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.
The Danites’ theft and intimidation were actions contrary to God’s will (Exodus 20:15). Apparently the writer wanted to highlight the theft since he referred to it five times in this chapter (Judges 18:17-18; Judges 18:20; Judges 18:24; Judges 18:27; cf. Judges 17:2; cf. Judges 17:4). The bullying tactics of the soldiers further identify their selfishness (cf. Judges 18:25).