Judges 17:10

KJV

And Micah said unto him, Dwell with me, and be unto me a father and a priest, and I will give thee ten [shekels] of silver by the year, and a suit of apparel, and thy victuals. So the Levite went in.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Micah {H4318} said {H559} unto him, Dwell {H3427} with me, and be unto me a father {H1} and a priest {H3548}, and I will give {H5414} thee ten {H6235} shekels of silver {H3701} by the year {H3117}, and a suit {H6187} of apparel {H899}, and thy victuals {H4241}. So the Levite {H3881} went in {H3212}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Mikhah replied, "Stay with me, and be a father and cohen for me; I will give you ten pieces of silver a year, in addition to your clothing and food." So the Levi went in

Berean Standard Bible

“Stay with me,” Micah said to him, “and be my father and priest, and I will give you ten shekels of silver per year, a suit of clothes, and your provisions.” So the Levite went in

American Standard Version

And Micah said unto him, Dwell with me, and be unto me a father and a priest, and I will give thee ten pieces of silver by the year, and a suit of apparel, and thy victuals. So the Levite went in.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 17:10 encapsulates a moment of profound spiritual and moral decline in ancient Israel, depicting Micah's offer to a wandering Levite to serve as his personal "father and priest" in exchange for an annual salary, clothing, and food. This transactional arrangement highlights the era's widespread disregard for God's established laws regarding worship and the priesthood, revealing a society where sacred offices were commodified and personal gain superseded divine calling. The Levite's swift acceptance underscores the pervasive compromise and self-interest that characterized the period when "every man did that which was right in his own eyes."

