THE STORY OF MICAH This story, which is continued in the following c, is undoubtedly a very old one. In striking contrast to many other narrative portions of the Old Testament, there is in the body of this narrative no condemnation of the image-worship to which the Danites attached such importance,... [ Continue Reading ]
ELEVEN HUNDRED] see on Judges 16:5. TAKEN] as appears from the following clause, stolen. The mother's curse (though she is ignorant of the thief) will not allow Micah to rest till the money is restored. 3, 4. As the text stands, Micah restored the money twice over. This can hardly be correct. 'Yet'... [ Continue Reading ]
GRAVEN IMAGE] specifically, an idol carved out of wood or stone, or, generally, any kind of idol. 'Molten image' was added, not (as it would seem) to denote a second idol ('they' in Judges 17:4 should be 'it'; see also Judges 18:30), but to show that the idol was covered over with the silver.... [ Continue Reading ]
HOUSE OF GODS] i.e. a private shrine, la Heb. the word for 'god' may be read; either as singular or plural. EPHOD] see on Judges 8:27. The ephod is often connected with oracular responses (cp. Isaiah 23:6 also Exodus 28 Leviticus 8); the priest in charge of it can make inquiry of Jehovah. TERAPHIM]... [ Continue Reading ]
FATHER] cp. 2 Kings 2:12; 2 Kings 6:21 : also Genesis 45:8 a title of respect, which might be quite consistent with the priest's being supported as a son (Judges 17:11). 13. The professional knowledge of the Levite, in matters of ritual, gives him (and his employer) an advantage over others who mig... [ Continue Reading ]