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Verse

Judges 18:23

ESV And they shouted to the people of Dan, who turned around and said to Micah, "What is the matter with you, that you come with such a company?"
NIV As they shouted after them, the Danites turned and said to Micah, "What’s the matter with you that you called out your men to fight?"
NASB Then they called out to the sons of Dan, who turned around and said to Micah, 'What is the matter with you, that you have assembled together?'
CSB They called to the Danites, who turned to face them, and said to Micah, "What’s the matter with you that you mustered the men?"
NLT They were shouting as they caught up with them. The men of Dan turned around and said to Micah, 'What’s the matter? Why have you called these men together and chased after us like this?'
KJV And they cried unto the children of Dan. And they turned their faces, and said unto Micah, What aileth thee, that thou comest with such a company?
NKJV And they called out to the children of Dan. So they turned around and said to Micah, “What ails you, that you have gathered such a company?”

What does Judges 18:23 mean?

Micah has gathered a group to chase down the men who had robbed him (Judges 18:14–20). Among the stolen goods was Micah's enormous collection of expensive religious artifacts (Judges 17:1–5). Micah also wants his priest back, probably not realizing the young Levite (Judges 17:7–13) was more than happy to leave with the raiders and even helped them in their theft.

The men of Dan anticipated Micah would come after them. That's why all the soldiers were in the back of the group with the precious cultic items and the children in the front (Judges 18:21). When Micah arrives shouting for the men of Dan to stop, they turn around and ask him why he has come with so many people. The warriors of Dan act surprised to see this collection of neighbors chasing them from behind. This is probably just that—an act, meant to intimidate—like the cliché of a tough man asking someone "what are you looking at?" Their sarcastic teasing, even asking "what's the matter with you?" will not last long.
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