“And the man Micah had an house of gods, and made an ephod, and teraphim, and consecrated one of his sons, who became his priest.”
Context:The book of Judges records a period in Israel’s history after the death of Joshua, when the nation was governed by a series of judges. This verse is found in the early part of the book and provides insight into the spiritual and moral condition of the people during that time.
Micah’s House of Gods:The verse begins by mentioning Micah, who had established a house of gods. This indicates that Micah had created a personal place of worship in his own house. It’s important to note that this was not according to God’s prescribed way of worship, but a deviation from it. The people of Israel were meant to worship and seek God at the tabernacle, which was the central place of worship established by God.
The Ephod and Teraphim:Micah not only had a house of gods, but he also made an ephod and teraphim. The ephod was a priestly garment worn by the high priest in the tabernacle during worship. However, in Micah’s case, it seems that he created his own version of the ephod, which would not have been in accordance with God’s instructions.
Teraphim were small household idols or figurines that were used for divination or as objects of worship. They were associated with pagan practices and were prohibited by God. Micah’s possession of teraphim indicates a departure from the true worship of God and an inclination towards pagan customs.
Consecration of His Son as Priest:Micah went to the extent of consecrating one of his sons as a priest. This was an unauthorized action because only the descendants of Aaron, the tribe of Levi, were chosen by God to serve as priests for the Israelites. Micah appointing his own son as a priest demonstrated the lack of respect for God’s ordained order and the disregard for His instructions.
Lessons and Applications:
- Deviation from God’s Instructions:This passage reveals the danger of deviating from God’s prescribed way of worship and introducing practices that are not aligned with His Word. It highlights the importance of seeking God’s guidance and adhering to His commands rather than relying on human opinions or personal preferences.
- Idolatry and False Worship:Micah’s actions illustrate the prevalence of idolatry and false worship during the period of the judges. It serves as a reminder to guard against the temptation to follow after other gods or create our own versions of worship. As believers, we are called to worship the one true God in spirit and truth (John 4:24).
- The Need for Faithfulness:Micah’s actions also demonstrate the need for faithfulness to God’s appointed leaders and structures. The role of the Levitical priesthood was significant in Israel’s worship, and appointing someone outside of this line showed a lack of trust in God’s chosen system. In our own lives, it is important to honor and respect the spiritual authorities and structures that God has established.
- God’s Call to Obedience:This passage reinforces the importance of obedience to God’s commands. Micah’s actions were a clear violation of God’s instructions, leading to a distortion of worship and a departure from the truth. As believers, we should strive to be obedient to God’s Word and seek His guidance in all aspects of our lives.
Overall, Judges 17:5 serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of deviating from God’s instructions and engaging in false worship. It reminds us of the importance of seeking God’s guidance, adhering to His Word, and honoring His ordained ways of worship.
