Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 18:21
This Hebrew word means to turn or face something, like looking at a corner or a gate. It appears in descriptions of daily life and interactions, like in Genesis and Psalms. It's about changing direction or focus.
Definition: This name means corner, to turn, to turn back Another spelling of pin.nah (פִּנָּה "Corner( Gate)" H6438)
Usage: Occurs in 128 OT verses. KJV: appear, at (even-) tide, behold, cast out, come on, [idiom] corner, dawning, empty, go away, lie, look, mark, pass away, prepare, regard, (have) respect (to), (re-) turn (aside, away, back, face, self), [idiom] right (early). See also: Genesis 18:22; 2 Kings 13:23; Psalms 25:16.
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
This Hebrew word means to put or place something, and is used in many different ways in the Bible, such as to appoint or determine something. It is first used in Genesis to describe God's creation. In the KJV, it is translated as 'appoint' or 'set' in various contexts.
Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, place, set, appoint, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, set, lay, put or lay upon, lay (violent) hands on 1a2) to set, direct, direct toward 1a2a) to extend (compassion) (fig) 1a3) to set, ordain, establish, found, appoint, constitute, make, determine, fix 1a4) to set, station, put, set in place, plant, fix 1a5) to make, make for, transform into, constitute, fashion, work, bring to pass, appoint, give 1b) (Hiphil) to set or make for a sign 1c) (Hophal) to be set
Usage: Occurs in 550 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring, call (a name), care, cast in, change, charge, commit, consider, convey, determine, [phrase] disguise, dispose, do, get, give, heap up, hold, impute, lay (down, up), leave, look, make (out), mark, [phrase] name, [idiom] on, ordain, order, [phrase] paint, place, preserve, purpose, put (on), [phrase] regard, rehearse, reward, (cause to) set (on, up), shew, [phrase] stedfastly, take, [idiom] tell, [phrase] tread down, (over-)turn, [idiom] wholly, work. See also: Genesis 2:8; Leviticus 20:5; 1 Samuel 21:13.
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to a child or a group of children, often used to describe little ones or families. It appears in passages like Matthew 18:10 and Mark 10:13-16, where Jesus teaches about children. Jesus loves them.
Definition: children, little children, little ones
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: (little) children (ones), families. See also: Genesis 34:29; Deuteronomy 1:39; Jeremiah 40:7.
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
Livestock, such as cattle, sheep, and goats, are domestic animals that can be bought and owned, as described in the Bible, including in the book of Genesis and the story of Abraham's wealth.
Definition: 1) cattle, livestock 1a) cattle, livestock 1a1) in general of a purchasable domestic animal 1b) cows, sheep, goats (in herds and flocks)
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: cattle, flock, herd, possession, purchase, substance. See also: Genesis 4:20; Numbers 20:19; Psalms 78:48.
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
This Hebrew word means wealth or magnificence, describing something as having great value or importance, like riches or a stately carriage. It is used to convey a sense of abundance or grandeur. In the Bible, it is often used to describe God's glory.
Definition: glorious
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: carriage, all glorious, stately. See also: Judges 18:21; Psalms 45:14; Ezekiel 23:41.
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
Context — The Danites Take Micah’s Idols
19“Be quiet,” they told him. “Put your hand over your mouth and come with us and be a father and a priest to us. Is it better for you to be a priest for the house of one person or a priest for a tribe and family in Israel?”
20So the priest was glad and took the ephod, the household idols, and the graven image, and went with the people.
21Putting their small children, their livestock, and their possessions in front of them, they turned and departed.
22After they were some distance from Micah’s house, the men in the houses near Micah’s house mobilized and overtook the Danites.
23When they called out after them, the Danites turned to face them and said to Micah, “What is the matter with you that you have called out such a company?”
Judges 18:21 Summary
[The Danites put their families and possessions first as they traveled, showing that they valued their safety and security, just like we do today. However, this verse also reminds us that our true security comes from God, as seen in Psalm 121:1-8. As we prioritize our relationships and possessions, let's not forget to seek God first, as encouraged in Matthew 6:33. By trusting in Him, we can find true peace and protection, as promised in Isaiah 26:3-4.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Danites put their small children, livestock, and possessions in front of them as they departed?
