Judges 18:5 (KJV)

What does Judges 18:5 mean?

Judges 18:5 shows the Danite scouts asking a priest to seek guidance from God about whether their journey will succeed. They want to know if the path they are taking will lead to a good outcome.

In this scene, five men from the tribe of Dan are speaking to a Levite priest they have met while scouting for land. They ask him to "ask counsel" of God, meaning they want him to inquire or pray to God on their behalf. The verse highlights their desire for divine direction before moving forward, showing their uncertainty and dependence on God's answer for their plans.

The Hebrew behind Judges 18:5

• "counsel" (שָׁאַל, sha'al): This word means to ask, inquire, or seek information. Here, it emphasizes that the Danites are not just making a request but are seeking a specific answer from God through the priest.
• "God" (אֱלֹהִים, Elohim): This is a common Hebrew word for God, used here to show that the Danites are seeking guidance from the God of Israel, not another deity.
• "way" (דֶּרֶךְ, derek): This word means "road" or "path," but often refers to the course of one's actions or journey. The Danites are asking about the success of their chosen path, both literally and in terms of their mission.
• "prosperous" (צָלַח, tsalach): This word means to succeed or to advance. The Danites are not just asking for safety but specifically want to know if their journey will be successful in achieving their goal.

Why Judges 18:5 matters

• This verse clarifies that the Danites are actively seeking God's approval and guidance, not just acting on their own ideas, which is a key theme in the book of Judges.
• The request to "ask counsel" shows the role of priests as mediators between the people and God, highlighting how Israelites sought divine direction in uncertain situations.
• Understanding the specific words used helps reveal that the Danites are concerned with the outcome and success of their journey, not just general blessing or protection.