ruth: Revised Edition (The NIV Application Commentary)

by K. Lawson Younger

Just as the wayward Levite sought a place to settle, so now the text describes a wayward tribe seeking a place to settle. This is the initial link between the two stories. The tribe of Dan had had the least success in conquering any of its allotment (Judg 1:34). In order to find another place to settle, the Danites send out five warriors from Zorah and Eshtaol (note the link here with the earlier Samson narrative) “to spy out the land and explore it” (18:2). Just as the Levite happened to come to Micah’s house, so the Danite spies happen to come to Micah’s house and spend the night. And just as the Danites’ quest for new territory is illegitimate, so is their quest for a cult other than that of Yahweh. The narration backs up slightly to the time of their approach to Micah’s house when they recognize “the voice” (v. 3) of the young Levite servicing Micah’s shrine. The word “voice” (qol) probably refers to the Levite’s accent.27 Consequently, they bombard the Levite with questions about how he got there, what he is doing there, and why he is there. The Levite replies that Micah “has hired me and I am his priest” (v. 4). The answer does not disturb the Danites in the least (i.e., a Levitical priest serving in non-Yahwistic context). Instead, they solicit an oracle (probably through the divination of the ephod and terapim [household gods]; v. 5): “Please inquire of God to learn whether our journey will be successful.” Notice that they use the term “God,” not Yahweh. Ironically...