Judges 17:8
Judges 17:8 in Multiple Translations
This 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.
And the man departed out of the city from Beth-lehem-judah to sojourn where he could find a place: and he came to mount Ephraim to the house of Micah, as he journeyed.
And the man departed out of the city, out of Beth-lehem-judah, to sojourn where he could find a place, and he came to the hill-country of Ephraim to the house of Micah, as he journeyed.
And he went away from the town of Beth-lehem-judah, looking for somewhere to make his living-place; and on his journey he came to the hill-country of Ephraim, to the house of Micah.
left Bethlehem to look for a different place to live. As he traveled through the hill country of Ephraim, he came to Micah's house.
And the man departed out of the citie, euen out of Beth-lehem Iudah, to dwell where he coulde finde a place: and as he iourneyed, he came to mount Ephraim to the house of Michah
And the man goeth out of the city, out of Beth-Lehem-Judah, to sojourn where he doth find, and cometh to the hill-country of Ephraim, unto the house of Micah, to work his way.
The man departed out of the city, out of Bethlehem Judah, to live where he could find a place, and he came to the hill country of Ephraim, to the house of Micah, as he traveled.
And the man departed out of the city from Beth-lehem-judah, to sojourn where he could find a place : and he came to mount Ephraim to the house of Micah, as he journeyed.
Now he went out from the city of Bethlehem, and desired to sojourn wheresoever he should find it convenient for him. And when he was come to mount Ephraim, as he was on his journey, and had turned aside a little into the house of Michas,
So he left Bethlehem to find another place to live and work. He came to Micah’s house in the hilly area where the tribe of Ephraim live.
Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 17:8
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 17:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֵּ֨לֶךְ
הָ/אִ֜ישׁ
מֵ/הָ/עִ֗יר
מִ/בֵּ֥ית
לֶ֨חֶם֙
יְהוּדָ֔ה
לָ/ג֖וּר
בַּ/אֲשֶׁ֣ר
יִמְצָ֑א
וַ/יָּבֹ֧א
הַר
אֶפְרַ֛יִם
עַד
בֵּ֥ית
מִיכָ֖ה
לַ/עֲשׂ֥וֹת
דַּרְכּֽ/וֹ
וַ/יֵּ֨לֶךְ
yâlak
H3212
to walk
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הָ/אִ֜ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
Art | N-ms
מֵ/הָ/עִ֗יר
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
Prep | Art | N-fs
מִ/בֵּ֥ית
Bêyth Lechem
H1035
Bethlehem
Prep | N-proper
לֶ֨חֶם֙
Bêyth Lechem
H1035
Bethlehem
N-proper
יְהוּדָ֔ה
Yᵉhûwdâh
H3063
Judah
N-proper
לָ/ג֖וּר
gûwr
H1481
to sojourn
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
בַּ/אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Prep | Rel
יִמְצָ֑א
mâtsâʼ
H4672
to find
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
וַ/יָּבֹ֧א
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הַר
har
H2022
mountain
N-ms
אֶפְרַ֛יִם
ʼEphrayim
H669
Ephraim
N-proper
עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
בֵּ֥ית
bayith
H1004
place
N-ms
מִיכָ֖ה
Mîykâh
H4318
Micaiah
N-proper
לַ/עֲשׂ֥וֹת
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
דַּרְכּֽ/וֹ
derek
H1870
way
N-cs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 17:8
וַ/יֵּ֨לֶךְ
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.
הָ/אִ֜ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Art | N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
מֵ/הָ/עִ֗יר
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
Prep | Art | N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
מִ/בֵּ֥ית
Bêyth Lechem
H1035
"Bethlehem"
Prep | N-proper
Beth-lehem means house of bread, a place in Zebulun. The name describes a location known for its food production, later becoming famous as Jesus' birthplace in the New Testament.