The Danites likely did this for their protection, as seen in Judges 18:21, and to ensure their safety as they traveled, similar to how God protected the Israelites in Exodus 13:21-22.
What can we learn from the Danites' decision to leave with the priest and the idols?
This decision shows the Danites' priorities were misguided, as they valued a priest and idols over following God's commands, as stated in Deuteronomy 12:1-3 and Jeremiah 10:1-5.
How does this verse relate to the concept of family and community in the Bible?
The Danites' actions in Judges 18:21 demonstrate a sense of community and family, as they prioritize the safety of their children and possessions, reflecting the importance of family and community in the Bible, as seen in Psalm 127:3-5 and Proverbs 22:6.
What does this verse reveal about the spiritual state of the Danites?
The fact that the Danites were willing to take a priest and idols with them suggests that they were not fully committed to following God, as they were more focused on their own desires and security, rather than seeking God's will, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Romans 12:1-2.
Reflection Questions
- What are some things in my life that I prioritize over my relationship with God, and how can I adjust my priorities to seek Him first?
- How can I apply the concept of community and family, as seen in this verse, to my own life and relationships?
- In what ways do I seek security and protection, and how can I trust in God's sovereignty, as seen in Psalm 23:1-4 and Isaiah 41:10?
- What are some idols or distractions in my life that I need to let go of, in order to follow God more fully, as encouraged in 1 John 5:21 and Colossians 3:5-10?
Gill's Exposition on Judges 18:21
So they turned and departed,.... Turned from the gate of the city where Micah dwelt, and marched forward to Laish: and put the little ones, and the cattle, and the carriage, before them; partly for
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 18:21
And they went up, and pitched in Kirjath-je'arim, in Judah: wherefore they called that place Mahanehdan unto this day: behold, it is behind Kirjath-je'arim. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 18:21
For their greater security, if Micah should pursue them.
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 18:21
Judges 18:21 So they turned and departed, and put the little ones and the cattle and the carriage before them.Ver. 21. And the cattle and the carriage before them.] For they feared Micah’ s pursuit more than any other enemy that was before them. For "carriage" some render preciosa, the precious things, and interpret it of household stuff, according to that of Solomon, "Thy house shall be full of all precious and pleasant riches."
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 18:21
(21) The little ones and the cattle.—It is only in this incidental way that the fact of this being a regular migration is brought out. (Comp. Exodus 12:37.) The women are, of course, included, though not mentioned (Genesis 34:29; 2 Chronicles 20:13). And the carriage—i.e., “the baggage.” (Comp. Acts 21:15.) The word is hakkebodah, which the LXX. (Cod. A) render “their glorious possession,” and the Vulg. “everything which was precious,” i.e., the valuables. But as cabîd means “to be heavy,” the rendering of the Vatican MS. of the LXX.—“the weight,” i.e., “the heavy baggage” (impedimenta)—may be right. The word has no connection with that similarly rendered in 1 Samuel 17:22. Before them.—Because they expected pursuit.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 18:21
Verse 21. The little ones and the cattle, c.] These men were so confident of success that they removed their whole families, household goods, cattle, and all. And the carriage] כבודה kebudah, their substance, precious things, or valuables omne quod erat pretiosum, VULGATE: or rather the luggage or baggage; what Caesar calls in his commentaries impedimenta; and what the Septuagint here translate βαρος, weight or baggage. We are not to suppose that any wheel carriage is meant.
Cambridge Bible on Judges 18:21
21. If there were little ones there must have been women to look after them. Budde would supply the omission, but unnecessarily. the goods] In the Hebr. a fem. sing., the wealthy, cf. Genesis 31:1 RVm., Isaiah 10:3 (translated glory). The LXX. cod. B takes the word in its primary sense ‘the heavy baggage.’
Barnes' Notes on Judges 18:21
And put the little ones, etc., before them - They expected a pursuit from Micah’s people, and arranged their order of march accordingly.
Whedon's Commentary on Judges 18:21
21. Little ones — They had taken their families with them. See note on Judges 18:11. The carriage — The baggage, consisting of their valuables. This sense of the English word carriage has become obsolete.