Judges 17

Chapter Summary

Judges 17 tells the story of Micah, a man who created his own idols and hired a Levite to be his priest. The Danites, who were searching for a place to settle, came across Micah's idols and took them for themselves, along with the Levite. They then used these idols to worship God in their own way, despite the fact that this was contrary to God's commands. The chapter highlights the confusion and sin that can result from a lack of faithfulness to God's Word. Key verses include Judges 17:6, which states that 'in those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes,' and Judges 17:13, which notes that the Danites 'set up for themselves the carved image' and appointed Jonathan, the son of Gershom, as their priest.

Context for the Chapter

Judges 17 is part of the larger narrative of the book of Judges, which describes the period of time in Israel's history when the people were ruled by judges rather than kings. This chapter fits into the larger biblical narrative as a warning against the dangers of idolatry and the importance of remaining faithful to God's commands. The story of Micah and the Danites serves as a backdrop for the redemption that is available through Jesus Christ, who is the true King and the Lord of lords. As noted in the book of Judges, the Israelites repeatedly turned away from God and worshipped idols, which led to chaos and sin. However, God remained faithful to His people and ultimately sent Jesus Christ to redeem them from their sin.

Heart Application

This chapter serves as a warning against the dangers of idolatry and the importance of remaining faithful to God's commands. As believers, we must be careful not to create our own idols or turn away from God's Word. Instead, we must submit to God's authority and follow His commands, trusting in His goodness and sovereignty. We must also recognize the importance of spiritual leadership and the need for a king, which is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ. By submitting to God's authority and following His Word, we can avoid the chaos and sin that result from disobedience and instead experience the joy and peace that come from following God.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Judges 17 tells the story of Micah and the Danites, who created their own idols and turned away from God's commands. This chapter serves as a warning against the dangers of idolatry and the importance of remaining faithful to God's Word. As noted in Judges 17:6, 'in those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.' The story highlights the need for spiritual leadership and the importance of submitting to God's authority. By following God's Word and submitting to His authority, we can avoid the chaos and sin that result from disobedience and instead experience the joy and peace that come from following God.

Voices from the Church

“The absence of spiritual leadership is a recipe for disaster, and the presence of idolatry is a sure sign of spiritual decay. As noted in Judges 17:6, 'in those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.'”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The danger of idolatry is that it leads us away from the true God and towards false and created things. As noted in Judges 17:3-4, Micah 'dedicated the silver to the Lord' and 'made a carved image and a molded image,' which was contrary to God's commands.”

— John Calvin

“The importance of faithfulness to God's commands cannot be overstated. As believers, we must be careful to follow God's Word and not create our own idols or turn away from His commands. As noted in Judges 17:13, the Danites 'set up for themselves the carved image' and appointed Jonathan, the son of Gershom, as their priest, which was contrary to God's commands.”

— Martin Luther

Outline for Preaching

1. The Idolatry of Micah (Judges 17:1-5) — Micah creates his own idols and hires a Levite to be his priest, highlighting the sin of idolatry and the consequences of turning away from God's commands. As noted in Judges 17:3-4, Micah 'dedicated the silver to the Lord' and 'made a carved image and a molded image,' which was contrary to God's commands.
2. The Danites and the Idol (Judges 17:6-13) — The Danites take Micah's idols for themselves and use them to worship God in their own way, despite the fact that this is contrary to God's commands. As noted in Judges 17:6, 'in those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.'
3. The Appointment of Jonathan as Priest (Judges 17:7-13) — The Danites appoint Jonathan, the son of Gershom, as their priest, highlighting the confusion and sin that can result from disobedience to God's commands. As noted in Judges 17:13, the Danites 'set up for themselves the carved image' and appointed Jonathan as their priest, which was contrary to God's commands.
4. The Consequences of Idolatry (Judges 17:1-13) — The chapter highlights the consequences of idolatry and the importance of remaining faithful to God's commands. The story of Micah and the Danites serves as a warning against the dangers of creating our own idols and turning away from God's Word.
5. The Need for Spiritual Leadership (Judges 17:1-13) — The chapter highlights the need for spiritual leadership and the importance of submitting to God's authority. As noted in Judges 17:6, 'in those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.'

Core Doctrines

The Danger of Idolatry

This chapter teaches that idolatry is a serious sin that can lead to chaos and destruction. As noted in Judges 17:3-4, Micah 'dedicated the silver to the Lord' and 'made a carved image and a molded image,' which was contrary to God's commands.

The Importance of Faithfulness to God's Commands

The chapter highlights the importance of faithfulness to God's commands and the consequences of disobedience. As noted in Judges 17:13, the Danites 'set up for themselves the carved image' and appointed Jonathan, the son of Gershom, as their priest, which was contrary to God's commands.

The Need for Spiritual Leadership

The chapter teaches that spiritual leadership is essential for the well-being of God's people. As noted in Judges 17:6, 'in those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.'

The Sovereignty of God

The chapter highlights the sovereignty of God and His ability to work despite the sin and rebellion of His people. As noted in the book of Judges, God remained faithful to His people and ultimately sent Jesus Christ to redeem them from their sin.

