Judges 17:6

In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.

Study Bible

In those days
This phrase sets the historical context for the events described in the Book of Judges. It refers to a period after the Israelites had settled in the Promised Land but before the establishment of a monarchy. This was a time characterized by a cyclical pattern of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. The phrase suggests a time of transition and instability, where the absence of centralized leadership led to moral and spiritual decline. The Hebrew root for "days" (יָמִים, yamim) often signifies not just a literal day but an era or age, emphasizing the broader context of the time.

there was no king in Israel
This statement highlights the lack of centralized authority or leadership in Israel during this period. The absence of a king is significant because it underscores the decentralized tribal system that was in place. The Hebrew word for "king" (מֶלֶךְ, melek) implies not just a political leader but also a figure who provides spiritual and moral guidance. The lack of a king is often seen as a contributing factor to the moral chaos and lawlessness described in the Book of Judges. This phrase foreshadows the eventual demand for a monarchy, as seen in the books of Samuel.

everyone did what was right
This part of the verse indicates a subjective moral standard where individuals acted according to their own understanding of right and wrong. The Hebrew word for "right" (יָשָׁר, yashar) means straight or upright, but in this context, it suggests a deviation from God's law. The phrase implies a relativistic approach to morality, where personal judgment supersedes divine commandments. This self-determined morality often led to actions that were contrary to God's will, resulting in societal disorder and spiritual decline.

in his own eyes
This phrase emphasizes the personal and subjective nature of the moral decisions being made. The Hebrew word for "eyes" (עֵינַיִם, enayim) is often used metaphorically to represent perception or understanding. In this context, it suggests that individuals were guided by their own limited and flawed perspectives rather than by God's objective truth. This self-centered approach to morality is a recurring theme in Judges, illustrating the dangers of abandoning divine guidance in favor of personal autonomy.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Micah
A man from the hill country of Ephraim who creates a shrine and hires a Levite to be his priest, illustrating the spiritual confusion and idolatry prevalent in Israel during this time.

2. Ephraim
A region in Israel where Micah lived, representing the broader context of Israel's tribal society without centralized leadership.

3. Levite
A young Levite from Bethlehem in Judah who becomes a personal priest for Micah, highlighting the misuse of religious roles and the lack of adherence to God's law.

4. Israel
The nation of God's chosen people, who during this period, lacked a central authority and were often led astray by their own desires and interpretations of right and wrong.

5. Idolatry
The event of Micah creating a shrine and idols, which signifies the spiritual decline and moral relativism in Israel.

Teaching Points

The Danger of Moral Relativism
Without a standard of truth, society falls into chaos. Judges 17:6 illustrates the consequences of everyone doing what is right in their own eyes, leading to spiritual and moral decay.

The Need for Godly Leadership
The absence of a king in Israel points to the need for godly leadership. In our lives, we must seek guidance from God's Word and godly leaders to avoid spiritual confusion.

The Consequences of Idolatry
Micah's actions show how easily idolatry can infiltrate our lives when we stray from God's commands. We must guard our hearts against modern-day idols that can lead us away from God.

The Importance of Obedience to God's Law
The chaos in Israel serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to God's law. Obedience brings order and blessing, while disobedience leads to disorder and judgment.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the absence of a king in Israel during the time of Judges reflect the spiritual state of the nation, and what can we learn from this about the importance of godly leadership in our lives?

2. In what ways do we see moral relativism in today's society, and how can we, as Christians, uphold God's standard of truth in our daily lives?

3. How does Micah's creation of a shrine and idols serve as a warning against idolatry, and what are some modern-day idols that we need to be cautious of?

4. How can we ensure that we are not doing what is right in our own eyes but are instead aligning our actions with God's will as revealed in Scripture?

5. Reflect on a time when you faced a decision and were tempted to rely on your own understanding. How did seeking God's guidance through prayer and Scripture change the outcome?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 12:8
This verse warns against doing what is right in one's own eyes, emphasizing the need for obedience to God's commands rather than personal judgment.

Proverbs 21:2
Highlights the idea that every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the heart, connecting to the theme of subjective morality versus divine judgment.

1 Samuel 8:7
When Israel demands a king, God tells Samuel that they have rejected Him as their king, linking to the absence of a king in Judges and the resulting chaos.

Romans 1:21-25
Describes humanity's tendency to exchange the truth of God for lies and worship created things, paralleling the idolatry seen in Judges 17.