The Book of Judges Chapter 18:1, 5-6
1 In those days there was no king in Israel, and at the same time the tribe of Dan sought them an inheritance to dwell in: for unto that time all their inheritance had not fallen unto them among the tribes of Israel. (a)
5 Again they said unto him, Ask counsel now of God, that we may know whether the way which we go, shall be prosperous. 6 And the Priest said unto them, Go in peace: for the Lord guideth your way which ye go.
(a) Note that in the previous chapter, Micah, turns to idolatry. Herein then we find that even the smallest of the turning away from our Creator can and usually does lead us and others to follow, until like the old cartoon of a snowball gathering size and momentum it crashes down upon a town, as if it were an avalanche. The smallest of sparks can ignite the greatest of conflagrations. I would add here that also in the previous chapter we find Micah and his mother not of the highest caliber of character, in so far as each seem to be the exact opposite of how one should be living in the site of God. So by the end of the next chapter, he is left with basically nothing as the Danites have taken all from him; his graven images, his priest, and much of his own possessions.
Notes of interest
Before the Lord - That is, your design is under the eye of God; that is, under his care, protection and direction. This answer he either feigns to gratify their humour; or, did indeed receive from the devil, who transformed himself into an angel of light, and in God's name gave him answers, and those not sometimes very true, which God suffered for the trial of his people. But it is observable, his answer was, as the devil's oracles usually were, ambiguous, and such as might have been interpreted either way. - John Wesley
After he had consulted the oracle, or had asked counsel by the ephod and teraphim; either of his own head, or by a voice he had heard, which Satan might be permitted of God to deliver, he very roundly told them that they might proceed on in their journey with their minds quite easy, and with full assurance of success. - John Gill
How idolatry crept into the family of Micah we read in the preceding chapter, how it was translated thence into the tribe of Dan we have an account in this chapter, and how it gained a settlement in a city of note; for how great a matter does a little fire kindle. - Matthew Henry
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