Judges 18:21-26 – Threats and Foolishness
In today’s reading, we learn that the six-hundred armed men are not traveling alone. Intending to conquer Laish and settle there, they have brought their families, livestock, and possessions with them. They have made a wicked plan to attack a peaceful people, they have stolen Micah’s idols, and they have embraced false religion, enticing Jonathan the Levite to be their priest. To these sins they now add the threat of violence against a brother Israelite.
When Micah realizes what has happened, he and his neighbors pursue the Danites, shouting as they catch up to them. When the Danites ask what they want, Micah accuses them of stealing his gods and his priest. The Danites answer Micah’s accusations by threatening to kill him and his entire household.
It is worthy of note that when Micah accuses the Danites he says “You take my gods that I made.” In Isaiah 44:9-20, the prophet speaks of how foolish it is to worship a thing made by human hands. Psalm 115 also speaks of the folly of worshipping idols which have mouths but cannot speak, ears but do not hear, eyes but do not see, hands but do not feel, and feet but do not walk. Psalm 115:8 says, “Those who make them become like them; so do all who trust in them.” That is, those who make and worship idols ultimately will become powerless and dead.
We must take great care not to worship a god of our own making or imagining. The Living God has revealed Himself in His written Word and most fully in His Incarnate Word, Jesus Christ. It is this God, alone, whom we must worship.
Questions
- How do the Danites respond to Micah’s accusations?
- What is important about Micah’s words concerning his gods?
- What do we learn from Isaiah 44 and Psalm 115 about idols and those who worship them?
Prayer Points
- Pray that we worship God for who He truly is, and that we would never worship a god of our own imagining.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.