ADULT STS LESSON 183: DAN DRIFTS INTO IDOLATRY

MEMORY VERSE:

“And the children of Dan set up the graven image: and Jonathan, the son of Gershom, the son of Manasseh, he and his sons were priests to the tribe of Dan until the day of the captivity of the land.” (Judges 18:30)

TEXT: Judges 17:1–13; 18:1–31

INTRODUCTION

Our text records the stealthy incursion of idolatry into the religious fabric of God’s chosen people. Dan, the last tribe to obtain its inheritance, found its allotted land too small because it was sandwiched between two powerful tribes—Judah and Ephraim—and was pushed northward by the Amorites (Judges 1:34). Consequently, the tribe sought a new territory to support its growing population.

On this expedition, their depravity manifested when they discovered Micah’s idols and his Levite-priest. They pillaged the idols, bribed the priest, hijacked him, and thereafter destroyed the peaceful people of Laish. Thus, the Danites became the first tribe in Israel to formally embrace idolatry.

This importation of pagan practices into Israel was a direct violation of God’s revealed will. The act was divisive, ignoble, and condemnable (Exodus 20:22–24; Deuteronomy 4:15–19; 12:5–7, 11–12).

I. CORRUPTION THROUGH EVIL INFLUENCE

(Judges 17:1–6; Exodus 20:4; Leviticus 19:4; Deuteronomy 29:18–21)

The story begins with a domestic theft. Micah stole one thousand one hundred shekels of silver from his mother—a large sum in those days. The distraught woman, unable to recover it, pronounced a curse on the thief. Micah, afraid of the curse, confessed and returned the money. His mother then declared she had dedicated the money to the Lord to make a graven and molten image.

Micah’s “restitution” did not result from genuine repentance but from fear of consequences. God, however, remains angry with evildoers until true repentance occurs (Psalm 7:11). His mother’s suggestion to make images “unto the LORD” revealed her ignorance and confusion, for images were clearly forbidden in worship (Deuteronomy 27:15).

Sadly, Micah yielded to her corrupt influence and managed the evil project:

“And the man Micah had an house of gods, and made an ephod, and teraphim, and consecrated one of his sons, who became his priest” (Judges 17:5).

Micah lacked godly counsel. Instead of resisting his mother’s misguided zeal, he conformed, showing his weak spiritual foundation. His compromise corrupted his household as his children joined in idol worship (Ecclesiastes 9:18; 2 Timothy 4:3–4).

Israel’s moral decay was worsened by the lack of leadership oversight:

“In those days there was no king in Israel, but every man did that which was right in his own eyes” (Judges 17:6).

Where there is no godly authority, moral chaos reigns. Christians today must remain law-abiding and intercede for national and spiritual leadership (Jeremiah 29:7; 1 Timothy 2:1–3). Church leaders must guide diligently, while members must submit and cooperate (Romans 12:8; Hebrews 13:17).

II. A CONSCRIPT’S ERROR AND ILLUSION

(Judges 17:7–13; Numbers 16:8–10; 1 Kings 13:33–34; Ezekiel 13:19; 1 Timothy 6:10)

Levites were specially chosen to serve God, prevent defilement, and assist in atonement. Their calling was divine and sacred. Yet, some, like the Levite in this passage, became discontented and drifted from God’s plan.

The Levite, likely Jonathan the son of Gershom, left his assigned city and wandered to Bethlehem. There, he encountered Micah, who offered him material security and position. Seeking comfort rather than calling, he accepted the offer and became Micah’s personal priest.

Micah, thinking the Levite’s presence gave legitimacy to his shrine, rejoiced:

“Now know I that the LORD will do me good, seeing I have a Levite to my priest” (Judges 17:13).

This was delusional reasoning. His “blessing” was carnal, not divine (Philippians 3:19).

The Levite’s compromise reflects modern believers who abandon divine purpose for material gain or fame. True ministry requires character, not just credentials (Exodus 18:21; Acts 6:3; 1 Timothy 3:7–8).

He sacrificed his calling for comfort and became fully yoked in idolatry (2 Corinthians 6:14). Many today fall into similar traps—subtle forms of idolatry such as covetousness, pride, obsession with success, or hero worship (Colossians 3:5–6).

Carvings and “saints’ images” on altars, or any elevation of human figures above Christ, are modern parallels of Micah’s error. God calls His people to purity in worship and faithfulness to His Word.

III. QUEST FOR A NEW TERRITORY BY THE DANITES

(Judges 18:1–10; Joshua 2:1,23–24; Numbers 13:1–3,17–20,30; 1 Kings 22:5; Deuteronomy 8:7–10; John 14:1–3; Revelation 21:3–4; Psalm 34:9–10)

Because their inheritance was small, the Danites—one of the largest tribes—sent five valiant men to spy out a new land. This reconnaissance was strategic and, in principle, reflects how Christian service should be planned prayerfully and wisely.

On their journey, they lodged in Micah’s house and were influenced by his idolatry. They also met the Levite-priest, who divulged details of the idols and joined in their inquiry.

Sadly, the Danite spies asked this idol priest to seek “counsel of God” for them—a sign of their spiritual decline. This mirrors those who abandon godly ministers to consult “prophets” and “seers” for hire (Deuteronomy 18:10–13; Hosea 4:12).

Though the Levite’s message of success came true, it did not validate his ministry. God sometimes allows human plans to succeed without endorsing their sin.

