Bible Pathway - Mar. 29, 2011
Read Judges 18:1
Highlights:
Danites force Micah's Levite to be their priest; they attack Laish, then occupy it. A concubine is victimized. Many of the Israelites yielded to their own lusts and self-interest rather than the will of God.
When the promised land was distributed by Joshua, considerable territory was allotted to the tribe of Dan (Josh. 19:40-46). But, submission and obedience to the will of God was missing. As a result, they did not succeed in defeating the inhabitants as God had commanded them to do. Because of the Danites' sins, God allowed the Amorites to force the children of Dan into the mountain and did not let them descend into the plains (Judg. 1:34-35).
The tribe of the Danites sought them an (another) inheritance to dwell in (18:1). There is no indication that the tribe of Dan prayed for forgiveness for their sins or for guidance to do the will of God. Instead of fighting for the territory which God had appointed, they chose to go north beyond the promised land. The area was inhabited by a quiet, peaceful people whom they massacred indiscriminately — men, women, and children. If they had remained in the territory which God had appointed them to possess, they would have been close to those who worshiped the One True God. Instead, on the way to their new territory, five spies from their tribe barged into the house of idol-worshiping Micah, stole his gods, and bribed his priest to go with them to "serve" their religious desires (18:14-31).
Notice Micah's spiritual concern when "his gods" were stolen. Ye have taken away my gods which I made , and the priest, and ye are gone away: and what have I more (left)? (18:24). When someone stole his god, he thought he had lost the most important thing in his life.
Micah illustrates a person who may be sincere but is sincerely wrong. This points out that whatever or whoever a person allows to be his supreme love becomes his god. It may be children, grandchildren, money, sports, hunting, or fishing, etc. Nothing on earth which can be stolen or destroyed can take the place of the True Eternal God as our supreme object of worship. If Christ is truly first in our lives, then, when we experience loss, we can say: The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the Name of the Lord (Job 1:21).
Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils (I Tim. 4:1).
Thought for Today:
To you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels (II Thess. 1:7).
Christ Revealed:
In those days there was no King in Israel (Judg. 18:1). Christ was the rejected King of Israel. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar (John 19:15).
Word Studies:
18:2 coasts territory; 18:9 still still here doing nothing; 18:15 saluted have a friendly greeting to; 18:19 lay thine hand upon thy mouth stop complaining or else suffer the consequences; 18:21 carriage goods; 19:4 retained him dressed him to stay; 19:6 let thine heart be merry enjoy yourself; 19:17 wayfaring traveling; 19:21 provender fodder; 19:25 spring dawn; 19:29 coasts territory.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Government Official: Rep. Travis Childers (MS) • BIble Pathway Printer: Ambrose Printing Staff, Nashville, TN • Country: Belize (236,000) on the eastern coast of Central America • Major languages: English and Spanish • Religious freedom • 64% Roman Catholic; 26% Protestant; 2% spiritist/animist; 1% Hindu; 1% Muslim; 1% Baha'i • Prayer Suggestion: Pray that Christ will be seen through you (Phil. 1:20-21).
Optional Reading: John 20:1
Memory Verse for the Week: 1 Peter 1:15
