Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Putting their little children, their livestock and their possessions in front of them, they turned away and left. New Living Translation They turned and started on their way again, placing their children, livestock, and possessions in front of them. English Standard Version So they turned and departed, putting the little ones and the livestock and the goods in front of them. Berean Standard Bible Putting their small children, their livestock, and their possessions in front of them, they turned and departed. Berean Literal Bible And they turned and departed, and they put the little ones and the livestock and the goods before their faces. King James Bible So they turned and departed, and put the little ones and the cattle and the carriage before them. New King James Version Then they turned and departed, and put the little ones, the livestock, and the goods in front of them. New American Standard Bible Then they turned and left, and put the children, the livestock, and the valuables in front of them. NASB 1995 Then they turned and departed, and put the little ones and the livestock and the valuables in front of them. NASB 1977 Then they turned and departed, and put the little ones and the livestock and the valuables in front of them. Legacy Standard Bible Then they turned and went away and put the little ones and the livestock and the valuables in front of them. Amplified Bible So they turned and left, and they put the children, the livestock, and the valuables and supplies in front of them. Berean Annotated Bible Putting their small children, their livestock, and their possessions in front of them, they turned and departed. Christian Standard Bible They prepared to leave, putting their dependents, livestock, and possessions in front of them. Holman Christian Standard Bible They prepared to leave, putting their small children, livestock, and possessions in front of them. American Standard Version So they turned and departed, and put the little ones and the cattle and the goods before them. Contemporary English Version from the tribe of Dan. Then they turned and left, after putting their children, their cattle, and the rest of their other possessions in front. English Revised Version So they turned and departed, and put the little ones and the cattle and the goods before them. GOD'S WORD® Translation When they left, they put their children, livestock, and property in front of them. Good News Translation They turned around and started off, with their children, their livestock, and their belongings going ahead. International Standard Version Then they turned around and left, sending their little ones, their livestock, and their valuables on ahead. NET Bible They turned and went on their way, but they walked behind the children, the cattle, and their possessions. New Heart English Bible So they turned and departed, and put the little ones and the livestock and the goods before them. Webster's Bible Translation So they turned and departed, and put the little ones, and the cattle, and the furniture before them. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BiblePutting their small children, their livestock, and their possessions in front of them, they turned and departed. World English Bible So they turned and departed, and put the little ones, the livestock, and the goods before them. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand they turn and go, and put the infants, and the livestock, and the baggage, before them. Berean Literal Bible And they turned and departed, and they put the little ones and the livestock and the goods before their faces. Young's Literal Translation and they turn and go, and put the infants, and the cattle, and the baggage, before them. Smith's Literal Translation And they will turn and go and put the little ones and the cattle and the wealth before them. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd when they were going forward, and had put before them the children and the cattle and all that was valuable, Catholic Public Domain Version And while traveling, they had also sent the children, and the cattle, and all that was valuable to go ahead of them. New American Bible As they turned to depart, they placed their little ones, their livestock, and their goods at the head of the column. New Revised Standard Version So they resumed their journey, putting the little ones, the livestock, and the goods in front of them. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleSo they turned and departed, and put the sheep and the goods and the cattle in front of them. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And they turned and they departed and they went, and the ewe lambs and the goods and the animals went before them OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917So they turned and departed, and put the little ones and the cattle and the goods before them. Brenton Septuagint Translation So they turned and departed, and put their children and their property and their baggage before them. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Danites Take Micah's Idols…20So the priest was glad and took the ephod, the household idols, and the graven image, and went with the people. 