And the six hundred men appointed with their weapons of war, which were of the children of Dan, stood by the entering of the gate.

JUDGES 18:16KJV
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Judges 18:16 (KJV)

What does Judges 18:16 mean?

Judges 18:16 describes six hundred armed men from the tribe of Dan standing at the entrance of the gate, ready for action. These men were positioned as part of a larger plan involving the tribe’s movement and intentions in the area.

The verse is set during a time when the tribe of Dan was seeking a new territory to settle. The six hundred men, equipped for war, were stationed at the gate while other members of the group interacted with the household of Micah nearby. This detail shows the tribe’s organized approach and readiness for conflict as they pursued their goal.

The Hebrew behind Judges 18:16

  • "Appointed" (חָגוּר, chagur) means "girded" or "armed," emphasizing that these men were not just present but fully prepared for battle.
  • "Weapons" (כְּלִי, keli) refers to general implements or tools, but here it specifically means weapons of war, highlighting the seriousness of their mission.
  • "War" (מִלְחָמָה, milchamah) makes clear that the context is military, not just a peaceful gathering or migration.
  • "Entering" (פֶּתַח, petach) and "gate" (שַׁעַר, sha'ar) together point to a strategic location, as city gates were key places for defense and control in ancient towns.

Why Judges 18:16 matters

  • The verse clarifies that the Danites were acting with military organization and intention, not simply traveling or visiting.
  • It highlights the tension and seriousness of the situation, setting up the confrontation and events that follow in the chapter.
  • By mentioning the gate, the verse connects to the common biblical theme of gates as places of decision, authority, and potential conflict, helping readers picture the scene’s importance.

Where else these words appear

“appointed” Hebrew H2296 · used in 40 verses

  • Exodus 12:11 And thus shall ye eat it; with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and ye shall eat it in haste: it is the LORD'S passover.
  • 2 Samuel 6:14 And David danced before the LORD with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod.
  • Proverbs 31:17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.

“Dan” Hebrew H1835 · used in 64 verses

  • Genesis 14:14 And when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his trained servants, born in his own house, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued them unto Dan.
  • Deuteronomy 27:13 And these shall stand upon mount Ebal to curse; Reuben, Gad, and Asher, and Zebulun, Dan, and Naphtali.
  • 2 Samuel 17:11 Therefore I counsel that all Israel be generally gathered unto thee, from Dan even to Beersheba, as the sand that is by the sea for multitude; and that thou go to battle in thine own person.

“stood” Hebrew H5324 · used in 75 verses

  • Genesis 18:2 And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground,
  • Numbers 23:6 And he returned unto him, and, lo, he stood by his burnt sacrifice, he, and all the princes of Moab.
  • 1 Kings 9:23 These were the chief of the officers that were over Solomon's work, five hundred and fifty, which bare rule over the people that wrought in the work.