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Response
Judges 17 and 18 recount the tale of a man named Micah who constructed a shrine and worshipped man-made idols. (This individual should not be mistaken for the prophet Micah.) Clearly, Micah’s actions were incorrect. The writer of the Book of Judges includes this account to impart some lessons.
Firstly, it is evident that idol worship contradicts God’s decrees. The initial of the Ten Commandments states, “You shall have no other gods before me” «Thou shalt have no other gods before me. », (Exodus 20:3).
Secondly, mere external religious practices are insufficient; genuine faith in the one true God is essential. Micah displayed great zeal. He erected a shrine, crafted an ephod for religious rituals, and made household idols. He was delighted to have engaged his personal priest: “Now I know that the LORD will be good to me, since this Levite has become my priest” «Then said Micah, Now know I that the LORD will do me good, seeing I have a Levite to my priest.», (Judges 17:13). Nevertheless, Micah’s deeds were not aligned with the teachings of God’s Word. He aimed to worship God according to his preferences, not as God had instructed.
Thirdly, erroneous beliefs lead to misguided actions. When the tribe of Dan sought guidance on settling, Micah’s priest told them what they wished to hear: “Go in peace. Your journey has the LORD’s approval” «And the priest said unto them, Go in peace: before the LORD is your way wherein ye go. », (Judges 18:6). However, the Danites’ expedition turned violent and led to the ruin of a tranquil town.
Lastly, the sinful actions of an individual can have enduring consequences. The concluding verses of this account…
Do not leave us with these words: “The Danites set up for themselves the idol, and Jonathan son of Gershom, the son of Moses, and his sons were priests for the tribe of Dan until the time of the captivity of the land. They continued to use the idol Micah had made, all the time the house of God was in Shiloh” (Judges 18:30-31). Micah’s false gods led to false worship among an entire tribe of Israel for several generations. We may not think our sinful actions hurt others, yet they do. They can even leave a long-term negative impact on entire communities for years to come.
The Micah of Judges 17—18 offers an example of how not to worship God, and his story illustrates the consequences of practicing religion according to what we think is best rather than according to God’s teachings. God’s Word is given to guide and protect us, as well as to bring Him glory. As 2 Timothy 3:16—17 teaches, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
