Book of Judges - Chapter 18 - Verse 31
Meaning
During the time when the house of God was in Shiloh, the verse "And they set them up Micah's graven image, which he made" describes an instance where the Israelites strayed from the worship of the true God. The graven image mentioned here refers to an idol that was created by Micah. This act of idolatry was a violation of the commandments given by God, who had specifically instructed His people not to make or worship graven images. The setting up of this idol highlights the spiritual decline of the Israelites during this period, as they turned away from God and resorted to worshiping false gods and idols instead. This verse serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the importance of staying faithful to God's commandments.
Theological Overview
In this verse, the phrase "Micah's graven image" refers to an idol or statue that Micah had made. The term "graven image" is often used in the Bible to describe false gods or idols that people would worship instead of the one true God. The setting up of these idols was a clear violation of the commandments given by God to not make or worship any graven images. This act of idolatry by the people demonstrates their disobedience and lack of faith in God's commands. The reference to the house of God being in Shiloh is significant as Shiloh was a place where the Israelites had set up a temporary tabernacle to worship God. The fact that the people continued to worship idols despite the presence of the house of God in Shiloh highlights the depth of their spiritual corruption and departure from the true faith.