The spies later found Laish—a prosperous, peaceful, isolated city. Its lack of defenses made it vulnerable. Their report motivated their tribe to conquer it.

Spiritually, believers are warned against isolation. While God commands separation from worldliness, isolation weakens witness and exposes one to danger.

Though Laish was described as “wanting nothing,” it cannot compare to heaven, the true home of rest and satisfaction (Revelation 22:3–5). As the Danites desired a better land, believers must fix their hope on heaven—“where there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying.”

Faith sees opportunities where fear sees obstacles.

IV. SINFUL ACT OF THE DANITES AND THEIR SUPPRESSION OF LAISH

(Judges 18:11–31; Exodus 20:15,17; Luke 3:14; Matthew 5:39–41; Romans 12:19)

The Danites mobilized six hundred armed men and marched toward Laish. On their way, they stopped at Micah’s house, seized his idols, and persuaded the Levite-priest to join them, promising greater influence and reward.

They showed ingratitude to Micah, whose hospitality they had earlier enjoyed. Micah pursued them but was overpowered. His devotion to his idols was misplaced; yet his zeal challenges believers to hold more firmly to their spiritual treasures—salvation, sanctification, and sound doctrine.

The Levite’s easy betrayal for popularity and gain typifies the danger of materialism in ministry. Likewise, the Danites’ theft and idolatry violated God’s commandments (Exodus 20:15,17).

They attacked and destroyed Laish, renamed it Dan, and established the idols they had stolen as objects of worship—becoming the first tribe to institutionalize idolatry in Israel.

This tragic story warns believers that ambition and expansion should never override righteousness.

“Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right” (Proverbs 16:8).

QUESTIONS FOR REVIEW

1. Mention the temptations associated with seeking greener pastures.

When people seek greener pastures, they are often tempted to:

• Compromise their faith and values for material gain or better opportunities, just like the Levite and the Danites who left God’s plan to pursue personal advancement (Judges 18:3–6).

• Follow ungodly influences that promise promotion, prosperity, or comfort (1 Timothy 6:10).

• Neglect divine guidance and contentment, forgetting that true satisfaction comes from obeying God rather than changing locations (Hebrews 13:5).

• Justify wrong actions such as deceit, covetousness, or idolatry, claiming it is for “a better life.”

Lesson: God blesses faithfulness, not geographical movement. Seek God’s will, not mere opportunities.

2. What can we deduce from Micah’s reaction to his mother’s declaration?

Micah’s reaction shows superficial repentance and spiritual confusion.

• He confessed out of fear of his mother’s curse, not from genuine sorrow for sin (Judges 17:2).

• His mother’s dedication of the stolen silver “unto the LORD” for making idols revealed ignorance and mixture of truth with error (Judges 17:3–4).

• Micah lacked sound spiritual understanding; though he feared a curse, he had no fear of God.

Lesson: True repentance is not motivated by fear of consequences but by godly sorrow and desire to please God (2 Corinthians 7:10).

3. What can contemporary Christians learn from the societal permissiveness of Micah’s time?

• When “every man does what is right in his own eyes” (Judges 17:6), moral decay and false worship flourish.

• Absence of godly leadership and discipline leads to spiritual decline in homes, churches, and nations.

• Christians must uphold biblical truth and authority even when society promotes moral relativism.

• Believers should submit to godly oversight and maintain scriptural standards (Hebrews 13:17).

Lesson: Spiritual anarchy breeds corruption. God expects believers to live by His Word, not societal trends.

4. Why did Micah need the services of a wandering Levite?

Micah sought the Levite:

• To legitimize his idolatrous shrine, hoping that having a Levite would make it appear acceptable before God (Judges 17:12–13).

• For religious prestige and influence, not true worship.

• Because he lacked true spiritual guidance, he depended on outward symbols rather than inner devotion.

Lesson: Many today seek titles, rituals, or popular ministers instead of sincere relationship with God. God desires obedience, not outward form (1 Samuel 15:22).

5. Comment on what attracted the Levite to Micah.

The Levite was attracted by material gain and personal promotion rather than God’s purpose.

• Micah offered him provision, payment, and position — “Be unto me a father and a priest” (Judges 17:10).

• His discontent and greed made him compromise his calling and serve in an idolatrous setting.

• He valued worldly comfort above divine commission (1 Timothy 6:10).

Lesson: Spiritual leaders must not trade their calling for convenience, popularity, or money. True servants of God must remain faithful even in hardship.

6. How should believers value spiritual things?

Believers must:

• Treasure their spiritual heritage—salvation, sanctification, truth, and the presence of God—above all material possessions (Matthew 6:33).

• Guard their faith diligently and refuse to compromise for worldly advantage (Proverbs 23:23).

• Invest in eternal things, not temporal gain (Colossians 3:1–2).

• Be willing to suffer loss rather than lose spiritual integrity (Hebrews 11:24–26).

Lesson: Spiritual blessings outweigh material success; we must hold fast to eternal values.

7. State how believers can avoid similar pitfalls that made Laish an easy prey.

Believers can avoid Laish’s downfall by:

• Staying spiritually alert and watchful, not careless or isolated (1 Peter 5:8).

• Building fellowship and accountability within the body of Christ instead of living in isolation (Hebrews 10:24–25).

• Maintaining moral and doctrinal vigilance to resist deception and invasion by falsehood.

• Depending on God’s guidance and protection, not human wisdom or complacency.

Lesson: Spiritual negligence and isolation expose believers to defeat. Watchfulness, prayer, and unity keep the church strong against the enemy.