Saturday, March 24, 2012, Micah and the Danites

Today's reading in Judges 17 and 18 is perplexing.  There doesn't seem to be a redeeming attribute among the cast of characters.  First, Micah apparently steals from his mother.  When she utters a curse, he comes forward with the silver, which she has made into an idol.  Along comes a Levite who is persuaded to become the family's priest and help them in idol worship.  Then there are the Danites who steal the idol and worship it themselves with the help of the same Levite.