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 17:10 is situated within the opening narrative of the book's appendix (chapters 17-21), which serves as a stark illustration of the chaotic and lawless state of Israel during the period of the Judges. The preceding verses (Judges 17:1-9) introduce Micah, an Ephraimite who, having stolen silver from his mother, later dedicates a portion of it to the Lord and uses it to construct a graven image, a molten image, an ephod, and teraphim for his private shrine. He then appoints one of his sons as a priest, despite the clear Mosaic prohibitions against idolatry and the specific requirements for the priesthood. Into this scene of unauthorized, syncretistic worship, a young, unattached Levite from Bethlehem-Judah, wandering in search of a place to reside, encounters Micah's household. This encounter sets the stage for Micah's offer, which further entrenches his illegitimate religious system.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Judges (c. 1375–1050 BC) was marked by a cyclical pattern of apostasy, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. The overarching theme, reiterated at the end of the book, is the absence of a king in Israel, leading to a state where "every man did that which was right in his own eyes" ([Judges 17:6](/judges/17-6 "Judges 17:6 - Everyone Did What Was Right in His Own Eyes"); [Judges 21:25](/judges/21-25 "Judges 21:25 - The Recurring Theme of Anarchy")). This era saw a significant decline in adherence to the Mosaic Law, particularly concerning centralized worship at the tabernacle (later, the temple) and the exclusive role of the Aaronic priesthood. Levites, who were meant to serve the Lord and teach His law, were often scattered and dependent on the tribes for support ([Numbers 35:1-8](/numbers/35-1 "Numbers 35:1-8 - Levitical Cities")). The wandering nature of this particular Levite reflects the instability and lack of proper provision for the Levites during this chaotic time, making Micah's offer of security and sustenance highly appealing, despite its theological implications.
* **Key Themes:** Judges 17:10 vividly illustrates several key themes prevalent in the book of Judges and beyond. Foremost among these is **spiritual anarchy and decline**, where the established divine order for worship and priesthood is utterly disregarded. Micah's creation of a private shrine with idols and his appointment of a priest (first his son, then the Levite) directly violates the commands for centralized worship and the exclusive Aaronic priesthood ([Deuteronomy 12:5](/deuteronomy/12-5 "Deuteronomy 12:5 - The Chosen Place of Worship")). This leads to **transactional religion**, where faith is reduced to a means of securing personal blessing or legitimacy, rather than genuine obedience and devotion to God. Micah explicitly states his hope for divine favor in [Judges 17:13](/judges/17-13 "Judges 17:13 - Micah's Hope for Blessing"). The verse also highlights **compromise and self-interest**, as both Micah and the Levite prioritize their own perceived benefits over fidelity to God's covenant. The Levite, meant for sacred service ([Numbers 3:5-10](/numbers/3-5 "Numbers 3:5-10 - Levites' Sacred Duties")), readily accepts a position that undermines his true calling for the sake of material security, embodying the widespread moral decay of the era.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Father (Hebrew, _'av'_):** In this context, "father" signifies more than mere biological parentage. It implies a figure of authority, respect, and guidance within the household. Micah seeks someone who will not only perform religious rites but also provide counsel and a sense of patriarchal legitimacy to his domestic religious setup. It suggests a desire for a comprehensive figure of leadership and wisdom.
* **Priest (Hebrew, _kohen'_):** This term denotes a religious functionary, one authorized to mediate between God and man, offer sacrifices, and pronounce blessings. By seeking a "priest," Micah desires someone to perform the sacred duties he believes will bring him divine favor and validate his self-made religious system, despite the Levite not being of the Aaronic lineage required for the high priestly office.
* **Ten [shekels] of silver (Hebrew, _'eser kesef'_):** This specific amount represents a modest but stable annual wage. While not a large sum, it provided a consistent income, especially for a wandering Levite who might otherwise struggle for sustenance. The inclusion of "a suit of apparel, and thy victuals" further solidifies the offer as a comprehensive package of material security, appealing to the Levite's immediate needs.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Micah said unto him, Dwell with me":** This phrase initiates Micah's proposition, indicating his desire to retain the Levite's presence within his household. It's an invitation for permanent residency, signaling the beginning of a contractual relationship rather than a spontaneous act of hospitality.
* **"and be unto me a father and a priest":** This is the core of Micah's request, revealing his dual need for both domestic authority/guidance ("father") and religious legitimacy/intercession ("priest"). Micah seeks a figure who can provide both spiritual and patriarchal leadership for his personal cult, believing that having a Levite as a priest will bring him divine blessing, as he later expresses in [Judges 17:13](/judges/17-13 "Judges 17:13 - Micah's Hope for Blessing").
* **"and I will give thee ten [shekels] of silver by the year, and a suit of apparel, and thy victuals":** This clause details the specific material compensation offered by Micah. It's a clear, pragmatic, and transactional agreement, providing the Levite with an annual salary, clothing, and food. This comprehensive provision addresses the immediate needs of a wandering individual and serves as a powerful inducement for the Levite to accept the unauthorized position.
* **"So the Levite went in":** This concise statement confirms the Levite's immediate acceptance of Micah's offer. It highlights his willingness to compromise his sacred calling and the divine order for personal security and comfort, demonstrating the pervasive self-interest and spiritual decline characteristic of the period.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of Judges 17:10 employs several literary devices to underscore its themes of spiritual decay and compromise. **Irony** is prominent, as a Levite—a member of the tribe designated by God for sacred service at the tabernacle and the teaching of His law—readily accepts a position in an idolatrous, private shrine, directly contravening divine commands. This subversion of divine order for personal gain is deeply ironic. **Juxtaposition** is also evident, contrasting the Levite's high and sacred calling with his mercenary acceptance of a financially driven, illegitimate role. The detailed list of material provisions ("ten shekels of silver... a suit of apparel, and thy victuals") functions as **Symbolism**, representing the worldly comforts and security that lure the Levite away from his true, divinely appointed mandate. Finally, this episode serves as **Foreshadowing**, illustrating the profound spiritual and moral chaos that will only intensify in the subsequent chapters of Judges, particularly with the narrative of the Danites and the Levite's concubine, leading to civil war.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 17:10 stands as a poignant theological commentary on the dangers of spiritual decline and the commodification of sacred office. In an era where "there was no king in Israel," the absence of central authority led to a breakdown of covenant faithfulness, manifesting in syncretistic worship and self-serving religious practices. Micah's desire for a "father and a priest" was not rooted in genuine devotion to Yahweh's commands but in a pragmatic, almost superstitious, belief that having a Levite would somehow legitimize his idolatrous system and bring him personal blessing. This transactional approach to faith, where spiritual services are bought and sold for material comfort, directly contravenes the spirit of true worship, which demands obedience, humility, and selfless devotion. The Levite's acceptance further highlights the widespread compromise, where even those set apart for God's service prioritized personal security over divine calling, reflecting a profound moral and spiritual bankruptcy that permeated all levels of Israelite society.

* [Judges 17:6](/judges/17-6 "Judges 17:6 - Everyone Did What Was Right in His Own Eyes")
* [Deuteronomy 12:8](/deuteronomy/12-8 "Deuteronomy 12:8 - No One Doing What Is Right in Their Own Eyes")
* [Numbers 18:21-24](/numbers/18-21 "Numbers 18:21-24 - Provision for Levites from Tithes")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 17:10 serves as a powerful cautionary tale for believers today, warning against the insidious dangers of spiritual compromise and transactional faith. Micah's actions reveal the human tendency to invent religious systems that suit personal preferences and desires for blessing, rather than adhering to God's revealed truth. This can manifest in our own lives when we seek to blend Christian faith with worldly values, or when we approach God with a consumeristic mindset, expecting blessings in exchange for minimal effort or adherence to self-defined rules. The Levite's choice reminds us of the constant temptation to prioritize personal comfort, security, or financial gain over fidelity to our divine calling and biblical principles. True worship is not about what we can get from God, but about honoring Him in obedience, truth, and genuine devotion, even when it requires sacrifice or discomfort. This passage challenges us to examine our own hearts: are we seeking to serve God according to His Word, or are we, like Micah, trying to mold God and His service to fit our own agenda?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How might we, like Micah, be tempted to create a "convenient" or "self-serving" spirituality that prioritizes personal preferences over biblical truth?**
* **In what ways can personal comfort, financial security, or social acceptance tempt us to compromise our spiritual convictions or calling?**
* **How can we ensure our worship and service are rooted in God's revealed Word and genuine devotion, rather than human invention or transactional arrangements?**

