“And there was a young man out of Bethlehemjudah of the family of Judah, who was a Levite, and he sojourned there.”
Context:The book of Judges describes a period of Israel’s history after Joshua’s death, when the Israelites were governed by a series of judges whom God raised up to deliver them from oppression. Judges 17-21 focuses on various incidents that occurred during this time.
Setting:The verse takes place during a time when there was no central authority in Israel, and everyone did what was right in their own eyes. It introduces a story about a Levite from Bethlehemjudah.
The Levite:The young man mentioned in the verse is a Levite, a member of the tribe of Levi, which had been set apart by God for priestly duties and service in the tabernacle. However, during this period, the Levites did not have a designated role in the religious affairs of Israel.
Bethlehemjudah:The young Levite was from Bethlehemjudah, the same town where King David would later be born. This provides a geographical reference and helps to locate the events within the broader context of biblical history.
Sojourning:The verse states that the young Levite “sojourned” in Bethlehemjudah. This indicates that he was temporarily residing there rather than living permanently in his own allotted land, which suggests a lack of stability and perhaps a search for opportunities or employment.
Significance:This verse sets the stage for the subsequent events recorded in Judges 17-18, which involve idolatry, theft, and corruption. It highlights the spiritual and moral decline that characterized this period in Israel’s history, as well as the absence of proper religious leadership.
Lessons for us:The story in Judges 17-18 serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of abandoning God’s commandments and pursuing personal desires and self-made religious practices. It reminds us of the importance of having true spiritual leadership and following God’s Word rather than relying on our own understanding.
Overall, Judges 17:7 provides a glimpse into the historical and spiritual context of the book of Judges, highlighting the challenges and moral decay present during that time. It serves as a reminder to seek and follow God’s guidance in our own lives and to be aware of the consequences of straying from His Word.
