Judges 18:14
Then answered the five men that went to spy out the country of Laish, and said unto their brethren, Do ye know that there is in these houses an ephod, and teraphim, and a graven image, and a molten image? now therefore consider what ye have to do.
Judges 18:14 · King James Version
Meaning
When the five men returned from spying out the country of Laish, they reported to their brethren about the presence of various idolatrous items in the houses they had seen. These items included an ephod, teraphim, a graven image, and a molten image. The mention of these objects was significant as they were associated with pagan worship practices that were contrary to the beliefs and teachings of the Israelites. The men urged their brethren to consider carefully what they needed to do in response to this discovery, implying that they needed to take action to address the presence of these idols in the land. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of staying true to one's faith and avoiding the influence of false gods and practices, as well as the need for vigilance in upholding the principles and values of the Israelite community.
Theological Overview
The theological interpretation of this verse from the book of Judges sheds light on the spiritual state of the nation of Israel at that time. The mention of an ephod, teraphim, graven image, and molten image in the houses of the people of Laish points to the widespread idolatry and spiritual decay among the Israelites. These forbidden objects were associated with pagan worship practices that were strictly forbidden by God in the Mosaic Law. The presence of these idols highlights the people's propensity to turn away from God and embrace false gods and idols. This betrayal of their covenant with God ultimately led to their downfall and vulnerability to attack. The warning given by the five men who went to spy out the land serves as a reminder of the consequences of straying from God's commandments and the importance of remaining faithful to Him alone.
Judges 18:14 in other translations
American Standard Version
Then answered the five men that went to spy out the country of Laish, and said unto their brethren, Do ye know that there is in these houses an ephod, and teraphim, and a graven image, and a molten image? now therefore consider what ye have to do.
World English Bible
Then the five men who went to spy out the country of Laish answered, and said to their brothers, “Do you know that there is in these houses an ephod, and teraphim, and an engraved image, and a molten image? Now therefore consider what you have to do.”
Douay-Rheims
The five men, that before had been sent to view the land of Lais, said to the rest of their brethren: You know that in these houses there is an ephod and theraphim, and a graven and a molten god: see what you are pleased to do.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then answered the fiue men, that went to spie out the countrey of Laish, and said vnto their brethren, Knowe ye not, that there is in these houses an Ephod, and Teraphim, and a grauen and a molten image? Nowe therefore consider what ye haue to doe.