Definition: § Beth-lehem = "house of bread (food)" a place in Zebulun
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: Bethlehem. See also: Genesis 35:19; 1 Samuel 17:15; Jeremiah 41:17.
לֶ֨חֶם֙
Bêyth Lechem
H1035
"Bethlehem"
N-proper
Beth-lehem means house of bread, a place in Zebulun. The name describes a location known for its food production, later becoming famous as Jesus' birthplace in the New Testament.
Definition: § Beth-lehem = "house of bread (food)" a place in Zebulun
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: Bethlehem. See also: Genesis 35:19; 1 Samuel 17:15; Jeremiah 41:17.
יְהוּדָ֔ה
Yᵉhûwdâh
H3063
"Judah"
N-proper
Judah is the name of the tribe descended from Judah, the son of Jacob. It is also the name of the region where the tribe lived. The name means 'praised' and is first mentioned in Genesis.
Definition: § Judah = "praised" the tribe descended from Judah the son of Jacob
Usage: Occurs in 754 OT verses. KJV: Judah. See also: Genesis 29:35; 1 Samuel 23:3; 2 Kings 14:13.
לָ/ג֖וּר
gûwr
H1481
"to sojourn"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This word means to fear or dread something, like the fear of God. It implies a sense of awe or reverence, like the fear that the disciples felt during the storm on the lake in Matthew 8:24. It can also mean to be a stranger or sojourner in a place.
Definition: 1) to sojourn, abide, dwell in, dwell with, remain, inhabit, be a stranger, be continuing, surely 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sojourn, dwell for a time 1a2) to abide, stay, temporarily dwell 1b) (Hithpolel) 1b1) to seek hospitality with 1b2) to assemble oneself
Usage: Occurs in 94 OT verses. KJV: abide, assemble, be afraid, dwell, fear, gather (together), inhabitant, remain, sojourn, stand in awe, (be) stranger, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 12:10; 1 Kings 17:20; Psalms 5:5.
בַּ/אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Prep | Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
יִמְצָ֑א
mâtsâʼ
H4672
"to find"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
Matsa means to find or attain something, whether it is a physical object, a person, or a condition, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to find, attain to 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to find 1a1a) to find, secure, acquire, get (thing sought) 1a1b) to find (what is lost) 1a1c) to meet, encounter 1a1d) to find (a condition) 1a1e) to learn, devise 1a2) to find out 1a2a) to find out 1a2b) to detect 1a2c) to guess 1a3) to come upon, light upon 1a3a) to happen upon, meet, fall in with 1a3b) to hit 1a3c) to befall 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be found 1b1a) to be encountered, be lighted upon, be discovered 1b1b) to appear, be recognised 1b1c) to be discovered, be detected 1b1d) to be gained, be secured 1b2) to be, be found 1b2a) to be found in 1b2b) to be in the possession of 1b2c) to be found in (a place), happen to be 1b2d) to be left (after war) 1b2e) to be present 1b2f) to prove to be 1b2g) to be found sufficient, be enough 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to find, attain 1c2) to cause to light upon, come upon, come 1c3) to cause to encounter 1c4) to present (offering)
Usage: Occurs in 425 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] be able, befall, being, catch, [idiom] certainly, (cause to) come (on, to, to hand), deliver, be enough (cause to) find(-ing, occasion, out), get (hold upon), [idiom] have (here), be here, hit, be left, light (up-) on, meet (with), [idiom] occasion serve, (be) present, ready, speed, suffice, take hold on. See also: Genesis 2:20; Deuteronomy 22:3; 2 Kings 9:35.
וַ/יָּבֹ֧א
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
הַר
har
H2022
"mountain"
N-ms
A mountain or hill, sometimes used to describe a spiritual high point. In the Bible, it can refer to a real mountain or a figurative one. The word is often translated as hill or mount.
Definition: : mount/hill hill, mountain, hill country, mount
Usage: Occurs in 486 OT verses. KJV: hill (country), mount(-ain), [idiom] promotion. See also: Genesis 7:19; Deuteronomy 3:12; Judges 18:13.
