Judges
Lesson 8Judges Chapters 17-18
As we complete our study of the book of Judges, we will be examining the final chapters over the course of two lessons. This lesson will cover Judges Chapters 17-18, and the next lesson will cover Judges Chapters 19-21. These closing chapters of the book of Judges (Chapters 17-21) reflect a kind of epilogue, illustrating the behavior and heart of Israel during the period of the Judges. The events illustrated in these final five chapters cover earlier history in the Judges period—with each having a specific purpose underscoring the fallen condition of the Israelites during the time of the Judges.
Chapters 17-18 are included to reflect the religious apostasy in the land, with Chapters 19-21 reflecting the moral degradation that was overtaking Israel in concert with the apostasy it had adopted (idol worship in particular).
For this lesson, let’s read Judges Chapters 17 and 18 and consider the following:
Judges Chapter 17
- How are the people of Israel living during this time? (Judges 17:1-6)
- Describe some of the many evil things illustrated in this chapter (Judges 17:1-13)
- Why was Micah happy once the Levite accepted the position in his home? (Judges 17:13)
Judges Chapter 18
- What happens to the shrine, the ephod, and the silver clad idol? (Judges 18:1-19)
- Who actually helps the Danites steal from Micah, and what is he offered for doing it? (Judges 18:20)
- Who were the Sidonians? (Judges 18:7, Joshua 13:6, and 1 Kings 5:6)
- Read the remaining verses of Chapter 18, following the theft of Micah’s idols. (Judges 18:27-31) List below some of the things the Danites did that displeased the Lord:
This is an important lesson for us, because we can see how easy it is for apostasy to poison our faith and our worship. As we think on this lesson, what are some of the signs that apostasy is beginning to slowly compromise our faith and our worship today?
If we look at the lives of Micah and the Levite, we can see that what was being compromised was not just their method of worship and the idols they used, but also their lifestyles; and how that lifestyle—idols, household gods, their love of money (silver) and success, a live-in priest (good luck charm), working for food and clothing, and so on—permeated their lives and those of everyone around them. It was so prevalent and so accepted as "righteous" behavior that they could not see it as sin. Aren’t we living in that kind of world today?
Let’s pray that God will keep us from the things that compromise our faith and worship, and that He will grant us the wisdom to see it when it does.
May he bless us this week with wisdom.
In Christ,
Wes
[2018]