21Putting their small children, their livestock, and their possessions in front of them, they turned and departed. 22After they were some distance from Micah’s house, the men in the houses near Micah’s house mobilized and overtook the Danites.… Cross References Putting their small children, their livestock, and their possessions in front of them, Genesis 33:1-3 Now Jacob looked up and saw Esau coming toward him with four hundred men. So he divided the children among Leah, Rachel, and the two maidservants. / He put the maidservants and their children in front, Leah and her children next, and Rachel and Joseph at the rear. / But Jacob himself went on ahead and bowed to the ground seven times as he approached his brother. Genesis 36:6-7 Later, Esau took his wives and sons and daughters and all the people of his household, along with his livestock, all his other animals, and all the property he had acquired in Canaan, and he moved to a land far away from his brother Jacob. / For their possessions were too great for them to dwell together; the land where they stayed could not support them because of their livestock. Genesis 46:5-7 Then Jacob departed from Beersheba, and the sons of Israel took their father Jacob in the wagons Pharaoh had sent to carry him, along with their children and wives. / They also took the livestock and possessions they had acquired in the land of Canaan, and Jacob and all his offspring went to Egypt. / Jacob took with him to Egypt his sons and grandsons, and his daughters and granddaughters—all his offspring. they turned and departed. Genesis 12:4-5 So Abram departed, as the LORD had directed him, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he left Haran. / And Abram took his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, and all the possessions and people they had acquired in Haran, and set out for the land of Canaan. When they came to the land of Canaan, Genesis 31:17-18 Then Jacob got up and put his children and his wives on camels, / and he drove all his livestock before him, along with all the possessions he had acquired in Paddan-aram, to go to his father Isaac in the land in Canaan. Exodus 12:37-39 The Israelites journeyed from Rameses to Succoth with about 600,000 men on foot, besides women and children. / And a mixed multitude also went up with them, along with great droves of livestock, both flocks and herds. / Since their dough had no leaven, the people baked what they had brought out of Egypt into unleavened loaves. For when they had been driven out of Egypt, they could not delay and had not prepared any provisions for themselves. Joshua 6:17-19 Now the city and everything in it must be devoted to the LORD for destruction. Only Rahab the prostitute and all those with her in her house will live, because she hid the spies we sent. / But keep away from the things devoted to destruction, lest you yourself be set apart for destruction. If you take any of these, you will set apart the camp of Israel for destruction and bring disaster upon it. / For all the silver and gold and all the articles of bronze and iron are holy to the LORD; they must go into His treasury.” 1 Samuel 15:19-23 So why did you not obey the LORD? Why did you rush upon the plunder and do evil in the sight of the LORD?” / “But I did obey the LORD,” Saul replied. “I went on the mission that the LORD gave me. I brought back Agag king of Amalek and devoted the Amalekites to destruction. / The troops took sheep and cattle from the plunder, the best of the things devoted to destruction, in order to sacrifice them to the LORD your God at Gilgal.” … 2 Kings 17:9-12 The Israelites secretly did things against the LORD their God that were not right. From watchtower to fortified city, they built high places in all their cities. / They set up for themselves sacred pillars and Asherah poles on every high hill and under every green tree. / They burned incense on all the high places like the nations that the LORD had driven out before them. They did wicked things, provoking the LORD to anger. … Isaiah 44:9-20 All makers of idols are nothing, and the things they treasure are worthless. Their witnesses fail to see or comprehend, so they are put to shame. / Who fashions a god or casts an idol which profits him nothing? / Behold, all his companions will be put to shame, for the craftsmen themselves are only human. Let them all assemble and take their stand; they will all be brought to terror and shame. … Jeremiah 10:1-5 Hear the word that the LORD speaks to you, O house of Israel. / This is what the LORD says: “Do not learn the ways of the nations or be terrified by the signs in the heavens, though the nations themselves are terrified by them. / For the customs of the peoples are worthless; they cut down a tree from the forest; it is shaped with a chisel by the hands of a craftsman. … Hosea 4:12-13 My people consult their wooden idols, and their divining rods inform them. For a spirit of prostitution leads them astray and they have played the harlot against their God. / They sacrifice on the mountaintops and burn offerings on the hills, under oak, poplar, and terebinth, because