Every Man Did That Which Was Right in His Own Eyes
Judges 17-18
God had intended for the government of this time to be a Theocracy. That means a government ruled by God. God desired for each and every person to look to Him for guidance in their lives. They were to have the freedom and liberty to choose to follow the Lord. What unfortunately happened was the people did what they wanted instead of looking towards the Lord.
The events last five chapters of Judges occur early in the period of Judges. They are placed here to highlight to corruption of this period.
No Authority Allows False Worship 17:1-13
When there is no authority over us we end up doing what we want. Vs. 6
You will change your beliefs when you choose not to obey authority.
Its starts from a man named Micah who stole money ($9000) from his mother. He finally admits that he had stolen the money she had been looking for. When she gives it back, she rejoices and thanks God. To thank God, she makes a false idol using $1600.
Ephod was a type of girdle. It was a garment to be worn to religious ceremonies.
Teraphim are idols in human shape supposed to bring prosperity.
Soon a young man comes from Bethlehem to the north. The Levites job was to teach people the word of God.
Micah convinces the Levites to stay, and he would pay him to be his personal priest.
The man grew so close he was like a son.
Micah expected God to bless him now that he had his own personal priest.
No Authority Causes People to be Vulnerable to Attack vs. 1-10
During this time, the tribe of Dan had received an inheritance in the south between Judah’s borders and the Philistines. They weren’t satisfied with those borders, so they sent a party north to see if there was good land or easy targets up there.
On the way, they ran into the Levite. They catch up with him then ask if he would say a prayer for them.
Then Danites fine the city of Laish. This city had no magistrate or authority to keep them in line. They had become careless, quiet and secure and easy to conquer.
The Danites send word to bring the army.
No Authority Allows People to Purchase a Preacher’s Message vs. 11-31
The rest of the armed men travel from Judah to catch up with the other Danites. Once there the 5 scouts told about the Levite and the idols. The Danites went to take them.
The Danites asked the priest if it would be better to minister to one man or a whole tribe. The Levite left and went with the Danites.
A church doesn’t pay a preacher. They take care of his living so he is free to follow the Lord. Once a preacher compromises for money, it’s easier for him to follow the money. I Timothy 5:17-18 a preacher who stays true to the word of God is worthy of double honor.
This Levite by the way was from a famous linage. He was the grandson of Moses.