Judges 17:10

Judges 17:10 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

“Stay with me,” Micah said to him, “and be my father and priest, and I will give you ten shekels of silver per year, a suit of clothes, and your provisions.” So the Levite went in

King James Version KJV

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.

American Standard Version ASV

And Micah said unto him, Dwell with me, and be unto me a father and a priest, and I will give thee ten pieces of silver by the year, and a suit of apparel, and thy victuals. So the Levite went in.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Then Micah said to him, Make your living-place with me, and be a father and a priest to me, and I will give you ten shekels of silver a year and your clothing and food.

Free Bible Version FBV

“Come and stay here with me. You can be my ‘father’ and priest, and I'll give you ten shekels of silver a year, plus your clothes and food.” So the Levite went inside

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Then Michah said vnto him, Dwell with me, and be vnto me a father and a Priest, and I will giue thee ten shekels of siluer by yeere, and a sute of apparell, and thy meate and drinke. So the Leuite went in.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And Micah saith to him, 'Dwell with me, and be to me for a father and for a priest, and I give to thee ten silverlings for the days, and a suit of garments, and thy sustenance;' and the Levite goeth [in].

World English Bible WEB

Micah said to him, “Dwell with me, and be to me a father and a priest, and I will give you ten pieces of silver per year, a suit of clothing, and your food.” So the Levite went in.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And Micah said to him, Dwell with me, and be to 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.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And Michas said: Stay with me, and be unto me a father and a priest, and I will give thee every year ten pieces of silver, and a double suit of apparel, and thy victuals.

Translation for Translators T4T

Micah said to him, “Stay with me, and you can become like a father to counsel me, and be my priest. Each year I will give to you ten pieces of silver and some new clothes. And I will provide food for you.”

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

Enable Study Highlights

God & Jesus

Holy Spirit

Divine Actions

Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 17:10

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Judges 17:10 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יֹּאמֶר֩ ל֨/וֹ מִיכָ֜ה שְׁבָ֣/ה עִמָּדִ֗/י וֶֽ/הְיֵה לִ/י֮ לְ/אָ֣ב וּ/לְ/כֹהֵן֒ וְ/אָנֹכִ֨י אֶֽתֶּן לְ/ךָ֜ עֲשֶׂ֤רֶת כֶּ֨סֶף֙ לַ/יָּמִ֔ים וְ/עֵ֥רֶךְ בְּגָדִ֖ים וּ/מִחְיָתֶ֑/ךָ וַ/יֵּ֖לֶךְ הַ/לֵּוִֽי

וַ/יֹּאמֶר֩ ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

ל֨/וֹ Prep | Suff

מִיכָ֜ה Mîykâh H4318 Micaiah N-proper

שְׁבָ֣/ה yâshab H3427 to dwell V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff

עִמָּדִ֗/י ʻimmâd H5978 with me Prep | Suff

וֶֽ/הְיֵה hâyâh H1961 to be Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2ms

לִ/י֮ Prep | Suff

לְ/אָ֣ב ʼâb H1 father Prep | N-ms

וּ/לְ/כֹהֵן֒ kôhên H3548 priest Conj | Prep | N-ms

וְ/אָנֹכִ֨י ʼânôkîy H595 I Conj | Pron

אֶֽתֶּן nâthan H5414 to give V-Qal-Imperf-1cs

לְ/ךָ֜ Prep | Suff

עֲשֶׂ֤רֶת ʻeser H6235 ten Adj

כֶּ֨סֶף֙ keçeph H3701 silver N-ms

לַ/יָּמִ֔ים yôwm H3117 day Prep | N-mp

וְ/עֵ֥רֶךְ ʻêrek H6187 valuation Conj | N-ms

בְּגָדִ֖ים beged H899 treachery N-mp

וּ/מִחְיָתֶ֑/ךָ michyâh H4241 recovery Conj | N-fs | Suff

וַ/יֵּ֖לֶךְ yâlak H3212 to walk Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

הַ/לֵּוִֽי Lêvîyîy H3881 Levi Art | Ngmsa

Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.

Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 17:10

וַ/יֹּאמֶר֩ ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

ל֨/וֹ "" Prep | Suff

מִיכָ֜ה Mîykâh H4318 "Micaiah" N-proper

Micaiah means who is like God, a prophet in 1 Kings 22:8, son of Imlah, prophesying during Jotham and Hezekiah's reigns.