אֶפְרַ֛יִם
ʼEphrayim
H669
"Ephraim"
N-proper
Ephraim means doubly fruitful, referring to Joseph's son and the tribe that descended from him. The tribe of Ephraim was a significant part of Israel's history. Ephraim is also the name of a region in the Bible.
Definition: Ephraim = "double ash-heap: I shall be doubly fruitful" the country of the tribe of Ephraim Also named: Ephraim (Ἐφραίμ "Ephraim" G2187)
Usage: Occurs in 164 OT verses. KJV: Ephraim, Ephraimites. See also: Genesis 41:52; 1 Chronicles 27:20; Psalms 60:9.
עַד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
בֵּ֥ית
bayith
H1004
"place"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
מִיכָ֖ה
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.
לַ/עֲשׂ֥וֹת
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
דַּרְכּֽ/וֹ
derek
H1870
"way"
N-cs | Suff
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
Study Notes — Judges 17:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Judges 17:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Judges 17:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 17:8
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 17:8
- Trapp's Commentary on Judges 17:8
- Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 17:8
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 17:8
- Cambridge Bible on Judges 17:8
- Barnes' Notes on Judges 17:8
- Whedon's Commentary on Judges 17:8
- Sermons on Judges 17:8
Context — Micah’s Idolatry
6In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.
7And there was a young Levite from Bethlehem in Judah who had been residing within the clan of Judah.
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 inCross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nehemiah 13:10–11 | I also learned that because the portions for the Levites had not been given to them, all the Levites and singers responsible for performing the service had gone back to their own fields. So I rebuked the officials and asked, “Why has the house of God been neglected?” Then I gathered the Levites and singers together and stationed them at their posts, |
| 2 | Judges 17:11 | and agreed to stay with him, and the young man became like a son to Micah. |
| 3 | Joshua 24:33 | Eleazar son of Aaron also died, and they buried him at Gibeah, which had been given to his son Phinehas in the hill country of Ephraim. |
Judges 17:8 Summary
This verse tells us about a young Levite who was traveling from Bethlehem in Judah to find a new place to live and serve as a priest. He was looking for a place to belong and use his gifts, similar to the way Abraham trusted God to lead him to a new land in Genesis 12:1-9. As we read this verse, we can reflect on times in our own lives when we have felt like wanderers, searching for a place to fit in, and remember that God is always guiding us, even when the path ahead is uncertain, as promised in Jeremiah 29:11 and Romans 8:28. By trusting in God's sovereignty and provision, we can find peace and purpose, just like the young Levite found a new home with Micah in the hill country of Ephraim.
Frequently Asked Questions
What motivated the young Levite to leave Bethlehem in Judah?
The Bible does not explicitly state his motivation, but it can be inferred that he was searching for a place to settle and serve as a priest, as seen in his response to Micah in Judges 17:9 and the situation in Judges 17:7-8, which is reminiscent of the spiritual climate described in Judges 21:25 and Judges 17:6.
Where was the young Levite headed when he came to Micah's house?
The young Levite was traveling to find a place to settle, as stated in Judges 17:8, and it seems he was open to going wherever the Lord might lead him, similar to Abraham's journey in Genesis 12:1-9.
What does this verse reveal about the young Levite's character?
This verse suggests that the young Levite was a wanderer, searching for a place to belong and serve, which can be seen as a reflection of his flexibility and adaptability, as well as his desire for stability and purpose, echoed in the story of the prophet Samuel in 1 Samuel 2:11 and 1 Samuel 3:1-10.
How does this verse relate to the broader context of the book of Judges?
This verse is part of a larger narrative that highlights the spiritual decay and chaos in Israel during the time of the judges, as described in Judges 17:6 and Judges 21:25, which serves as a backdrop for the young Levite's journey and the events that unfold in the subsequent verses.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times in my life when I have felt like a wanderer, searching for a place to belong, and how did God guide me during those times?
