“And he said unto them, Thus and thus dealeth Micah with me, and hath hired me, and I am his priest.”
Context:The book of Judges describes a period of Israel’s history after the death of Joshua, when the Israelites were led by various judges who delivered them from oppression. In this particular passage, a group of Danites is seeking to find a territory to settle in.
The Tribe of Dan:The tribe of Dan had been allotted an inheritance of land among the other tribes of Israel, but they were unable to fully possess it due to the presence of the Philistines and other enemies. As a result, some members of the tribe were searching for a new territory to establish themselves.
Micah and His Idolatry:The preceding verses describe how the Danites came across Micah’s house, where he had set up an idol and made a shrine with a priest from the tribe of Levi serving him. The Danites sought guidance from the priest and inquired about their journey and the outcome of their quest.
The Priest’s Response:In response to the Danites’ inquiry, the priest explains that Micah had hired him as his personal priest. The statement “Thus and thus dealeth Micah with me” suggests that Micah had been treating the priest well, providing him with provisions and support.
The Issue of Idolatry:This passage highlights the prevalent issue of idolatry during that time. Micah had set up his own religious system with an unauthorized shrine and a personal priest, which was contrary to God’s commands for worship. This act of idolatry was a violation of the first two of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:3-4).
The Importance of Proper Worship:The book of Judges repeatedly emphasizes the importance of worshiping the one true God and following His commandments. The actions of Micah and the Danites demonstrated a departure from God’s prescribed system of worship and a tendency towards syncretism and self-made religion.
Lessons for Us:This passage serves as a reminder for us to be careful not to create our own versions of worship or dilute God’s commands with our personal preferences. It teaches us the significance of seeking and following God’s instructions for worship, remaining faithful to His Word, and avoiding the temptation of idolatry.
In conclusion, Judges 18:4 showcases the prevailing issue of idolatry during the time of the judges, where Micah had set up his own shrine and hired a priest for himself. It serves as a reminder to us to stay faithful to God’s prescribed ways of worship and avoid the trap of creating our own self-made religion.