Definition: A prophet living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ki.22.8; son of: Imlah (H3229) Another name of mi.kha.ye.hu (מִיכָֽיְהוּ "Micaiah" H4321G) § Micah or Micaiah or Michah = "who is like God" 1) the 6th in order of the minor prophets; a native of Moresheth, he prophesied during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah of Judah, and was contemporary with the prophets Hosea, Amos, and Isaiah 2) an Ephraimite during the period of the judges 3) a descendant of Joel the Reubenite 4) son of Meribbaal and grandson of Jonathan 5) a Kohathite Levite, the eldest son of Uzziel the brother of Amram 6) father of Abdon, a man of high station in the reign of Josiah 7) son of Imlah and a prophet of Samaria who predicted the defeat and death of king Ahab of Israel

Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: Micah, Micaiah, Michah. See also: Judges 17:5; Judges 18:27; Jeremiah 26:18.

שְׁבָ֣/ה yâshab H3427 "to dwell" V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff

This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.

Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)

Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.

עִמָּדִ֗/י ʻimmâd H5978 "with me" Prep | Suff

Means 'with me', showing accompaniment, like in Psalm 23:4 where David says God is with him even in difficult times.

Definition: with A grammatical form of im (עִם "with" H5973A) § 1) with

Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: against, by, from, [phrase] me, [phrase] mine, of, [phrase] that I take, unto, upon, with(-in.) See also: Genesis 3:12; 1 Samuel 20:28; Psalms 23:4.

וֶֽ/הְיֵה hâyâh H1961 "to be" Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2ms

The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.

Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone

Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.

לִ/י֮ "" Prep | Suff

לְ/אָ֣ב ʼâb H1 "father" Prep | N-ms

In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.

Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)

Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.

וּ/לְ/כֹהֵן֒ kôhên H3548 "priest" Conj | Prep | N-ms

In the Bible, a priest is a person who serves God and leads others in worship, like the Levitical priests in Exodus. They were responsible for making sacrifices and following God's laws. This term is also used to describe Jesus as a priest-king.

Definition: 1) priest, principal officer or chief ruler 1a) priest-king (Melchizedek, Messiah) 1b) pagan priests 1c) priests of Jehovah 1d) Levitical priests 1e) Zadokite priests 1f) Aaronic priests 1g) the high priest Aramaic equivalent: ka.hen (כָּהֵן "priest" H3549)

Usage: Occurs in 653 OT verses. KJV: chief ruler, [idiom] own, priest, prince, principal officer. See also: Genesis 14:18; Leviticus 13:33; Numbers 17:2.

וְ/אָנֹכִ֨י ʼânôkîy H595 "I" Conj | Pron

This simple Hebrew word just means 'I', referring to the speaker, like in Genesis 27 where Esau says 'I' when talking to his father Isaac.

Definition: I (first pers. sing.) Another spelling of a.ni (אֲנִי, אָֽנֹכִ֫י "I" H0589)

Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: I, me, [idiom] which. See also: Genesis 3:10; Deuteronomy 11:26; 2 Samuel 3:39.

אֶֽתֶּן nâthan H5414 "to give" V-Qal-Imperf-1cs

This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.

Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon

Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.

לְ/ךָ֜ "" Prep | Suff

עֲשֶׂ֤רֶת ʻeser H6235 "ten" Adj

This Hebrew word means the number ten, often used in combination with other numbers to describe larger quantities, such as in the story of the ten commandments in Exodus 20. It is commonly translated as 'ten' in the KJV.

Definition: 1) ten 1a) ten 1b) with other numbers Aramaic equivalent: a.sar (עֲשַׂר "ten" H6236)

Usage: Occurs in 157 OT verses. KJV: ten, (fif-, seven-) teen. See also: Genesis 5:14; 1 Kings 6:3; Isaiah 5:10.

כֶּ֨סֶף֙ keçeph H3701 "silver" N-ms

Silver or money, often referring to payment or wealth, like the silver talents in Matthew 25. It can also describe silver as a valuable metal or ornament.

Definition: : money/payment/silver 1) silver, money 1a) silver 1a1) as metal 1a2) as ornament 1a3) as colour 1b) money, shekels, talents

Usage: Occurs in 343 OT verses. KJV: money, price, silver(-ling). See also: Genesis 13:2; Numbers 22:18; 2 Chronicles 1:17.

לַ/יָּמִ֔ים yôwm H3117 "day" Prep | N-mp

The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.

Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow

Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.

וְ/עֵ֥רֶךְ ʻêrek H6187 "valuation" Conj | N-ms

This word refers to a valuation or estimate of something's worth. It is used to describe the price or proportion of something, like the valuation of goods in Ezekiel 40.