- How can I, like the young Levite, remain open to the Lord's leading and guidance, even when the path ahead is uncertain, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Jeremiah 29:11?
- What are some ways that I can seek to serve and worship the Lord, even in unfamiliar or challenging circumstances, as demonstrated by the young Levite in Judges 17:9-10 and the apostle Paul in Acts 20:22-24?
- How can I balance my desire for stability and security with my need to trust in God's sovereignty and provision, as seen in Matthew 6:25-34 and Philippians 4:6-7?
Gill's Exposition on Judges 17:8
And the man departed out of the city from Bethlehemjudah, to sojourn where he could find a place,.... Either being a man that had a rambling head, and of an unsettled mind, and could not easily fix
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 17:8
And the man departed out of the city from Bethlehemjudah to sojourn where he could find a place: and he came to mount Ephraim to the house of Micah, as he journeyed. The man departed ... to sojourn where he could find a place.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 17:8
Where he could find a place, for employment and a livelihood; for the tithes and offerings, which were their maintenance, not being brought in to the house of God, the Levites and priests must needs be reduced to great straits.
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 17:8
Judges 17:8 And the man departed out of the city from Bethlehemjudah to sojourn where he could find [a place]: and he came to mount Ephraim to the house of Micah, as he journeyed.Ver. 8. To sojourn where he could find a place.] By the iniquity of the times, he was put to his shifts, and forced to seek a subsistence where he could get it. See the like in Nehemiah 13:10-11. Ministers are not of the chameleon kind: they cannot live upon the air. It was a sad thing that Luther should be forced to complain, Spoliantur parochiae et scholae non aliter ac si fame necare nos velint: Parishes and schools are robbed, as if they meant to starve up the ministry. It was an ingenuous confession of that Popish priest, but a shame for those that put him to it, We preach the gospel, tantum ut nos pascat et vestiat, only for food and raiment. In many places they allow the ox nothing but the straw for treading out the grain: and so much straw as themselves please. O tempera!
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 17:8
(8) To sojourn where he could find.—Or, as we should say, to get his living. It may easily be supposed that in the disorganisation of these days, the due support of the Levites would be much neglected. The same neglect occurred in the troubled days of Nehemiah: “I perceived that the portions of the Levites had not been given them: for the Levites and the singers, that did the work, were fled every one to his field,” &c. (Nehemiah 13:10-11). To the house of Micah.—Probably he was induced to go there by the rumour of Micah’s chapel and worship.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 17:8
Verse 8. To sojourn where he could find] He went about the country seeking for some employment, for the Levites had no inheritance: besides, no secure residence could be found where there was no civil government.
Cambridge Bible on Judges 17:8
8. And the man departed] Here comes the wandering Levite, who, in the course of his travels, arrives at Micah’s house; he is the counterpart of the young man already settled there. This narrative no doubt began with some such words as ‘Now there was a Levite out of Beth-lehem-judah,’ which naturally would not be repeated after Judges 17:7, though out of Beth-lehem-judah had to be retained. Judges 17:9-11 a, 12a continue the story.
Barnes' Notes on Judges 17:8
Jonathan’s state without a home gives us vivid picture of what must have been the condition of many Levites.
Whedon's Commentary on Judges 17:8
8. To sojourn where he could find a place — The irregularity and neglect of sanctuary worship, and of the several enactments of the law concerning the priests and Levites, probably left many of this
Sermons on Judges 17:8
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(Through the Bible) Malachi by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of giving and receiving in accordance with a divine spiritual law. He compares it to the natural laws that govern our universe, s |
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The Message of Malachi by G. Campbell Morgan | G. Campbell Morgan delivers a profound sermon on 'The Message of Malachi,' emphasizing God's unfailing love and the human tendency to fail in maintaining true relationships with Hi |