Ask counsel... of God. — Doubtless Jonathan showed them the glittering ephod. There were no prophets of whom to inquire, as in 1 Kings 22:5; but their unauthorised inquiry was liable to the strong censure expressed in Isaiah 30:1; Hosea 4:12. They might have at least consulted the high priest Phinehas, or some other national representative.
Related Commentaries of Judges 18:5
Judges 18:5
5 And they said unto him, Ask counsel, we pray thee, of God, that we may know whether our way which we go shall be prosperous.