their shade is pleasant. And so your daughters turn to prostitution and your daughters-in-law to adultery. Micah 1:7 All her carved images will be smashed to pieces; all her wages will be burned in the fire, and I will destroy all her idols. Since she collected the wages of a prostitute, they will be used again on a prostitute. Psalm 115:4-8 Their idols are silver and gold, made by the hands of men. / They have mouths, but cannot speak; they have eyes, but cannot see; / they have ears, but cannot hear; they have noses, but cannot smell; … Psalm 135:15-18 The idols of the nations are silver and gold, made by the hands of men. / They have mouths, but cannot speak; they have eyes, but cannot see; / they have ears, but cannot hear; nor is there breath in their mouths. … Deuteronomy 12:2-4 Destroy completely all the places where the nations you are dispossessing have served their gods—atop the high mountains, on the hills, and under every green tree. / Tear down their altars, smash their sacred pillars, burn up their Asherah poles, cut down the idols of their gods, and wipe out their names from every place. / You shall not worship the LORD your God in this way. Treasury of Scripture So they turned and departed, and put the little ones and the cattle and the carriage before them. and put. Jump to Previous Carriage Cattle Children Departed Infants Little Ones Oxen Possessions Putting Turn Turned Valuables WayJump to Next Carriage Cattle Children Departed Infants Little Ones Oxen Possessions Putting Turn Turned Valuables WayJudges 18 1. The Danites send five men to seek out an inheritance3. At the house of Micah they consult with Jonathan, and are encouraged 7. They search Laish, and bring back news of good hope 11. Six hundred men are sent to surprise it 16. In their way they rob Micah of his priest and his consecrated things 27. They win Laish, and call it Dan 30. They set up idolatry, wherein Jonathan inherits the priesthood. Putting their small children, their livestock, and their possessions in front of them This phrase indicates a strategic decision by the Danites to protect their most vulnerable and valuable assets. In ancient Near Eastern culture, children and livestock were considered vital for the continuation of family lineage and economic stability. By placing them at the front, the Danites ensured their safety from potential attacks from behind, demonstrating a tactical retreat. This action reflects the importance of family and property in Israelite society, as seen in other biblical narratives where protection of family and assets is prioritized (e.g., Genesis 33:1-3, where Jacob arranges his family to meet Esau). they turned and departed Persons / Places / Events 1. The DanitesA tribe of Israel seeking a new territory to inhabit. They are central to the events of Judges 18, as they are in the process of relocating and conquering new land. 2. Micah An Ephraimite whose idols and priest were taken by the Danites. His account is intertwined with the events of Judges 18, highlighting issues of idolatry and personal religion. 3. Laish The city that the Danites are moving towards to conquer. It represents a place of opportunity and new beginnings for the tribe. 4. The Priest Originally serving Micah, he is taken by the Danites to serve as their priest, illustrating the fluidity and corruption of religious practices during this period. 5. The Journey The movement of the Danites, including their strategic placement of children, livestock, and possessions, signifies their determination and the seriousness of their mission. Teaching Points Prioritizing God's GuidanceThe Danites' journey without seeking God's direction serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of prioritizing divine guidance over human plans. The Dangers of Idolatry The ease with which the Danites adopt Micah's idols highlights the persistent danger of idolatry and the need for vigilance in maintaining pure worship. Family and Community Responsibility The strategic placement of children and possessions underscores the importance of protecting and prioritizing family and community in our spiritual journeys. Consequences of Self-Reliance The Danites' actions demonstrate the potential negative consequences of relying solely on human wisdom and strength rather than seeking God's will. The Role of Leadership The priest's willingness to serve the Danites for personal gain reflects the need for godly leadership that prioritizes faithfulness over personal ambition. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Judges 18:21?2. How does Judges 18:21 illustrate the consequences of idolatry in our lives today? 3. What can we learn from the Danites' actions about following God's commandments? 4. How does Judges 18:21 connect with the First Commandment in Exodus 20:3? 5. In what ways can we guard against spiritual complacency as seen in Judges 18? 6. How should we respond when we witness others straying from God's path? 7. What is the significance of the journey in Judges 18:21 for the tribe of Dan? 8. How does Judges 18:21 reflect the moral state of Israel during the time of the Judges? 9. What does Judges 18:21 reveal about the priorities of the Danites? