Guided by convenience rather than conviction
December 28, 2021
Commentary
We are introduced to a young man from Bethlehem who is later identified as the grandson of Moses (vv. 7-9). His name was Jonathan, son of Geshom, son of Moses (18:30). It is not for certain why he was wandering alone, away from his family but it seems he was looking for a job and had traveled northward from Judah and had arrived at Micah’s house. This story illustrates how Israel’s moral decay affected even the priest and levites.
For the sake of security (salary) he was content to serve as a priest to Micah for ten shekels of silver per year (v. 10). He agreed to stay with Micah and be his priest (vv 11-12). He lived in Micah’s house, who treated him like one of his own sons. Micah thought this was a smart move to have a Levite as his priest rather than his son who was just a layman. After all, wouldn’t God honor him as long as this religious Levite was in his home (v. 13). In the process we see both men disregarding the revealed will of God. They were guided by convenience rather than conviction.
Application
I need to be asking myself the question, what controls my decisions? Is it that which seems momentarily helpful or that which glorifies God? Have each member of my family name some jobs that they could not have and still glorify the Lord.
Judges 17:7– 13 (NET)
7 There was a young man from Bethlehem in Judah. He was a Levite who had been temporarily residing among the tribe of Judah. 8 This man left the town of Bethlehem in Judah to find another place to live. He came to the Ephraimite hill country and made his way to Micah’s house. 9 Micah said to him, “Where do you come from?” He replied, “I am a Levite from Bethlehem in Judah. I am looking for a new place to live.” 10 Micah said to him, “Stay with me. Become my adviser and priest. I will give you ten pieces of silver per year, plus clothes and food.” 11 So the Levite agreed to stay with the man; the young man was like a son to Micah. 12 Micah paid the Levite; the young man became his priest and lived in Micah’s house. 13 Micah said, “Now I know the Lord will make me rich, because I have this Levite as my priest.”