“And they set them up Micah’s graven image, which he made, all the time that the house of God was in Shiloh.”
Historical Context:The Book of Judges is set in the period of Israel’s history after the conquest of Canaan and before the establishment of the monarchy. During this time, Israel was governed by a series of judges who were raised up by God to deliver the people from oppression and lead them in righteousness.
Background of Judges 18:In Judges 17-18, we read about an incident involving a man named Micah and the tribe of Dan. Micah had made a shrine, complete with an ephod and household gods, and appointed one of his sons as a priest. However, this setup was not according to God’s commandments, as the tabernacle, which housed the Ark of the Covenant, was in Shiloh.
The Tribe of Dan’s Journey:The tribe of Dan, seeking to find a new territory to settle in, sent out five warriors to scout the land. These scouts visited Micah’s house and recognized the Levite serving as Micah’s priest. They asked for guidance from God through the priest and received a favourable response.
Theft of Micah’s Idols:Upon hearing the response from the priest, the five scouts returned to the tribe of Dan and reported the favourable outcome. Subsequently, the tribe of Dan decided to conquer the city of Laish and take possession of their land. On their way, they passed by Micah’s house, and the scouts urged their tribe to seize Micah’s idols, ephod, and graven image for themselves.
Setting Up Micah’s Graven Image:When the tribe of Dan arrived at their destination, they conquered Laish, rebuilt the city, and named it Dan after their tribe. They set up the graven image of Micah, along with the other stolen idols, in their new territory. The verse states that they continued to worship these idols “all the time that the house of God was in Shiloh.” This suggests that they practised idolatry and ignored the true worship of God established in Shiloh.
Spiritual Implications:Judges 18:31 reveals a significant departure from God’s commandments and the worship established in Shiloh. The tribe of Dan not only engaged in idolatry but also displaced the proper worship of God with false gods. This incident reflects the spiritual decline and moral corruption that occurred during the time of the judges.
Lessons for Today:
- Faithfulness to God:The incident of Micah and the tribe of Dan serves as a reminder of the importance of remaining faithful to God and following His commandments. God desires true worship from His people, and we should be cautious not to compromise our faith or replace it with anything that goes against His will.
- The Dangers of Idolatry:Idolatry can take various forms in our lives today. It involves giving devotion and worship to anything other than God. We must guard our hearts against idolatry, whether it be material possessions, worldly success, or even personal desires, and ensure that God remains the central focus of our worship.
- The Consequences of Compromise:The tribe of Dan compromised their faith by engaging in idol worship, which had long-lasting spiritual implications for them. We should learn from their example and strive to maintain our commitment to God, avoiding compromise with practices or beliefs that contradict His Word.
In conclusion, Judges 18:31 highlights the departure from true worship in Israel during the time of the judges. The incident serves as a reminder to remain faithful to God, avoid idolatry, and be vigilant against compromise in our own lives.