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Judges 18? 11. If the land division was divinely ordained, why do other biblical accounts (e.g., Judges 1) describe tribes failing to fully possess these assigned territories? 12. Joshua 18:1 - Is there historical or archaeological evidence confirming that 'all the congregation of the children of Israel' actually gathered at Shiloh? 13. Jeremiah 19:4-5 -- If God commands against child sacrifice elsewhere, why would He allow His own people to practice it for so long without immediate judgment? 14. How did Hannah's faith lead to Samuel's birth? What Does Judges 18:21 Mean Putting their small children, their livestock, and their possessions in front of them– The Danite expedition was not merely a raiding party; it was an entire community on the move. By placing the most vulnerable and the most valuable out front, they created a living shield that forced any pursuers to think twice before attacking from the rear (cf. Deuteronomy 25:18; Judges 18:24–25). – Practical motives surface: • Children first highlights the permanent nature of the migration, echoing Jacob arranging his family when approaching Esau (Genesis 33:1–3). • Livestock next signals their intent to settle new land, reminding us of Israel’s earlier journeys with “very large droves of livestock” (Numbers 32:1). • Possessions include the stolen images and ephod (Judges 18:17–18), revealing how deeply idolatry had already taken hold. – Spiritually, the order exposes twisted priorities—protecting stolen idols as zealously as their own children. Compare Saul sparing the best spoil in 1 Samuel 15:9; in both cases obedience to God is sacrificed for personal gain. They turned and departed – The verb pair shows a decisive break. Having secured people, animals, and goods, the Danites “turned” their backs on Micah and any rightful claims, then “departed” toward Laish (Judges 18:27). – This mirrors the repeated refrain of the era: “In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (Judges 17:6). Their confidence rested not in the LORD’s presence but in numbers and stolen religious tokens (Psalm 20:7). – God permitted their getaway, yet later history shows that compromise never brings lasting peace (2 Kings 15:29). What begins with idolatry and self-reliance ends in captivity. summary Judges 18:21 paints a vivid, literal scene: the Danites organize their caravan so the weak and the loot lead the way, while warriors guard the rear. The formation reveals strategic caution, permanent relocation plans, and hearts already devoted to idols rather than to God. Their turning and departure underline the book’s theme of unrestrained autonomy—people moving confidently, yet far from the LORD’s will. (21) The little ones and the cattle.--It is only in this incidental way that the fact of this being a regular migration is brought out. (Comp. Exodus 12:37.) The women are, of course, included, though not mentioned (Genesis 34:29; 2Chronicles 20:13).And the carriage--i.e., "the baggage." (Comp. Acts 21:15.) The word is hakkebodah, which the LXX. (Cod. A) render "their glorious possession," and the Vulg. "everything which was precious," i.e., the valuables. But as cabid means "to be heavy," the rendering of the Vatican MS. of the LXX.--"the weight," i.e., "the heavy baggage" (impedimenta)--may be right. The word has no connection with that similarly rendered in 1Samuel 17:22. . . . Verse 21. - They turned, i.e. turned their backs upon Beth-Micah, and went on their way to the north. The little ones. The term necessarily includes the women of the emigrant party. Compare Jacob's care for his wives and children (Genesis 33:1-5); only Jacob expected an attack from Esau in front, the Danites an attack from Micah from behind. The carriage. It is the same word as is translated in Genesis 31:1 glory; it might be rendered valuables. It would no doubt include the precious images and ephod which they had just stolen.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Puttingוַיָּשִׂ֨ימוּ (way·yā·śî·mū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 7760: Put -- to put, place, set their small children, הַטַּ֧ף (haṭ·ṭap̄) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 2945: A family their livestock, הַמִּקְנֶ֛ה (ham·miq·neh) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4735: Something bought, property, livestock, acquisition and their possessions הַכְּבוּדָּ֖ה (hak·kə·ḇū·dāh) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 3520: Weightiness, magnificence, wealth in front of them, לִפְנֵיהֶֽם׃ (lip̄·nê·hem) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 6440: The face they turned וַיִּפְנ֖וּ (way·yip̄·nū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 6437: To turn, to face, appear, look and departed. וַיֵּלֵ֑כוּ (way·yê·lê·ḵū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk Links Judges 18:21 NIVJudges 18:21 NLT Judges 18:21 ESV Judges 18:21 NASB Judges 18:21 KJV Judges 18:21 BibleApps.com Judges 18:21 Biblia Paralela Judges 18:21 Chinese Bible Judges 18:21 French Bible Judges 18:21 Catholic Bible OT History: Judges 18:21 So they turned and departed and put (Jd Judg. 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