The Book of Judges

 The Book of Judges was taught by Dr. James Modlish

 

Judges 17:1-13

 

Introduction:

Judges (17-18) enlarge upon a theme that is continually recurring in Scripture: religion without God! The syndrome is universal in nature and has plagued mankind since Cain offered his vegetables instead of a blood sacrifice.

 

I. Why not another god? - (17:1-6)

A. Micah, the religionist with a house full of gods (vs. 5), lifts 1100 shekels of silver from his mother. It is difficult to know whether it was a fit of conscience or subtlety that motivated its return. The results, however, were favorable in the sight of Micah for he collected another "god" for his mantle.

B. The 200 shekels of silver donated for the new "god" turns out to be significant in the light of Bible numbers. According to (Jn. 6:7) 200 is the number of insufficiency, consequently, we are reminded of the insufficiency of mere religion. This operation led to the blotting out of Dan and Ephraim in (Rev. 7).

[1]. Achan's 200 shekels of silver was not sufficient to save him from the consequences of sin. (Josh. 7:21 - the insufficiency of money)

[2]. Absalom's 200 shekels weight of hair was not sufficient to save him, but led to his destruction. (2 Sam 14:26 - the insufficiency of human beauty.)

[3]. The 200 men of Issachar who were leaders of Israel in carnal matters (1 Chron. 12:32) could lend no advice about a spiritual crisis in the next chapter. (1 Chron. 13 - the insufficiency of human wisdom).

[4]. Ezra's choir of 200 men and women (Ez. 2:65) quit the building program immediately after the religious "festival and celebration." (Jn. 4:24 - the insufficiency of external things in worship).

 

II. A Levite to the rescue - (17:1-13)

The following events are best introduced by (vs. 6): "but every man did that which was right in his own eyes." Didn't we suggest early on in this study that Judges is a type of the Laodicean church?

Micah is looking for someone he can hire for low wages and call a father and a priest. (1 Tim. 5:17-18; Matt. 23:8,9)

Micah was convinced that he could rub shoulders with the right people (vs. 13), and everything would be grand.

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