Judges 18:28
And there was no deliverer, because it was far from Zidon, and they had no business with any man; and it was in the valley that lieth by Bethrehob. And they built a city, and dwelt therein.
Judges 18:28 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the book of Judges describes the establishment of a new city by a group of people who had no connection to any other community. The verse mentions that there was no one to come to their aid because the city was far from Zidon and they had no business dealings with any other people. The location of the city is described as being in a valley near Bethrehob. The lack of any deliverer or outside help suggests that the inhabitants of the city had to rely on themselves for protection and sustenance. By building a city and settling there, the people were taking control of their own destiny and creating a new community from scratch. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of self-reliance and the resilience of human beings in the face of adversity.
Theological Overview
Within this verse from Judges 18:28, the absence of a deliverer highlights the isolation of the people in the city they built. The mention of it being far from Zidon and having no connection with any man emphasizes the city's seclusion and independence. The reference to being in the valley by Bethrehob also signifies the remote location of the city. In a theological interpretation, this verse could signify the consequences of being disconnected from God and His people. The city's distance from Zidon, a prosperous and bustling city, could symbolize the distance from God's blessings and divine protection that comes from being close to Him. This verse may serve as a reminder of the importance of being connected to God and His people for deliverance and guidance. The emphasis on the city being built and inhabited by the people further underscores the self-sufficiency and isolation they chose, ultimately leading to their downfall.
Judges 18:28 in other translations
American Standard Version
And there was no deliverer, because it was far from Sidon, and they had no dealings with any man; and it was in the valley that lieth by Beth-rehob. And they built the city, and dwelt therein.
World English Bible
There was no deliverer, because it was far from Sidon, and they had no dealings with any man; and it was in the valley that lies by Beth Rehob. They built the city, and lived therein.
Douay-Rheims
There being no man at all who brought them any succour, because they dwelt far from Sidon, and had no society or business with any man. And the city was in the land of Rohob: and they rebuilt it, and dwelt therein,
Geneva Bible (1599)
And there was none to helpe, because Laish was farre from Zidon, and they had no businesse with other men: also it was in the valley that lyeth by Beth-rehob. After, they built the citie, and dwelt therein,