Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Judges 18:14. It’s a really significant and dramatic passage that sets the stage for a major conflict in the Bible! Here's a simple explanation: The Basic Situation: A Conspiracy: Five men (we don’t know who they are exactly, but they’re involved in a conspiracy) have been spying on the country of Laish. They’ve found out about a significant religious object – an ephod , a teraphim (a type of sacred animal idol), and a graven image (a statue). The Object's Significance: These objects are incredibly important in this story - they represent idolatry, which is the practice of worshipping idols instead of God. What’s Happening Next: A Warning: The five men are telling their brethren – meaning other leaders – that these objects have been found inside the houses of the people of Laish. The Urgent Plea: They're urging them to consider what they must do . This is a direct call to action, because this discovery is a serious threat to God’s people and his plan for Israel. What Does it Mean? This verse isn’t just about finding religious objects. It’s a powerful warning about the dangers of idolatry – the practice of worshipping false gods instead of the one true God. It's a Sign of Rebellion: The discovery of these objects symbolizes the rebellion of the people of Laish against God and his authority. It Highlights God's Sovereignty: God is actively intervening to protect his people from evil and to punish those who would stray from his path. In short, this verse describes a moment of crisis where God is confronting a group of people who are deliberately trying to worship idols, and he’s calling for them to be warned and prepared. Think of it like this: It's a dramatic scene showing God actively protecting his people from a serious threat. --- Do you want me to explain any aspect of this verse in more detail? For example, I could go into: The context of the story within the larger narrative of the Old Testament The symbolic meaning of the objects themselves (e.g., what do ephods and teraphims represent?)