Common English Bible

Judges 18:13-26 Common English Bible (CEB)

13. From there they crossed into the Ephraim highlands and came to Micah’s house.

14. Then the five men who had gone to spy on the land around Laish reported to their relatives, "Did you know that there is a priestly vest, divine images, a sculpted image, and a molded image in these buildings? Now think about what you should do!"

15. So they turned in there and went to the young Levite’s house in Micah’s compound and greeted him.

16. While the six hundred Danites armed for battle stood at the entrance of the gate,

17. the five men who had gone to spy on the land moved up, went inside, and took the sculpted image, the priestly vest, the divine images, and the molded image. The priest was standing at the entrance of the gate with the six hundred men armed for battle

18. when these five entered Micah’s sanctuary and took the sculpted image, the priestly vest, the divine images, and the molded image.The priest said to them, "What are you doing?"

19. "Shut up!" they said to him. "Put your hand over your mouth! Come with us and be a father and a priest for us. Would you rather be a priest for one man’s household or a priest for a tribe and a clan in Israel?"

20. The priest was convinced, so he took the priestly vest, the divine images, and the sculpted image and went along with the people.

21. They headed back on their way, but they put the children, the livestock, and the prized possessions in front of them.

22. After they had gone a good distance away from Micah’s house, the men who were in the houses around Micah’s home were summoned for battle and caught up to the Danites.

23. They called out to the Danites, who turned around and said to Micah, "Why have you summoned men for battle?"

24. Micah replied, "You’ve taken my gods that I made, and the priest, and have gone off! What do I have left? How can you ask me what is wrong?"

25. But the Danites said to him, "Don’t raise your voice with us or else hotheaded men will attack you, and you and your household will lose your lives."

26. Then the Danites went on their way. When Micah realized that they were too strong for him, he turned around and went home.