Judges | Chapter Summaries + Study QuestionsSample

JUDGES 17

MICAH + THE LEVITE PRIEST

Micah, a man from Ephraim, built his own shrine and appoints his own son as a priest. God appointed the Levites or descendants of Levi to be the priests of Israel, but Micah’s son was not from the priestly tribe. Because there was no king over Israel, the people were not following God and were doing what they saw as right in their own eyes. Micah creates false gods and idols and creates his own ephod, the regal garments only worn by priests.

Micah later meets a Levite man, whom he asks to live with him and appoints as a priest. Micah believes that God will allow him to prosper because he now has a Levite serving as priest instead of his son. Micah only knows the laws of God, but does not pursue knowing God personally. Micah exemplifies the idea of wanting blessings from God without having a relationship with God and highlights the moral downfall of the Israelites.

STUDY QUESTIONS

How does the story of Micah highlight Israel’s rejection of God’s instruction? What does Judges 17:6 reveal about how the Israelites conducted themselves?

In Judges 17:13, why did Micah believe that God would give him prosperity? What assumptions was Micah making about God?