King James Version

What Does Judges 18:28 Mean?

Judges 18:28 in the King James Version says “And there was no deliverer, because it was far from Zidon, and they had no business with any man; and it was in the vall...” — study this verse from Judges chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And there was no deliverer, because it was far from Zidon, and they had no business with any man; and it was in the valley that lieth by Bethrehob. And they built a city, and dwelt therein.”

Judges 18:28 · KJV

Context

26

And the children of Dan went their way: and when Micah saw that they were too strong for him, he turned and went back unto his house.

27

And they took the things which Micah had made, and the priest which he had, and came unto Laish, unto a people that were at quiet and secure: and they smote them with the edge of the sword, and burnt the city with fire.

28

And there was no deliverer, because it was far from Zidon, and they had no business with any man; and it was in the valley that lieth by Bethrehob. And they built a city, and dwelt therein.

29

And they called the name of the city Dan, after the name of Dan their father, who was born unto Israel: howbeit the name of the city was Laish at the first.

30

And the children of Dan set up the graven image: and Jonathan, the son of Gershom, the son of Manasseh, he and his sons were priests to the tribe of Dan until the day of the captivity of the land.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And there was no deliverer, because it was far from Zidon, and they had no business with any man; and it was in the valley that lieth by Beth-rehob. And they built a city, and dwelt therein. This verse describes Laish's vulnerability and the Danites' successful conquest. "There was no deliverer" (ve'ein matsil, וְאֵין מַצִּיל) indicates Laish possessed no military allies or rescue forces. The verb natsal (נָצַל, "to deliver/rescue") frequently describes God's deliverance of Israel (Exodus 3:8, Judges 2:16), making its absence here poignant—these peaceful inhabitants had no deliverer, divine or human, against the Danite invasion.

The phrase "it was far from Zidon" (rechoqah hi miTsidon, רְחוֹקָה הִיא מִצִּידוֹן) explains Laish's isolation. Zidon (Sidon), the major Phoenician city-state, was approximately 25 miles west. Though Sidonians may have founded Laish (Judges 18:7), distance prevented rapid military assistance. "They had no business with any man" (ve'davar ein-lahem im-adam, וְדָבָר אֵין־לָהֶם עִם־אָדָם) indicates commercial and political isolation—no treaty allies or trading partners invested in Laish's defense. This isolation, combined with peaceful character (v. 7), made them ideal targets for conquest.

Beth-rehob's identification remains uncertain, possibly located in the Beqa'a Valley north of Dan. The geographical precision—"in the valley that lieth by Beth-rehob"—authenticates the historical narrative, providing specific topographical detail. The Danites "built a city, and dwelt therein" (vayivnu et-ha'ir vayeshvu bah, וַיִּבְנוּ אֶת־הָעִיר וַיֵּשְׁבוּ בָהּ), rebuilding after destruction (v. 27) and establishing permanent settlement. However, this achievement came through violence against peaceful inhabitants and would be corrupted by false worship (vv. 30-31). Worldly success built on unrighteous foundations ultimately crumbles (Matthew 7:26-27, 1 Corinthians 3:11-15).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Laish's location at Israel's northern extreme, near Mount Hermon and the headwaters of the Jordan River, made it geographically isolated from major Phoenician cities despite Sidonian connections. Tel Dan excavations confirm substantial Late Bronze Age occupation with evidence of destruction consistent with conquest period. The site's position in a fertile valley with abundant water resources made it attractive for settlement, explaining both the original Canaanite city and the Danite conquest.

Sidon (modern Saida, Lebanon) was a major Phoenician maritime city-state, one of the most important Mediterranean trading centers. Phoenician expansion established colonies throughout the Mediterranean, but Sidon's focus on maritime trade limited its eastern territorial ambitions. Laish's distance from Sidon and lack of significant economic value probably explain Sidonian neglect—the city wasn't important enough to warrant military protection or treaty arrangements. This made Laish vulnerable to opportunistic conquest by groups like the Danites.

Beth-rehob's association with Aramaeans (2 Samuel 10:6) suggests it was located in the Beqa'a Valley region, possibly Tell er-Raheb near Banias. This places Laish/Dan at the transitional zone between Israelite, Phoenician, and Aramaean territories—a frontier position making it both strategically valuable and politically vulnerable. The Danites' establishment of this northern settlement extended Israelite territory to its traditional limit, "from Dan to Beersheba" (Judges 20:1, 1 Samuel 3:20, 2 Samuel 17:11), though the phrase's origin precedes this conquest, suggesting Dan's location represented Israel's ideal northern boundary.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Laish's isolation and lack of allies illustrate the importance of covenant community and the danger of self-sufficient independence?
  2. What does the Danites' success in building a city on unrighteous foundations teach about the difference between worldly achievement and godly blessing?
  3. In what ways can geographic or social isolation make individuals or communities vulnerable to spiritual deception or practical oppression?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
וְאֵ֨ין1 of 21
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

מַצִּ֜יל2 of 21

“And there was no deliverer”

H5337

to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense

כִּ֧י3 of 21
H3588

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

רְֽחוֹקָה4 of 21

“because it was far”

H7350

remote, literally or figuratively, of place or time; specifically, precious; often used adverbially (with preposition)

הִ֣יא5 of 21
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

מִצִּיד֗וֹן6 of 21

“from Zidon”

H6721

tsidon, the name of a son of canaan, and of a place in palestine

וְדָבָ֤ר7 of 21

“and they had no business”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

אֵין8 of 21
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

לָהֶם֙9 of 21
H0
עִם10 of 21
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

אָדָ֔ם11 of 21

“with any man”

H120

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

וְהִ֕יא12 of 21
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

בָּעֵ֖מֶק13 of 21

“and it was in the valley”

H6010

a vale (i.e., broad depression)

אֲשֶׁ֣ר14 of 21
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

לְבֵית15 of 21
H0
רְח֑וֹב16 of 21

“that lieth by Bethrehob”

H1050

beth-rechob, a place in palestine

וַיִּבְנ֥וּ17 of 21

“And they built”

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

אֶת18 of 21
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הָעִ֖יר19 of 21

“a city”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

וַיֵּ֥שְׁבוּ20 of 21

“and dwelt”

H3427

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

בָֽהּ׃21 of 21
H0

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 18:28 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 18:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 10:6Numbers 13:21Judges 18:72 Samuel 14:6Judges 18:1Psalms 50:22

Places in This Verse

AramRegion · Modern: Damascus · 33.51°N, 36.31°E11 verses across 7 books
Beth-rehobRegion · Modern: Beqaa Valley · 34.01°N, 36.15°E2 verses across 2 books
SidonSettlement · Modern: Sandikli archaeological site in Sidon · 33.56°N, 35.37°E37 verses across 16 books
View all places in Judges 18 →

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