Judges 18:31

French (La Sainte Bible par Louis Segond 1910)

Ils établirent pour eux l'image taillée qu'avait faite Mica, pendant tout le temps que la maison de Dieu fut à Silo.

What Does This Mean?

This verse tells us that the tribe of Dan took and set up a graven image made by Micah, which they kept for as long as the house of God was in Shiloh. The key message is about the continuation of idolatry despite the presence of the true worship place.

Explained for Children

Imagine if your friend made a special toy that everyone started playing with instead of playing with the real toys from the toy store. That's kind of what happened here. People kept using a fake god toy even though they had a real place to worship God.

Historical Background

This verse is from the Book of Judges, which is part of the Old Testament. It was written by various authors, possibly around the 5th century BC. The audience was the Israelites, and the cultural setting was one of frequent idol worship and the presence of the tabernacle in Shiloh.

Living It Out Today

Today, we might see this as a reminder not to let distractions or false beliefs take over our spiritual life, even when we have clear paths to true faith. For example, someone might prioritize material success over personal integrity and faith.

Topics

• idolatry
• worship
• faith
• spiritual distractions
• false beliefs
• true faith

Related Verses

• Exodus 20:4
• Deuteronomy 27:15
• 1 Kings 12:28
• Psalm 115:4-8
• 1 John 5:21

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the house of God in Shiloh?

The house of God in Shiloh was a central place of worship for the Israelites. Its presence highlights the contrast between true worship and the idolatry practiced by some.

Why did the Danites keep Micah's graven image?

The Danites kept Micah's graven image possibly out of a lack of understanding or a desire to maintain their own traditions rather than following the true worship practices.

How does this relate to contemporary issues of faith?

This verse reminds us to be cautious of allowing personal or cultural idols to overshadow our commitment to true faith and worship.

What were the consequences of keeping the graven image?

The consequences weren't explicitly stated here, but keeping the graven image likely led to spiritual decline and a weakening of faith among the Danites.