YOUTH STS LESSON 183 DAN DRIFTS INTO IDOLATRY

Memory Verse:

“Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.”
(Exodus 20:4)

Text:

Judges 17:1–13; 18:1–31

Introduction

This chapter marks the beginning of idolatry in the land of Israel. In Mount Ephraim, a sum of money was stolen by Micah from his mother and, after restoring the money to her, it was converted to an idolatrous use.

It was a period when there was no king, judge, or ruler of any kind to govern the people in the right direction (Judges 17:6).

Question 1:

What lessons can Christian youths learn from this?

“And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men everywhere to repent.”
(Acts 17:30)

Israelites had been given the law of God to govern their activities. There should not be any excuse for their idolatrous activities because they knew that God is a jealous God.

“For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.”
(Exodus 34:14)

Christian youths should be mindful of their actions lest they do anything that may offend God or grieve the Holy Spirit. Beware of what you invest in, and do not let your possession become an idol or be used for ungodly purposes.

MICAH INTRODUCES IDOLATRY IN ISRAEL

(Judges 17:1–13; Exodus 22:1–4; Leviticus 6:2–7; 19:13; Proverbs 6:30–31; Ezekiel 33:15; Joshua 24:14; Nehemiah 5:10–11; Zechariah 5:3–4; Luke 19:8; Deuteronomy 9:12; 27:15; 30:16–18)

“And there was a man of mount Ephraim, whose name was Micah. And he said unto his mother, The eleven hundred shekels of silver that were taken from thee, about which thou cursedst, and spakest of also in mine ears, behold, the silver is with me; I took it. And his mother said, Blessed be thou of the Lord, my son.” (Judges 17:1–2)

There was an issue between Micah and his mother over missing money. To the mother, it was a great sum. Stealing, though it provides temporary comfort to the thief, brings discomfort to those robbed. Besides, it displeases God and brings His judgment upon the thief.

Hence, Christian youths are admonished not to steal:

“Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.”
(Ephesians 4:28)

Furthermore, some youth steal because they think their parents do not take care of them. Withholding necessities from children is wrong, but this does not justify children’s theft from parents or elsewhere.

It was the love of money that made Micah rob his mother, who then placed a curse upon the thief (him).

Question 2:

Should sinning youths harden their hearts despite the pronouncement of judgment on their sin?

Micah, who had concealed the evil, when he heard about the curse, was alarmed, and quickly restored the money lest the curses should fall on him.

Every sinning youth should know that there is judgment hanging on them which could lead to destruction. Repentance is therefore necessary to escape such impending judgment.

“…Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.” (Luke 13:3)

Those who continue in sin despite repeated warnings will have themselves to blame.

“He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.” (Proverbs 29:1)

 

Question 3:

What are the benefits of sincere repentance?

“…Behold, the silver is with me; I took it. And his mother said, Blessed be thou of the Lord, my son.” (Judges 17:2)

Micah and his mother reconciled. He was so terrified by his mother’s curses that he restored the money. Youths should beware not to provoke their parents to utter negative things, because “the curse causeless shall not come” (Proverbs 26:2).

The mother was so pleased with her son’s repentance and restitution that she recalled her curses and turned them into prayers for her son’s welfare.

There is pardon and reconciliation for every youth who sincerely repents and makes amends. When sinners repent, they should be commended for their repentance rather than condemned for their past faults.

“And when he had restored the eleven hundred shekels of silver to his mother, his mother said, I had wholly dedicated the silver unto the LORD from my hand for my son, to make a graven image and a molten image: now therefore I will restore it unto thee.
Yet he restored the money unto his mother; and his mother took two hundred shekels of silver, and gave them to the founder, who made thereof a graven image and a molten image: and they were in the house of Micah.” (Judges 17:3–4)

Micah and his mother agreed to turn their money into a god and set up idolatry in their family.

Question 4:

Should Christian youths support their ungodly parents in an evil act?

“Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil; neither shalt thou speak in a cause to decline after many to wrest judgment.” (Exodus 23:2)

Christian youths are commanded not to support anyone in their evil act or project either at home, school, or in the community.

“Take heed to thyself, lest thou make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land whither thou goest, lest it be for a snare in the midst of thee.” (Exodus 34:12)

“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)

Introduction of corruption is noticed here: the man Micah had a “house of gods.”

Christian youths should be careful because people that love to manage the worship of God under their roof rather than at a central place of worship often fall into error. Therefore, let us not forsake the assembly of true believers (Hebrews 10:25).

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

There was no judge or king to detect the setting up of these images or to give orders for their destruction; no one to convince Micah of his error, restrain or punish him to prevent further spreading of idolatry in the land.

