Topical Bible: Teraphim used by Micah, Stolen by the Danites

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Topical Encyclopedia

Introduction to Teraphim

Teraphim are small household idols or images mentioned in the Old Testament, often associated with domestic worship and divination. They are typically linked to practices that deviate from the worship of Yahweh, the God of Israel. The use of teraphim is generally viewed negatively in the biblical narrative, as they represent a form of idolatry that contradicts the monotheistic worship commanded by God.

Biblical Account: Judges 17-18

The account of Micah and the teraphim is found in the Book of Judges, chapters 17 and 18. This narrative provides insight into the religious and moral confusion during the period of the Judges, a time characterized by the repeated phrase, "In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes" (Judges 17:6).

Micah's Idolatry

Micah, a man from the hill country of Ephraim, is introduced as having stolen eleven hundred pieces of silver from his mother. Upon confessing and returning the silver, his mother dedicates a portion of it to the Lord to make a carved image and a metal idol. Micah sets up a shrine in his house, makes an ephod and teraphim, and installs one of his sons as a priest (Judges 17:1-5). This act of creating a private place of worship with idols and unauthorized priesthood reflects the syncretism and religious disorder of the time.

The Danites' Theft

The narrative continues with the tribe of Dan seeking an inheritance to settle in, as they had not yet received their allotted territory. Spies from the tribe come across Micah's house and recognize the voice of a young Levite who had become a priest for Micah. The Danites inquire of the Levite, and he assures them of success in their journey (Judges 18:1-6).

Encouraged by the Levite's words, the Danites later return with six hundred armed men. They seize Micah's carved image, ephod, household gods, and the Levite priest. When Micah confronts them, they threaten him, and he is forced to return home empty-handed (Judges 18:14-26). The Danites then proceed to conquer the peaceful and unsuspecting city of Laish, renaming it Dan, and set up the stolen idols for worship (Judges 18:27-31).

Religious and Moral Implications

The account of Micah and the Danites highlights the spiritual decline and moral ambiguity prevalent in Israel during the time of the Judges. The use of teraphim and other idols signifies a departure from the covenantal relationship with Yahweh, as the Israelites adopt practices from surrounding pagan cultures. The narrative underscores the dangers of idolatry and the need for adherence to God's commandments.

The account also illustrates the lack of centralized religious authority and the resulting chaos, as individuals and tribes create their own forms of worship. The unauthorized establishment of a priesthood and the use of idols reflect a distortion of true worship, leading to further spiritual decay.

Conclusion

The episode of Micah's teraphim and their theft by the Danites serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of idolatry and the importance of faithfulness to God's commands. It is a vivid reminder of the need for spiritual integrity and the dangers of compromising one's faith with the practices of the surrounding culture.

Nave's Topical Index

Judges 17:5
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.
Nave's Topical Index

Judges 18:14,17-20
Then answered the five men that went to spy out the country of Laish, and said to their brothers, Do you know that there is in these houses an ephod, and teraphim, and a graven image, and a molten image? now therefore consider what you have to do.
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