Thief and Idol Maker
Though Micah appears in the book of Judges, we’d be wrong to consider him a judge. He never judged or led the people. In fact, the Bible doesn’t record a single good thing he does. Here’s an overview:
Micah steals eleven hundred shekels of silver from his mother. Not knowing who the robber is, she curses the person who took her money.
When Micah reveals himself as the thief, she in turn blesses him. She consecrates the silver to the Lord and commissions a silversmith to make an idol. This is precisely what she shouldn’t do with silver she dedicated to God, but she does.
Micah puts the idol in a shrine he had made. The shrine also contains an ephod and other idols. One of his sons serves as priest. When a Levite from Bethlehem happens by, Micah installs him as priest and provides for him.
Never mind that a Levite isn’t supposed to serve as a priest, especially not at a shrine of idols. But this Levite doesn’t care. He just wants a place to stay and to do something he feels is important.
Some spies from the tribe of Dan stop by. They’re on a mission. They inquire of the priest about their journey. He gives them God’s approval and sends them away in peace.
Later the spies return with an army, intent on conquering a nearby city. They take Micah’s idol, his ephod, and his household gods. They talk Micah’s priest into going with them. Micah chases them but later gives up when he realizes he’ll lose.
The army from Dan conquers the city and burns it. Then they rebuild it and settle there. They worship the idol Micah made.
Everything in the story of Micah is contrary to the laws of Moses and disrespects the Lord. This is Micah’s legacy.
What conclusions can we draw from Micah’s mom proclaiming both a curse and a blessing?
What have we consecrated or dedicated to the Lord?
[Read about Micah in Judges 17–18. Discover another dedication in Judges 16:17.]
Learn about 100 more biblical characters in More Old Testament Sinners and Saints, available in e-book, paperback, and hardcover. Get your copy today.
More Old Testament Sinners and Saints is part of the Bible Character Sketches series.
Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront a status quo faith and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
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