Book of Judges - Chapter 17 - Verse 4

In this verse, we see a story of betrayal and idolatry. The son, having stolen money from his mother, eventually returns it. However, instead of repenting and returning the money to its rightful owner, the mother takes the silver and uses it to create graven and molten images for worship. This act of using the stolen money to create idols goes against the commandments of God, who strictly forbids the worship of idols. This verse serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of materialism and idol worship. It shows how easily one can be led astray when greed and desire for material possessions take precedence over faith and obedience to God. It also underscores the importance of humility, repentance, and seeking forgiveness for one's transgressions, rather than continuing down a path of sin and disobedience.

One theological interpretation of this verse focuses on the concept of idolatry. The act of Micah's mother taking the silver to a craftsman to make a graven image and a molten image highlights the temptation of worshipping false gods and the dangers of idol worship. This action goes against the Ten Commandments, specifically the command to not make graven images or bow down to them. The verse serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of straying from the worship of the one true God and the dangers of materialism and false idols.

Word studies of this verse can delve into the meanings behind key terms such as "graven image" and "molten image." The term "graven image" refers to a carved image, typically used for worshiping false gods. The term "molten image" refers to an image that has been cast in metal, also often used for idolatrous purposes. These words highlight the tangible nature of the idols being created and the lengths to which individuals may go in their worship of false gods.