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Judges 17:1

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¶ And there was a man of mount Ephraim, whose name [was] Micah.

And there was a man {H376} of mount {H2022} Ephraim {H669}, whose name {H8034} was Micah {H4321}.

There was a man from the hills of Efrayim named Mikhay'hu.

Now a man named Micah from the hill country of Ephraim

And there was a man of the hill-country of Ephraim, whose name was Micah.

Commentary

This opening verse introduces the central character of the narrative found in Judges chapters 17 and 18. It sets the scene by identifying a specific individual, Micah, and his location within the tribal territory of Ephraim.

Context

Judges chapter 17 begins the final section of the book of Judges (chapters 17-21), which serves as an appendix illustrating the spiritual and social chaos that characterized Israel during this era. Unlike the earlier chapters that recount the cycles of apostasy, oppression, and deliverance through judges, these final chapters show the internal breakdown within Israelite society itself. This section highlights a time when "every man did that which was right in his own eyes", a phrase that encapsulates the lack of central authority and spiritual guidance following the death of Joshua and the elders. Micah's story provides a specific example of this descent into syncretism and lawlessness.

Key Themes

  • Introduction of a Key Figure: The verse immediately focuses on Micah, signaling his importance in the subsequent events. His actions will exemplify the spiritual state of many Israelites during this period.
  • Geographical Setting: Identifying his location on "mount Ephraim" places the story within a significant central tribal area, suggesting that the issues weren't isolated to remote corners but were present even in potentially prominent regions. Ephraim was a powerful tribe, and problems within its territory reflected deeper national issues.
  • Foreshadowing Disorder: While simple, this introduction sets the stage for a complex narrative involving personal religion, stolen money, idolatry, and the migration of a tribe, all stemming from individual choices made outside of God's prescribed law.

Linguistic Insight

The name "Micah" (מִיכָה, Miykah) is a shortened form of Micaiah, meaning "Who is like Yahweh?" or "Who is like the Lord?". This name stands in ironic contrast to the actions Micah takes in the following verses, where he creates idols and establishes his own religious system, demonstrating a profound misunderstanding or disregard for the unique nature of God.

Significance

Judges 17:1 is significant because it marks the beginning of a narrative that starkly illustrates the consequences of Israel's failure to fully obey God and dispossess the Canaanites, leading to compromised faith and societal disintegration. Micah's personal story becomes a microcosm of the larger problems facing the nation – a blend of Israelite customs with pagan practices, a reliance on human ingenuity over divine instruction, and a general spiritual drift.

Reflection

This verse, though brief, serves as a critical entry point into understanding the sad state of affairs in Israel during the later period of the Judges. It reminds us that spiritual decline often begins with individuals making choices that seem right to them, rather than adhering to God's clear commands. The story of Micah that unfolds highlights the need for faithful adherence to God's word and the dangers of syncretism and self-made religion.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Joshua 15:9 (2 votes)

    And the border was drawn from the top of the hill unto the fountain of the water of Nephtoah, and went out to the cities of mount Ephron; and the border was drawn to Baalah, which [is] Kirjathjearim:

  • Judges 18:2 (2 votes)

    And the children of Dan sent of their family five men from their coasts, men of valour, from Zorah, and from Eshtaol, to spy out the land, and to search it; and they said unto them, Go, search the land: who when they came to mount Ephraim, to the house of Micah, they lodged there.

  • Judges 10:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ And after Abimelech there arose to defend Israel Tola the son of Puah, the son of Dodo, a man of Issachar; and he dwelt in Shamir in mount Ephraim.

  • Joshua 17:14 (2 votes)

    ¶ And the children of Joseph spake unto Joshua, saying, Why hast thou given me [but] one lot and one portion to inherit, seeing I [am] a great people, forasmuch as the LORD hath blessed me hitherto?

  • Joshua 17:18 (2 votes)

    But the mountain shall be thine; for it [is] a wood, and thou shalt cut it down: and the outgoings of it shall be thine: for thou shalt drive out the Canaanites, though they have iron chariots, [and] though they [be] strong.