Definition: 1) order, row, estimate, things that are set in order, layer, pile 1a) order, row 1b) estimate, valuation Aramaic equivalent: ar.ka (אַרְכָֿא "lengthening" H0754)

Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: equal, estimation, (things that are set in) order, price, proportion, [idiom] set at, suit, taxation, [idiom] valuest. See also: Exodus 40:4; Leviticus 27:15; Psalms 55:14.

בְּגָדִ֖ים beged H899 "treachery" N-mp

In the Bible, this word refers to clothing or a covering, like a garment or robe. It appears in books like Genesis and Exodus, describing what people wore. The word is often translated as 'apparel' or 'raiment'.

Definition: treachery, deceit

Usage: Occurs in 190 OT verses. KJV: apparel, cloth(-es, ing), garment, lap, rag, raiment, robe, [idiom] very (treacherously), vesture, wardrobe. See also: Genesis 24:53; Judges 17:10; Psalms 22:19.

וּ/מִחְיָתֶ֑/ךָ michyâh H4241 "recovery" Conj | N-fs | Suff

This word means to preserve life or provide sustenance, it is about keeping someone or something alive. It can also refer to the quick or tender flesh, and is used in various contexts in the Bible.

Definition: 1) preservation of life, sustenance 1a) preservation of life 1b) sustenance 1c) reviving 1d) the quick of the flesh, live flesh, tender or raw flesh

Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: preserve life, quick, recover selves, reviving, sustenance, victuals. See also: Genesis 45:5; Judges 17:10; Ezra 9:9.

וַ/יֵּ֖לֶךְ yâlak H3212 "to walk" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.

Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk

Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.

הַ/לֵּוִֽי Lêvîyîy H3881 "Levi" Art | Ngmsa

A Levite is a descendant of Levi, one of Jacob's 12 sons, mentioned in Genesis 29:34. Levi's brothers include Reuben, Simeon, and Judah. His descendants played a key role in Israel's spiritual life.

Definition: Someone from the tribe of Levi living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.29.34; son of: Israel (H3478) and Leah (H3812); brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Judah (H3063), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783); half-brother of: Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); father of: Gershon (H1648), Kohath (H6955), Merari (H4847) and Jochebed (H3115) Another name of le.vi (לֵוִי "Levi" H3878) § Levite, of Levi "joined to" 1) the descendants of Levi, the 3rd son of Jacob by Leah 1a) the tribe descended from Levi specially set aside by God for His service

Usage: Occurs in 258 OT verses. KJV: Leviite. See also: Exodus 4:14; 1 Chronicles 6:33; Ezra 6:20.

Study Notes — Judges 17:10

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Judges 17:10 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Judges 17:10
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 17:10
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 17:10
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 17:10
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 17:10
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 17:10
Cambridge Bible on Judges 17:10
Barnes' Notes on Judges 17:10
Whedon's Commentary on Judges 17:10
Sermons on Judges 17:10

Context — Micah’s Idolatry

8This man left the city of Bethlehem in Judah to settle where he could find a place. And as he traveled, he came to Micah’s house in the hill country of Ephraim. 9“Where are you from?” Micah asked him. “I am a Levite from Bethlehem in Judah,” he replied, “and I am on my way to settle wherever I can find a place.”

10“Stay with me,” Micah said to him, “and be my father and priest, and I will give you ten shekels of silver per year, a suit of clothes, and your provisions.” So the Levite went in

11and agreed to stay with him, and the young man became like a son to Micah. 12Micah ordained the Levite, and the young man became his priest and lived in his house.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Ezekiel 13:19	You have profaned Me among My people for handfuls of barley and scraps of bread. By lying to My people who would listen, you have killed those who should not have died and spared those who should not have lived.
2	Judges 18:19–20	“Be quiet,” they told him. “Put your hand over your mouth and come with us and be a father and a priest to us. Is it better for you to be a priest for the house of one person or a priest for a tribe and family in Israel?” So the priest was glad and took the ephod, the household idols, and the graven image, and went with the people.
3	1 Timothy 6:10	For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.
4	2 Kings 13:14	When Elisha had fallen sick with the illness from which he would die, Jehoash king of Israel came down to him and wept over him, saying, “My father, my father, the chariots and horsemen of Israel!”
5	1 Samuel 2:36	And everyone left in your house will come and bow down to him for a piece of silver or a morsel of bread, pleading, “Please appoint me to some priestly office so that I can eat a piece of bread.”’”
6	John 12:6	Judas did not say this because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief. As keeper of the money bag, he used to take from what was put into it.
7	2 Kings 8:8–9	So the king said to Hazael, “Take a gift in your hand, go to meet the man of God, and inquire of the LORD through him, ‘Will I recover from this illness?’” So Hazael went to meet Elisha, taking with him a gift of forty camel loads of every good thing from Damascus. And he went in and stood before him and said, “Your son Ben-hadad king of Aram has sent me to ask, ‘Will I recover from this illness?’”
8	1 Peter 5:2	Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them not out of compulsion, but because it is God’s will; not out of greed, but out of eagerness;
9	Isaiah 22:21	I will clothe him with your robe and tie your sash around him. I will put your authority in his hand, and he will be a father to the dwellers of Jerusalem and to the house of Judah.
10	Matthew 26:15	and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I hand Him over to you?” And they set out for him thirty pieces of silver.

