Chapter Summary

Micah's worship in self will.

Discussion Questions for Judges, Chapter 17

1. Beginning in chapter 17, the focus of the Book of Judges shifts from the deliverers that God raised up to the lives of ordinary Israelites. Knowing that God cares about ordinary people, what should be our response to Him?
2. Micah's name means "Who is like the Lord?" Although he should have been devoted to the Lord, what evidence is there that this was not actually true?
3. Why was it inappropriate for Micah's mother to consecrate the silver to the Lord by making a carved image and a silver idol out of it?
4. In Deuteronomy 12, the Lord instructed the Israelites to worship Him only at the place that He would authorize. How is Micah's actions in verse 5 a violation of this command?
5. Did Micah have the authority to install one of his own sons as priest? What is an example of an unqualified person trying to serve in a position of honor today? Why is this harmful?
6. Verse 6 connects the absence of a king in Israel with everyone doing "whatever seemed right to him" (CSB). How does good leadership impact a nation? Who should the people recognized as their King?
7. In Exodus 32, the Levites were set apart because they stood with Moses in opposing the worship of the golden calf. How does the Levite in Judges 17 compare to them?
8. A faithful Levite priest would have a passion for God and a sense of divine calling. How does verse 8 describe this particular Levite? Does he appear to have a sense of divine calling upon his life?
9. In verse 10, Micah invites the Levite to "be my father" (CSB), which is a title of honor. How is this title ironic given the description of the Levite in verse 7?
10. After installing a Levite as his priest, Micah says in verse 13, "Now I know that the Lord will be good to me" (CSB). How do people today try to manipulate God into blessing them?

Key Words/Phrase

Graven image, v. 3.

Characters

Micah, his mother, a Levite.

Strong Verse(s)

6