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)
The unfortunate colony was too far from Sidon, which was probably the mother city, to obtain any help, and, inasmuch as the inhabitants of Laish apparently had not made a league with any of the neighboring Aramaic tribes or towns, there were no friendly forces to come to their rescue.
Valley.
Probably the depression through which the headwaters of the Jordan flow at the foot of the lowest range of Lebanon, north of the now drained Lake Huleh.
Beth-rehob.
Signifying “house of the street.” A small state of Aramaic-speaking people, according to 2 Sam. 10:6, 8.
Built a city.
Upon the blackened ruins of Laish the Danites built a new city. This was the manner in ancient times. Cities were built near sources of water and on the highest point feasible for purposes of protection. Accordingly, the same sites were chosen for successive cities.