1. In those days there was no king in Israel: and in those days the tribe of the Danites sought them an inheritance to dwell in; for unto that day their inheritance had not fallen unto them among the tribes of Israel.
2. And the children of Dan sent of their family five men from their whole number, men of valour, from Zorah, and from Eshtaol, to spy out the land, and to search it; and they said unto them, Go, search the land: and they came to the hill country of Ephraim, unto the house of Micah, and lodged there.
3. When they were by the house of Micah, they knew the voice of the young man the Levite: and they turned aside thither, and said unto him, Who brought thee hither? and what doest thou in this place? and what hast thou here?
4. And he said unto them, Thus and thus hath Micah dealt with me, and he hath hired me, and I am become his priest.
5. And they said unto him, Ask counsel, we pray thee, of God, that we may know whether our way which we go shall be prosperous.
6. And the priest said unto them, Go in peace: before the Lord is your way wherein ye go.
7. Then the five men departed, and came to Laish, and saw the people that were therein, how they dwelt in security, after the manner of the Zidonians, quiet and secure; for there was none in the land, possessing authority, that might put them to shame in any thing, and they were far from the Zidonians, and had no dealings with any man.
8. And they came unto their brethren to Zorah and Eshtaol: and their brethren said unto them, What say ye?