Every man did that “which was right in his own eyes,” because they were without a king to guide them in the ways of the Lord. Thus, God’s house was forsaken, His priests were neglected, and this led to backsliding.

The Levite, having heard that Micah was a wealthy and hospitable man who had set up a new form of worship, went to his house. Whether you are recognized or appreciated for your service or not, that should not force you into any form of alliance with backsliders or unbelievers.

“And Micah said unto him, Dwell with me, and be unto me a father and a priest, and I will give thee ten shekels of silver by the year, and a suit of apparel, and thy victuals. So the Levite went in.” (Judges 17:10)

Micah promised to pay him ten shekels for his service. We are not serving the Lord because of money. God will always take care of His ministers.

DAN SEEKS TERRITORIAL EXPANSION

(Judges 18:1–21; Joshua 19:40–48; Judges 1:34; 13:1,25)

Dan was one of the twelve tribes of Israel and had been assigned territory as Joshua divided the land among all the tribes of Israel (Joshua 19:40,48).

The land divided to them included over seventeen cities with their suburbs. Before Joshua divided the land, he had challenged them based on God’s instruction:

“…How long are ye slack to go to possess the land, which the LORD God of your fathers hath given you?” (Joshua 18:3)

Some tribes went ahead after this admonition and destroyed the inhabitants of the land. They took over the land and dwelt there.

God’s purpose for wanting His people to expand was to enable them to have sufficient place for their flocks and future growth. God was, and is still, not interested in His people having a narrow view or idea of the greatness they could achieve.

Dan did not understand God’s purpose for their future; hence, they did not destroy the old inhabitants of the land. They continued living in their old places, which after a while became too small for them.

This caused challenges as they needed to expand. Some of them now came together to plan expansion. The instruction for the initial expansion was given by God. But, because they failed to achieve it, they looked for alternative means.

Question 5:

What happens when a youth fails to work along with God’s plan for his/her life?

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

God has a great plan for every youth. But sadly, many are like the tribe of Dan—they fail to achieve God’s purpose when instructed. His purpose for every youth differs as everyone is unique before Him.

For the unsaved youth, the Lord’s purpose is:

“That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.” (John 3:15)

Salvation from sin is the first assignment for every unsaved youth, as that opens the door for many other blessings.

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33)

Youths are often deceived into thinking that they have long years ahead of them. This misleading thought makes them indulge in destructive vices.

“O that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end.” (Deuteronomy 32:29)

When a youth considers his end and desires to walk with the Lord, he can then receive much more blessings. Youths must avoid procrastination, indecision, and negligence, and learn to make hay while the sun shines.

Question 6:

What lessons can youths learn from the attitude of those in Laish?

As the spies returned, they reported that Laish had lots of prospects, yet the place was insecure and easy to defeat. The people gathered six hundred warriors to fight and overthrow Laish.

Although Laish had many good things, they did not protect them. They did not value what they had and so were defeated and destroyed.

In going back, the spies went to the priest in Micah’s house who had prayed for them. This priest, desirous of leading a larger crowd, left Micah and decided to follow these warriors. He did not have genuine love for Micah and his household.

Even when challenged by Micah, he did not refrain from following the people of Dan.

“For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” (Romans 15:4)

Christian youths should not live isolated lives but be in the company of people of like precious faith; avoid carelessness; not disassociate themselves from the control of their godly leaders; and guard jealously the good things they possess (spiritual and physical).

DAN’S PERVERSION IN ISRAEL

(Judges 18:22–31; Psalms 42:1–11; 37:1–3; Proverbs 24:19)

Dan finally experienced victory in the battle as they destroyed the inhabitants of Laish and took over their land. Before this victory, they were challenged by Micah and his household, but they proved stronger, hence Micah left them alone.

“…There was no deliverer, because it was far from Zidon, and they had no business with any man; and it was in the valley that lieth by Bethrehob. And they built a city, and dwelt therein.” (Judges 18:28)

False security in anything can lead to defeat and destruction. Laish was lost and renamed Dan because its inhabitants did not secure their land.

God wants every youth to be protected from evil. Salvation provides the first level of protection, while dependence on God for continual victory leads to preservation.

As we conclude our study on Dan’s expansion, we come to an uneventful ending where the tribe, after defeating Laish, placed Micah’s graven image as their object of worship.

After victory, many people forget God and follow idols. God wants us to stay close to Him regardless of our victories. He desires that we do not fall into the hands of the evil one but rather continue in the Lord.

Dan officially fell into idolatry after their victory, largely because the priest in Micah’s house failed to correct them. Whenever and wherever sin is spotted, it must be corrected and immediately stamped out lest it spreads