### FAQ
**Was Micah's worship entirely pagan, or was there some element of Yahweh worship?**

Answer: Micah's worship was not entirely pagan but rather a syncretistic blend of Yahwism and idolatry. He explicitly states his intention to use the silver "for the Lord" ([Judges 17:3](/judges/17-3 "Judges 17:3 - Micah Dedicates Silver to the Lord")) and expresses hope that "now I know that the Lord will prosper me, seeing I have a Levite to my priest" ([Judges 17:13](/judges/17-13 "Judges 17:13 - Micah's Hope for Blessing")). This indicates an attempt to worship Yahweh, but through forbidden means (idols) and unauthorized personnel (a non-Aaronic priest, or a Levite serving outside the tabernacle's proper order). This syncretism was a hallmark of Israel's spiritual decline during the Judges period.

**What was the Levite's proper role according to Mosaic Law, and why was his acceptance of Micah's offer problematic?**

Answer: According to Mosaic Law, the Levites were set apart for sacred service to the Lord, primarily assisting the Aaronic priests at the tabernacle (and later the temple). Their duties included caring for the tabernacle, transporting its components, and teaching the Law to the people ([Numbers 3:6-8](/numbers/3-6 "Numbers 3:6-8 - Levites' Service to the Tabernacle"); [Deuteronomy 33:10](/deuteronomy/33-10 "Deuteronomy 33:10 - Levites Teaching the Law")). They were to be supported by the tithes and offerings of the other tribes, not through private employment. The Levite's acceptance of Micah's offer was problematic because it involved serving a private, unauthorized, and idolatrous religious system, directly contradicting his divine calling to serve the one true God according to His prescribed worship. He prioritized personal security over faithfulness to his sacred duties.

**Why did Micah want the Levite to be both a "father" and a "priest"?**

Answer: Micah's request for the Levite to be both a "father" and a "priest" reveals his desire for a comprehensive figure of authority and legitimacy within his household and his self-made cult. "Father" implies a respected elder, a guide, and a source of wisdom and patriarchal authority. This role would provide domestic stability and counsel. "Priest" signifies the religious functionary, someone to perform rites, offer prayers, and mediate with the divine. By combining these roles, Micah sought not only spiritual validation for his idolatrous practices but also a figure who could provide overarching leadership and guidance, reinforcing his belief that having a Levite would bring him prosperity and divine favor.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The chaotic and self-serving religious landscape depicted in Judges 17:10, where sacred offices are commodified and worship is corrupted, profoundly illustrates humanity's desperate need for a true and perfect Priest, a faithful Shepherd, and a righteous King. The Levite in this passage, driven by self-interest and material gain, compromises his divine calling, serving a man-made system rather than God's established order. This stands in stark contrast to Jesus Christ, who is our [Great High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest"), not appointed by human hands or for earthly gain, but by God Himself, according to the order of Melchizedek ([Hebrews 7:17](/hebrews/7-17 "Hebrews 7:17 - Christ's Priesthood After the Order of Melchizedek")). Unlike the Levite who sought an annual salary, Christ offered Himself as the ultimate, once-for-all sacrifice for sin, requiring no further payment or repeated offerings ([Hebrews 7:27](/hebrews/7-27 "Hebrews 7:27 - Christ's Once-for-All Sacrifice"); [Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Sanctified Through the Offering of Jesus Christ")). He perfectly fulfilled His mission, demonstrating obedience even to death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")), rather than compromising for comfort. Through Christ, true worship is restored, not through idols or transactional agreements, but in [spirit and truth](/john/4-24 "John 4:24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth"), centered on His person and finished work. He is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd")), bringing order and righteousness to those who follow Him, unlike the spiritual anarchy of the Judges era.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Peter 5:2

Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight [thereof], not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;

Judges 17:11

And the Levite was content to dwell with the man; and the young man was unto him as one of his sons.

Judges 18:19

And they said unto him, Hold thy peace, lay thine hand upon thy mouth, and go with us, and be to us a father and a priest: [is it] better for thee to be a priest unto the house of one man, or that thou be a priest unto a tribe and a family in Israel?

Judges 18:20

And the priest's heart was glad, and he took the ephod, and the teraphim, and the graven image, and went in the midst of the people.

1 Timothy 6:10

For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

2 Kings 6:21

And the king of Israel said unto Elisha, when he saw them, My father, shall I smite [them]? shall I smite [them]?

Matthew 26:15

And said [unto them], What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver.