Highlights:

Danites take Micah's idols and his priest, Jonathan; Danites attack Laish; moral degradation; the Levite's concubine slain.

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. . . . when they came to mount Ephraim, to the house of Micah, they lodged there (Judg. 18: 1-2).

Although the tribe of the Dan was powerful and had more than 64,000 soldiers, they did not succeed in driving the Amorites from their territory. In fact, the Amorites forced the Danites into the mountains.

The Danites' failure in battle was an indication of a spiritual problem. They did not conquer the Amorites because they failed to believe the Word of God and claim His promise. There shall not any man be able to stand before thee (Josh. 1:5).

Likewise, our failure to claim the promises of God causes us to be dissatisfied with the blessings we have. This usually results in further spiritual decline. That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises (Heb. 6:12).

The faith by which Joshua, Caleb, and others had achieved their victories was missing, and their failure in battle caused them to be dissatisfied with the territory God had allotted to them. The tribe of Dan compromised and chose land that had not been allotted by divine appointment. As a result, their spiritual condition continued to decline. If they had remained in the territory God had given them, they would not have entered the house of Micah and become involved in idol worship.

Multitudes are deceived into believing that it doesn't make any difference where or how you worship. They say, "Let your conscience be your guide." But the Apostle Paul, by inspiration of God, wrote: But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed (Gal. 1: 8).

Victory in the Christian life is not attained by one's wisdom or strength, but rather by trusting Him. If we deny ourselves — that is, "crucify our old ego" (Luke 9:23) — and enthrone the Savior and His Spirit in our hearts God will enable us to be the person that pleases Him.

Look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal (II Cor. 4:18).

Thought for Today:

False religious beliefs are the result of turning from the one sure source of wisdom.

Christ Revealed:

In those days there was no king in Israel (Judg. 18:1). Christ was the rejected King of Israel. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar (John 19:15).

Word Studies:

18:2 coasts, territory; 18:9 still, still here doing nothing; 18:15 saluted, gave a friendly greeting to; 18:19 lay thine hand upon thy mouth, stop complaining or else suffer the consequences; 18:21 carriage, goods; 19:4 retained him, pressed him to stay; 19:6 let thine heart be merry, enjoy yourself; 19:17 wayfaring, traveling; 19:21 provender, fodder; 19:25 spring, dawn.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Radio Broadcasts in honor of Rick Hash • Country: Zaire, Democratic Republic of the Congo (63 million) in south-central Africa • Major languages: French and Lingala • Limited religious freedom • 42% Roman Catholic; 28% Protestant; 12% magical practices, ancestor worship, and witchcraft; 1% Muslim • Prayer Suggestion: Thank God for the spiritual rest that is in Him (Heb. 4:9-10).

Optional Reading: John 20

Memory Verse for the Week: Philippians 2:16