1. These things happened before kings ruled Israel.About this time, the tribe of Dan was looking for a place to live. The other tribes had land, but the people of Dan did not really have any to call their own.
2. The tribe chose five warriors to represent their clans and told them, “Go and find some land where we can live.”The warriors left the area of Zorah and Eshtaol and went into the hill country of Ephraim. One night they stayed at Micah's house,
3. because they heard the young Levite talking, and they knew from his accent that he was from the south. They asked him, “What are you doing here? Who brought you here?”
4. The Levite replied, “Micah hired me as his priest.” Then he told them how well Micah had treated him.
5. “Please talk to God for us,” the men said. “Ask God if we will be successful in what we are trying to do.”
6. “Don't worry,” answered the priest. “The Lord is pleased with what you are doing.”
7. The five men left and went to the town of Laish, whose people were from Sidon, but Sidon was too far away to protect them. Even though their town had no walls, the people thought they were safe from attack. So they had not asked anyone else for protection, which meant that the tribe of Dan could easily take over Laish.
8. The five men went back to Zorah and Eshtaol, where their relatives asked, “Did you find any land?”
9-10. “Let's go!” the five men said. “We saw some very good land with enough room for all of us, and it has everything we will ever need. What are you waiting for? Let's attack and take it. You'll find that the people think they're safe, but God is giving the land to us.”
11. Six hundred men from the tribe of Dan strapped on their weapons and left Zorah and Eshtaol with their families.