The Danites and Micah’s Idol

This meditation is based on a passage for August 18, 2010 in the Daily Lectionary Year 2 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).

Text: Judges 18:16-31

Reflection and Question: This is the last story in Judges covered by the lectionary even though there are three more chapters in this book of the Bible. These final stories were grisly even to ancient ears and were meant to be so, for the writer of Judges was preparing the way for the monarchy in the next book as a solution to the problems that arose when there was no king in Israel. In this story, the tribe of Dan attacks a peaceful and unsuspecting city, steals an idol with the all its accoutrements including a priest and sets up a worship center contrary to Jewish law. How do the Danites violate God’s law?

Prayer: Holy God of Israel, Scripture is full of examples, some to imitate and others to learn from. Inspire in us the wisdom You desire as we ponder upon the Danites who steal Micah’s idol and kidnap his priest. Teach us to do Your will, we pray. Amen.