Judges 18:15
And they turned thitherward, and came to the house of the young man the Levite, even unto the house of Micah, and saluted him.
Original Language Analysis
Historical Context
The social customs of greeting and hospitality in ancient Israel made the Danites' approach seem appropriate and non-threatening. Asking after someone's shalom (peace/well-being) was standard courtesy (Genesis 43:27, 1 Samuel 25:5). The Levite, having previously blessed their mission (verse 6), likely welcomed these familiar faces. He had no reason to suspect their true intentions. This abuse of hospitality customs illustrates the moral chaos of the judges period, where even social bonds and religious roles provided no protection against exploitation.
Questions for Reflection
- How does sin sometimes disguise itself with social pleasantries and religious vocabulary?
- What does this passage teach about the importance of discernment—not judging merely by outward appearances or courteous words?
- In what ways might you be using religious or social conventions to mask motivations or actions that don't honor God?
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Analysis & Commentary
And they turned thitherward, and came to the house of the young man the Levite, even unto the house of Micah, and saluted him. The phrase "turned thitherward" (vayasuru shamah, וַיָּסֻרוּ שָׁמָּה) indicates deliberate diversion from their route—they turned aside specifically to approach the Levite. "Came to the house of the young man the Levite, even unto the house of Micah" clarifies that the Levite lived in Micah's household as his hired priest. The greeting "saluted him" (vayish'alu-lo leshalom, וַיִּשְׁאֲלוּ־לוֹ לְשָׁלוֹם, literally "asked him for peace/well-being") appears courteous but was actually tactical—engaging him in conversation while others stole the religious objects (verses 17-18).
This verse reveals calculated deception. The Danites appeared friendly, greeting the Levite respectfully, while planning to rob his employer and recruit him for their own purposes. From a Reformed perspective, this illustrates how sin often employs deception and manipulation. The Danites didn't violently attack; they used social conventions (greetings, religious inquiry) to mask theft and coercion. This warns that evil doesn't always appear obviously wicked—it often wears respectable, even religious, masks.