In a time of disorder, when Israel had no king, the tribe of Dan was in search for a land they could call their own, as their rightful inheritance hadn’t yet been bestowed among the tribes of Israel. Five courageous men were dispatched from their entire clan in Zorah and Eshtaol to journey and survey the tract. These men ventured into the hill-country of Ephraim, reaching Micah’s house in which they sought shelter.
In the midst of their stay, they recognized the voice of the young Levite man, whom Micah had employed as his priest. They inquired about his presence in Micah’s house, to which he explained that Micah had taken him in, and he served as his priest. Hearing this, the men from Dan sought God’s counsel through the priest about their mission’s success. The Levite assured them of the Lord’s favour, encouraging them to proceed in peace.
Resuming their journey, the men arrived at Laish. The community there lived a peaceful and secure existence, like the Sidonians. They were isolated, without any authoritative figure to reprimand them, and didn’t interfere with any man’s affairs. The city was serene and plentiful.
Returning to Zorah and Eshtaol with this news, they ignited a fervor amongst their kin and encouraged them to seize this land. Spurred on by this, an army of six hundred armed men sprang forth from the family of Danites, with their eyes set on Laish. Their journey led them through Judah, where they camped at Kiriath-jearim, naming their campsite Mahaneh-dan. From there they passed onto the hill-country of Ephraim and arrived again at Micah’s house.
The five spies revealed to their brethren the valuable objects present in Micah’s house, including an ephod, teraphim, and an engraved image. Their return to the Levite’s house was marked with an intention. While six hundred armed men stood guard at the gate, the five men went in and took the sacred artifacts, inducing the priest to join them, offering him a substantial role as a priest for the tribe and family of Israel, rather than just one household.
The delighted priest packed up the holy items and left with the Danites, leaving Micah’s house behind. They placed their families, cattle, and belongings at the front. When Micah and his community realized the theft and abduction, they pursued the tribe of Dan, imploring and questioning them.
Lamenting the loss of his handmade gods and priest, Micah was warned by the Danites to silence his protest, or face the wrath of their men. Realizing their overpowering strength, Micah retreated home, leaving his gods and priest to be taken away.
The Danites took possession of everything, arriving at Laish, killing the unsuspecting, peaceful people, and setting the city ablaze. Since the city was far from Sidon and had no established alliances, there was no one to rescue them. The Danites rebuilt the city and settled down, renaming it Dan, after their ancestor.
Establishing their worship, they installed Jonathan, a grandson of Moses, and his descendants as priests. The graven image stolen from Micah was set up and remained there for as long as God’s house was in Shiloh. Thus, the Danites carved out their own piece of history in the Promised Land, changing their destiny.
