Judges 18:19

"Be quiet," they told him. "Put your hand over your mouth and come with us and be a father and a priest to us. Is it better for you to be a priest for the house of one person or a priest for a tribe and family in Israel?"

Study Bible

“Be quiet,” they told him.
This phrase reflects the abrupt and authoritative manner in which the Danites address the Levite. It indicates a lack of respect for his position as a priest, highlighting the chaotic and lawless period of the Judges when "everyone did what was right in his own eyes" (Judges 21:25). The command to be quiet suggests a coercive approach, emphasizing the moral decline and disregard for proper religious order.

“Put your hand over your mouth and come with us
The gesture of putting a hand over the mouth is a sign of silence and submission, often used in ancient Near Eastern cultures to indicate respect or to prevent speaking out of turn. The Danites are not inviting the Levite but rather commanding him, reflecting the disorder and lack of reverence for religious roles during this time. This also foreshadows the Levite's willingness to abandon his current position for personal gain, illustrating the compromised state of spiritual leadership.

and be a father and a priest to us.
The term "father" here is used metaphorically to denote a spiritual leader or guide, not a biological parent. This reflects the desire for a personal priest who can provide religious services and guidance, a role that was supposed to be centralized in the Levitical priesthood serving at the Tabernacle. The request underscores the fragmentation of religious practices in Israel during the Judges period, where tribal and familial loyalties often superseded national religious unity.

Is it better for you to be a priest for the house of one person
This phrase highlights the offer of greater influence and prestige. The Levite was serving Micah, a single household, which was contrary to the intended role of the Levites who were to serve the entire community of Israel. This reflects the personal and privatized religion that had developed, deviating from the communal worship prescribed in the Mosaic Law.

or a priest for a tribe and family in Israel?”
The Danites present a tempting offer of increased status and influence, appealing to the Levite's ambition. Serving a whole tribe would provide more authority and possibly more material benefits. This reflects the broader theme in Judges of Israel's failure to maintain covenant faithfulness, as tribes sought their own solutions rather than adhering to God's established order. The Levite's decision to accept this offer illustrates the compromised state of spiritual leadership and foreshadows the further idolatry and moral decline that would plague Israel.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Danites
A tribe of Israel seeking a new territory, as their allotted land was insufficient.

2. Micah
An Ephraimite who had established a private shrine with a Levite priest.

3. The Levite Priest
Initially serving in Micah's household, he is persuaded by the Danites to become their priest.

4. The House of Micah
The location where the Levite served before being taken by the Danites.

5. The Tribe of Dan
One of the twelve tribes of Israel, seeking to expand their territory.

Teaching Points

The Danger of Compromise
The Levite's willingness to abandon his position for greater influence reflects the danger of compromising one's calling for personal gain.

The Role of a Priest
The Levite's role was to serve God and His people, not to seek personal advancement. This reminds us of the importance of faithfulness in our God-given roles.

Influence and Responsibility
The Danites' offer to the Levite shows how influence can be misused. We must be cautious about how we use our influence and the responsibilities we accept.

Idolatry and Its Consequences
Micah's household idol worship and the Levite's participation highlight the pervasive issue of idolatry, reminding us to guard against modern forms of idolatry in our lives.

Seeking God's Will
The Danites' actions were driven by self-interest rather than seeking God's guidance, teaching us the importance of aligning our decisions with God's will.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the Levite's decision to join the Danites reflect the broader theme of compromise in our spiritual lives?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our roles and responsibilities align with God's calling, rather than personal ambition?

3. How does the account of the Levite and the Danites challenge us to examine the influences we allow in our lives?

4. What modern forms of idolatry might we be tempted to engage in, and how can we guard against them?

5. How can we seek God's guidance in our decisions, rather than relying solely on our understanding or desires?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 32
The incident of the golden calf, where Aaron, a Levite, is involved in idolatry, parallels the Levite's involvement in Micah's idolatrous practices.

1 Samuel 8
The Israelites' demand for a king, showing a pattern of seeking leadership and guidance outside of God's direct provision.

Matthew 6:24
Jesus' teaching on serving two masters, highlighting the conflict of interest in the Levite's decision to serve the Danites for personal gain.