Lessons from Judges 17

1. The Dangers of Idolatry — This chapter teaches that idolatry is a serious sin that can lead to chaos and destruction. As noted in Judges 17:3-4, Micah 'dedicated the silver to the Lord' and 'made a carved image and a molded image,' which was contrary to God's commands.
2. The Importance of Spiritual Leadership — The chapter highlights the need for spiritual leadership and the importance of submitting to God's authority. As noted in Judges 17:6, 'in those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.'
3. The Consequences of Disobedience — The chapter teaches that disobedience to God's commands can have serious consequences, including chaos and sin. As noted in Judges 17:13, the Danites 'set up for themselves the carved image' and appointed Jonathan, the son of Gershom, as their priest, which was contrary to God's commands.
4. The Sovereignty of God — The chapter highlights the sovereignty of God and His ability to work despite the sin and rebellion of His people. As noted in the book of Judges, God remained faithful to His people and ultimately sent Jesus Christ to redeem them from their sin.
5. The Importance of Faithfulness — The chapter teaches that faithfulness to God's commands is essential for the well-being of God's people. As noted in Judges 17:6, 'in those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.'

Themes from Judges 17

1. Idolatry — The chapter highlights the danger of idolatry and the consequences of turning away from God's commands. As noted in Judges 17:3-4, Micah 'dedicated the silver to the Lord' and 'made a carved image and a molded image,' which was contrary to God's commands.
2. Spiritual Leadership — The chapter teaches that spiritual leadership is essential for the well-being of God's people. As noted in Judges 17:6, 'in those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.'
3. Disobedience — The chapter highlights the consequences of disobedience to God's commands, including chaos and sin. As noted in Judges 17:13, the Danites 'set up for themselves the carved image' and appointed Jonathan, the son of Gershom, as their priest, which was contrary to God's commands.
4. Sovereignty of God — The chapter teaches that God is sovereign and able to work despite the sin and rebellion of His people. As noted in the book of Judges, God remained faithful to His people and ultimately sent Jesus Christ to redeem them from their sin.
5. Faithfulness — The chapter highlights the importance of faithfulness to God's commands and the consequences of disobedience. As noted in Judges 17:6, 'in those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.'

Questions for Meditation

1. What are some ways that we can create our own idols in our lives, and how can we avoid this sin?
2. How does the absence of spiritual leadership contribute to chaos and sin, and what are some ways that we can promote spiritual leadership in our own lives?
3. What are some consequences of idolatry, and how can we remain faithful to God's commands in our own lives?
4. How does the story of Micah and the Danites serve as a warning against the dangers of idolatry, and what are some ways that we can apply this warning to our own lives?
5. What are some ways that we can promote faithfulness to God's commands in our own lives, and how can we avoid the dangers of disobedience?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on Judges 17

	Sermon	Description
	Ten Shekels and a Shirt by Paris Reidhead	The sermon transcript discusses the concept of success and how it is often measured in our generation. The speaker challenges the audience to consider whether they view God as an e
	(Biblical Manhood) -Morning Brunch by Paul Washer	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being a godly example to our children. He shares his desire for his son to see him on his knees, weeping with joy about Jes
	Ten Shekels and a Shirt (Cleaned Up) by Paris Reidhead	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the difference between 20th century preaching and the preaching of John Wesley. Wesley was known for exalting the holiness of God and deliver
	What a Man Is Not by Paul Washer	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of immersing oneself in scripture in order to renew the mind and avoid being conformed to the world. He highlights the danger
	(Through the Bible) Ruth by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of holding onto something that is no longer rightfully ours. He refers to the book of Revelation, where a scroll with seven seals
	Principles of Courtship by Paul Washer	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of courtship and marriage according to the principles found in the Bible. He highlights the need for young people to be regene
	Ten Shekels and a Shirt - Part 1 by Paris Reidhead	This sermon delves into the story of Micah in Judges 17, exploring the consequences of mixing worldly practices with worship of God, the dangers of compromising one's faith for per
	(Through the Bible) Judges 17-21 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of submitting our lives to God as king. He highlights the negative consequences of people living according to their own desire
	Judges: Spirit of Caleb by Stephen Kaung	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the current state of God's people and compares it to the time of the judges in the book of Judges. He expresses concern about the division a
	Spiritual Avalanche: The Threat of False Teachings That Could Destroy Millions by Steve Hill	This sermon warns about a spiritual avalanche of false teachings that is covering the body of Christ, likened to a dangerous snowfall on a majestic mountain. The vision reveals the

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Judges 17

Matthew Henry's commentary on Judges 17 highlights the danger of idolatry and the importance of remaining faithful to God's commands. He notes that the absence of a king in Israel, as mentioned in Judges 17:6, led to a lack of spiritual leadership and a reliance on human wisdom rather than God's commands. Henry also emphasizes the importance of faithfulness to God's commands, as seen in the contrast between the Danites' worship of God in their own way and the true worship of God as commanded in Scripture. He warns against the dangers of creating our own idols and turning away from God's Word, and encourages believers to remain faithful to God's commands and to trust in His sovereignty. As noted in the commentary, 'the Lord is our King, and we must not set up any other king or lord besides Him.' Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?