Matthew Poole and continuators on Judges 18:7

7 ¶ Then the five men departed, and came to Laish , and saw the people that were therein, how they dwelt careless, after the manner of the Zidonians , quiet, and secure, and there was no magistrate in the land that might put them to shame in any thing, and they were far from the Zidonians , and had no business with any man.

Called also Leshem, Ios. 19. 47.

Who living in a very strong place, and abounding in Wealth, and understanding that they were not a part of that Land which God gave to his people; and perceiving that the Israelites never attempted any thing against them, were grown secure and careless.

Or, that might rebuke or punish any thing, i. e. any crime; Heb. that might put any thing to shame, or, make any thing shameful. Putting to shame seems to be used Metonymically for inflicting Civil Punishment, because shame is generally the adjunct or effect of it.

Who otherwise could have succoured them, and would have been ready to do it.

No League or Confederacy, nor much Converse with other Cities, it being in a pleasant and plentiful Soil, between the two Rivolets of Ior and Dan, not needing Supplies from others, and therefore minding onely their own case and pleasure.

Marginal references: Heb. possessor, [illegible: 1 word] heir of r[illegible: 1+ letters]straint, 1 Sam. 9. 17.