Judges 17:10 Summary

[In this verse, Micah offers the Levite a deal to stay with him and be his spiritual leader, promising him a good salary and provisions. This shows that Micah was looking for someone to guide him spiritually, but was willing to compromise God's standards to get what he wanted (Judges 17:10). As we read this verse, we can reflect on our own priorities and consider whether we are seeking God's will above our own desires (Proverbs 3:5-6). By examining Micah's actions, we can learn the importance of putting God first and seeking His guidance in all areas of our lives.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What motivated Micah to offer the Levite a deal to stay with him?

Micah was likely motivated by a desire for spiritual legitimacy and guidance, as seen in his request for the Levite to be his 'father and priest' (Judges 17:10), similar to how the Israelites were instructed to follow God's laws and ordinances in Deuteronomy 12:13-14.

Why did the Levite agree to stay with Micah?

The Levite agreed to stay with Micah because of the attractive offer of 'ten shekels of silver per year, a suit of clothes, and provisions' (Judges 17:10), which would have provided him with a sense of financial security, as emphasized in 1 Timothy 5:18.

What does this verse reveal about the spiritual state of Micah and the Levite?

This verse suggests that both Micah and the Levite were more concerned with personal gain and convenience than with following God's commands and principles, as outlined in Exodus 32:26 and Jeremiah 2:13.

How does this verse relate to the concept of spiritual leadership?

This verse highlights the importance of genuine spiritual leadership, as seen in the example of Moses in Numbers 12:3, and warns against self-serving or misguided leadership, as condemned in Ezekiel 34:2-6.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways I prioritize my own desires and interests over God's will, and how can I realign my priorities with His commands?
In what ways can I, like the Levite, be tempted by attractive offers or promises that may lead me away from God's plan for my life?
How can I, like Micah, be more aware of my own spiritual needs and seek genuine guidance from God and His Word, rather than relying on my own understanding or the counsel of others?
What are some areas in my life where I may be seeking spiritual legitimacy or validation from others, rather than from God alone, and how can I shift my focus to pleasing Him?

Gill's Exposition on Judges 17:10

And Micah said unto him, dwell with me,.... Hearing that he was a Levite, he thought him a fit man for his purpose, and would give some credit to, and put a better face upon his new form of worship,

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 17:10

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.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 17:10

A father and a priest; for, a father; that is, a priest; a spiritual father, a teacher or instructor, for such are called fathers: see 8:9 13:14 . He pretends reverence and submission to him; and what is wanting in his wages he pays him in empty titles.

Trapp's Commentary on Judges 17:10

Judges 17:10 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.Ver. 10. Be unto me a father and a priest,] As a father he would respect him, though but a young man, because a priest. The Papists’ respect to their hedge priests, under the name of padres, fathers, will rise up in judgment against us. And I will give thee ten shekels of silver, &c] A poor slender salary. This man had eleven hundred pieces of silver to bestow upon his idols, but ten shekels is held wages enough for his priest. So Louis XI of France allowed his chaplains twenty shillings a month: but for his physician, one John Cotiers, he allowed him ten thousand crowns a month. In Ireland formerly ministers had no more maintenance than the pasture of two milk cowes, &c. In the whole province of Connaught, the stipend of the incumbent was not above forty shillings, in some places but sixteen shillings. Now, blessed be God, the matter is well amended there, and very good encouragement promised to preachers that shall go over, Stipendia honoraria, with an honourable respect. So the Levite went in.] Graeculus esuriens. Hunger will snap at anything, where there is not grace to restrain men. [Barber; Cottier, p. 348. Heyl., Geog.

Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 17:10

(10) Be unto me a father and a priest.—The title “father” is here ecclesiastical, like “papa,” “pope,” &c, and this title was given to spiritual directors, as we find in several other passages in the Bible (2 Kings 2:12; 2 Kings 5:13; 2 Kings 6:21; Isaiah 22:21, &c.). Micah knew enough of the law to be aware of the extreme irregularity of his conduct in making one of his own sons his priest. Ten shekels of silver.—Thus the grandson of Moses became priest of an idolatrous worship at a salary of 25s. a year! By the year.—Literally, by days. (Comp. Leviticus 25:29.) A suit of apparel.—The Vulgate renders these words “a double robe.” It seems to mean either “an order of garments” or “the value of garments,” i.e., “your clothes.”

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 17:10

Verse 10. Be unto me a father and a priest] Thou shalt be master of my house, as if thou wert my father; and, as priest, thou shalt appear in the presence of God for me. The term father is often used to express honour and reverence. Ten shekels of silver] About thirty shillings per annum, with board, lodging, and clothes. Very good wages in those early times.

Cambridge Bible on Judges 17:10

10. father] A title of honour given to a priest Judges 18:19, a counsellor Genesis 45:8, cf. [Apocr.] Esther 16:11, 1Ma 11:32, a prophet 2 Kings 2:12; 2 Kings 6:21, a master 2 Kings 5:13, a king 1 Samuel 24:11. ten pieces of silver … victuals] The Levite has to seek a home and maintenance; and he receives a payment of money for his services, cf. 1 Samuel 2:36. At the more important sanctuaries, however, or when the cultus was more developed, the priests derived their income from portions of the sacrifices and offerings, cf. 1 Samuel 2:13 ff., 1 Samuel 2:28. This was the rule in the Babylonian and Phoenician cults, and the Deuteronomic law reflects a similar custom: ‘no portion nor inheritance’ is allowed to the Levitical priests (Deuteronomy 10:9 etc., cf. Numbers 18:23 P); they are dependent upon firstfruits, sacrificial feasts, tithes; and their support is a moral charge on the community, Deuteronomy 12:18 f., Deuteronomy 14:25-29, Deuteronomy 16:11, Deuteronomy 18:1-8. In a supplementary law of the Priestly Code a change was introduced, and 48 cities were assigned to the Levites (Numbers 35:1-8, Joshua 21:1-42), but there is no evidence that this regulation was ever carried out. So the Levite went in] Hebr. went away, departed, as in Judges 17:8; but this gives a wrong sense. Moreover, no writer could have composed anything so clumsy as and the Levite departed, and the Levite was content (Judges 17:11). The first phrase may be a stray fragment of one of the two narratives, or it is merely a doublet of the phrase which follows (Studer and others). The Vulgate omits and the L. departed; the LXX in Judges 17:11 reads and he was content. 11b. and the young man was] Continuing Judges 17:7. 12a. consecrated] installed, Judges 17:5 n., continuing 11b: and was in the house of M. continues 11a.

Barnes' Notes on Judges 17:10

Ten shekels - About 25 shillings to 26 shillings (see Exodus 38:24).

Whedon's Commentary on Judges 17:10

10. A father and a priest — A spiritual counsellor as well as a priest. The word father is here a title of respect and reverence. Compare Genesis 45:8; 2 Kings 6:21.

Sermons on Judges 17:10

	Sermon	Description
	Melchizedec by F.B. Meyer	F.B. Meyer explores the significance of Melchizedec as a type of Christ, emphasizing that Melchizedec's priesthood foreshadows the eternal and superior priesthood of Jesus. He high
	Homily 18 on Ephesians by St. John Chrysostom	John Chrysostom preaches about the dangers of fornication, uncleanness, and covetousness, emphasizing that those who practice such sins will not inherit the kingdom of God. He warn
	(Costa Rica) Another Gospel by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of discerning false teachings and being cautious of preachers who mix the gospel with harmful messages. He shares a story abo
	His and His Alone by K.P. Yohannan	In this sermon, the speaker addresses various topics such as the influence of media, the importance of reading the New Testament, and the power of one individual to make a differen
	"Rebuke to Prosperity Preachers" by Leonard Ravenhill	This sermon challenges the notion of prosperity gospel by questioning why God rebukes those who claim to be rich and increased with goods. It delves into the discrepancy between th
	The Deception of Christian Rock Music Clearly Defined by Zac Poonen	This sermon emphasizes the danger of replacing the Holy Spirit with worldly influences like Christian rock music, money, and psychology in churches today. It challenges the focus o
	A Religion Without Righteousness by Joshua Daniel	This sermon by Joshua Daniel emphasizes the importance of not letting the Word of God be taken away by the devil after hearing it, highlighting the need for true salvation and righ