Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryJudges 17

Micah and His GodsThis section introduces us to Micah and his mother, and shows how quickly the people of Israel turned away from true worship after the time of Joshua. It teaches us about the problems caused by greed, family conflict, and forgetting God’s commands. When everyone does what they want instead of following God, confusion and sin spread quickly among families and the whole nation.v. 1–2: Micah stole 1100 pieces of silver from his mother. She had saved this money for a long time, planning to leave it to him. When she found out the money was missing, she cursed whoever took it. She spoke so loudly and angrily that Micah heard her and became afraid. This shows how the love of money can destroy trust and peace in families. As the Bible says, the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil (1 Timothy 6:10 ).

v. 2: Micah was frightened by his mother’s curse and returned the silver. He admitted his sin and gave it back. His mother was so happy she took back her curse and blessed Micah, saying, Blessed be thou of the Lord

v. 3–4: Micah’s mother said she had dedicated the silver to the Lord

v. 5: Micah set up a shrine in his house with these idols. He made an ephod (a special priest’s garment) and chose one of his sons to be his priest. This was not how God wanted Israel to worship Him. Micah tried to copy God’s ways, but did it in his own style, making a religion that suited himself. This was the start of idolatry among the Israelites after Joshua’s time.

v. 6: The reason people acted this way was because there was no king in Israel, but every man did that which was right in his own eyes . Without good leaders, everyone made up their own rules, and this led to more sin and disorder. The Bible reminds us that order and leadership are important to protect faith and keep people close to God (1 Timothy 2:1-2 ).

Micah and the LeviteThis passage tells how Micah found a Levite to act as his personal priest. It shows how religious confusion grew in Israel when people set up their own ways of worship. Both Micah and the Levite acted for their own benefit, not for God. The story warns us about trying to mix true faith with personal desires and about thinking that outward things can replace real obedience to God.v. 7–8: A young Levite from Bethlehem in Judah left his home to find a new place to live. He was partly from Judah through his mother’s family and did not live in a Levite city. Some people think he left because he was neglected or not cared for, even though God had provided for the Levites. Others believe he simply wanted to wander and look for a better life. This shows that when people stop supporting God’s servants, true religion begins to decay (Deuteronomy 12:19 ).

v. 9–10: When the Levite arrived, Micah asked him where he came from. The Levite replied that he was looking for a place to stay. Micah then offered him a job as his priest, promising him food, clothing, and a small salary each year. Micah did not check the Levite’s character or qualifications. He just wanted someone to serve as a priest for his idols. This shows that when people make their own religion, they are not careful about what is true or right (1 Kings 12:31 ).

v. 11–12: The Levite agreed to stay with Micah and became like one of his family. Micah then made him his priest and treated him with respect. Micah thought that just having a Levite made his worship better, even though it was still wrong. This is an example of people thinking that having the right things on the outside can make up for disobedience on the inside.

v. 13: Micah was very pleased. He said, Now know I that the Lord