King James Version

What Does Judges 18:1 Mean?

Judges 18:1 in the King James Version says “In those days there was no king in Israel: and in those days the tribe of the Danites sought them an inheritance to dwel...” — study this verse from Judges chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“In those days there was no king in Israel: and in those days the tribe of the Danites sought them an inheritance to dwell in; for unto that day all their inheritance had not fallen unto them among the tribes of Israel.”

Judges 18:1 · KJV

Context

1

In those days there was no king in Israel: and in those days the tribe of the Danites sought them an inheritance to dwell in; for unto that day all their inheritance had not fallen unto them among the tribes of Israel.

2

And the children of Dan sent of their family five men from their coasts, men of valour, from Zorah, and from Eshtaol, to spy out the land, and to search it; and they said unto them, Go, search the land: who when they came to mount Ephraim, to the house of Micah, they lodged there. men of: Heb. sons of

3

When they were by the house of Micah, they knew the voice of the young man the Levite: and they turned in thither, and said unto him, Who brought thee hither? and what makest thou in this place? and what hast thou here?

Read Judges 18 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
In those days there was no king in Israel: and in those days the tribe of the Danites sought them an inheritance to dwell in. Dan had been allotted fertile western territory (Joshua 19:40-48), but Amorites "forced the children of Dan into the mountain" (Judges 1:34). Rather than trusting God for victory, Dan sought easier conquest elsewhere. The phrase "sought them an inheritance" reveals unbelief—God had already given them an inheritance; their responsibility was to possess it through faith. Their refusal mirrors Israel's unbelief at Kadesh-barnea (Numbers 13-14). From a Reformed perspective, God's promises require faith-filled obedience to realize. We cannot abandon God's assignments because they're difficult and expect blessing in self-chosen paths. Dan's choice had lasting consequences: geographic isolation, vulnerability to attacks, and becoming synonymous with idolatry when Jeroboam placed a golden calf there (1 Kings 12:28-30).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Dan's original allotment was prime agricultural land in the Shephelah bordering Philistine territory. Philistine military superiority (iron weapons and chariots) and Amorite resistance made conquest difficult. Rather than persevere in faith, Dan sought easier territory in the far north. Archaeological excavations at Tel Dan confirm the city's Canaanite destruction and Israelite rebuilding during the Judges period. This relocation isolated Dan geographically and spiritually, contributing to their later apostasy. The city of Dan eventually became Israel's northernmost point, referenced in the phrase "from Dan to Beer-sheba," but also became a center of idolatrous worship that persisted for centuries.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do we abandon God's clear assignments because they're difficult, seeking easier alternatives?
  2. What does Dan's choice teach about the long-term consequences of faithlessness?
  3. How does Dan's failure illustrate the necessity of faith-filled perseverance in claiming God's promises?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 24 words
הַיּ֥וֹם1 of 24

“In those days”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הָהֵ֔ם2 of 24
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

אֵ֥ין3 of 24
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

מֶ֖לֶךְ4 of 24

“there was no king”

H4428

a king

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל5 of 24

“in Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

הַיּ֥וֹם6 of 24

“In those days”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הָהֵ֗ם7 of 24
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

שִׁבְטֵ֥י8 of 24

“the tribe”

H7626

a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan

הַדָּנִ֞י9 of 24

“of the Danites”

H1839

a danite (often collectively) or descendants (or inhabitants) of dan

מְבַקֶּשׁ10 of 24

“sought”

H1245

to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after

ל֤וֹ11 of 24
H0
בְּנַֽחֲלָֽה׃12 of 24

“all their inheritance”

H5159

properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion

לָשֶׁ֔בֶת13 of 24

“to dwell in”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

כִּי֩14 of 24
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

לֹא15 of 24
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

נָ֨פְלָה16 of 24

“had not fallen”

H5307

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

לּ֜וֹ17 of 24
H0
עַד18 of 24
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

הַיּ֥וֹם19 of 24

“In those days”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַה֛וּא20 of 24
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

בְּתוֹךְ21 of 24

“unto them among”

H8432

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

שִׁבְטֵ֥י22 of 24

“the tribe”

H7626

a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל23 of 24

“in Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

בְּנַֽחֲלָֽה׃24 of 24

“all their inheritance”

H5159

properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Judges. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Judges 18:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Judges 18:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Judges 17:6Judges 1:34Judges 19:1Judges 21:25Joshua 19:40-48

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Judges 18 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterJudges Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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