Judges 17:7-13 – From Bad to Worse
Thursday we saw that Micah had made idols and built a shrine. Despite having no authority from God to do so, he ordained one of his own sons to be his priest. Today, we read that a Levite from Bethlehem comes to Micah’s house and Micah ordains him to be his priest. We might think this is a step up – after all, the priests were descendants of Aaron from the tribe of Levi, and the rest of the Levites were supposed to be assistants to the priests and teachers of God’s Law in Israel. Micah at least has a Levite, if not a son of Aaron, leading his family in worship.
However, this demonstrates a worse state of affairs than we have been told about so far. First, the Levite feels the need to leave Bethlehem, suggesting he was not being supported by the tithes of the people. Second, even if Micah does not know any better than to make his own shrine and idols, this Levite should. Third, the Levite is content to stay with Micah for the promise of an easy living. Thus, the truth is compromised for the sake of a salary.
In an era like our own, when people are doing what is right in their own eyes, there are many professing Christians who are willing to pay a pastor who will tell them only what they want to hear, rather than proclaim the whole counsel of God’s Word to them. Christians in many other disciplines are often pressured to compromise God’s truth for the sake of a job or a promotion. We must never forsake God’s truth for the sake of career or comfort.
Questions
- Why might some think Micah’s choice of a Levite is a step in the right direction?
- What kind of problems do we see in this situation?
- How might we be tempted to compromise God’s truth?
Prayer Points
- Pray for the preaching and hearing of God’s Word tomorrow.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters