24: They made a God for blessings (Judges 17:1 – 18)

This passage reveals that their desire for blessings led them to misunderstand God and persist in idolatry during the era of the Judges, even while they believed they were serving the Lord.

Read Judges 17:1 - 12


Q1. Why did Micah confess he had stolen the silver? 

In fear of the curse. He knew that the curse by the Lord’s name worked. 


Q2. They made an image and an ephod and hired a priest. This imitated the Lord’s tabernacle and the priesthood. However, one thing was missing. What is it?

The Ark of Covenant which contained the stone tablets of God’s words

Verse 6 states, “In those days Israel had no king; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” This reflects the biblical author's assessment of Micah's self-made religion. While Micah's ephod and priestly system mimicked elements prescribed in the Pentateuch, it was fundamentally a counterfeit religion because it originated from human motivation rather than divine will. Human motivation in this passage is especially based on the desire for blessings.


Q3.  Why did the Levites depart Bethlehem? Why did he agree to work for Micah? (the same reason) (v9-11)

He could not get support from the people in Bethlehem. Micah provided shelter and food. The Israelites were supposed to support the Levites. But they didn’t. The Levites forsook their mission and went for a living.


Q4. What is the purpose of Micah’s doing all these? (v3, v12)

He wanted God’s blessings through the act of violating God’s commands.



Their motivation for wealth took higher priority over God's command. Even though the Lord explicitly forbade making images and shrines, they built a shrine as if it would gain His favor, failing to understand that the Lord values obedience more than offerings.

Verse 6, "Israel had no king," is a sarcastic observation, pointing out that their behavior was controlled only by external authority rather than by adherence to God's Word. They knowingly defied His commands and sought to legitimize their counterfeit religion by hiring a Levite, believing it would give an appearance of authenticity to their fake religion. (v. 12).

Do not let wealth become your motive, or your desire will eventually lead you to idolatry.

Do not claim that your life lacks clear guidance, as they did by saying they had no king. God has given us His Word. While it may not dictate every detail of daily life, let His Word dwell in your heart and guide your way.


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